Tag: Populous

Renderings: World Cup innovation-networking hub, FIFA fan fest plans unveiled by KC organizers

By Tommy Felts / October 30, 2025

Short-term fun, long-term gains. It’s a win-win for Kansas City, local leaders said Thursday, announcing new high-profile concepts set to take the pitch alongside the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup — games that could redefine the region in front of a global audience. “The KC region has an incredible opportunity to showcase our market’s business environment,…

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UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year: How Populous designed a legacy, built to go global

By Tommy Felts / November 22, 2024

Kansas City-built design firm Populous brought to reality more than just great venues, Tom Bloch shared; it developed great experiences for a worldwide audience. “From its start here in Kansas City as HOK Sport in 1983 until now, Populous has set an unmatched standard for stadiums, convention centers, and event spaces,” Bloch told the crowd…

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Urban designer behind Royals’ Crossroads ballpark pioneered the modern MLB stadium (and he has the bats to prove it)

By Tommy Felts / March 27, 2024

It’s difficult to find a Major League Baseball stadium that Earl Santee hasn’t influenced with his philosophy of community-oriented design. Called the “Godfather of ballparks,” Santee — the recently named CEO of Populous and literal architect of the proposed Kansas City Royals ballpark district in the East Crossroads — either designed or renovated two dozen…

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Royals Crossroads ballpark plan revs parking debate; how ‘creatures of comfort’ would need to adapt to a new downtown

By Tommy Felts / March 27, 2024

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Here’s the essential message that the Kansas City Royals have for folks fretting about…

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Last to know, first to go: ‘Out of touch’ ballpark plan leaves Crossroads small biz owners feeling betrayed

By Tommy Felts / February 15, 2024

Unlike many of her Crossroads neighbors — hoping to draw in crowds of football fans still riding high from Kansas City’s Super Bowl win — Jill Cockson’s business wasn’t open during Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade. Candidly, jersey-clad sports enthusiasts aren’t really within her typical customer profile, the James Beard-nominated owner of Chartreuse Saloon said, and…

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