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Kansas City’s rise: the 5 national lists that define its momentum in 2025

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City is building national attention through several high-profile rankings and accomplishments. Its spot on the BBC's 25 best places to travel in 2025 highlights the city's urban revitalization and vibrant arts scene. The new KC Current stadium stands out as the first in the US built exclusively for a women's professional team, reflecting Kansas City's leadership in sports.

Major events like Chiefs playoff games also drive significant economic boosts, while local cities like Overland Park rank among the happiest in America, thanks to factors like low poverty and strong community well-being. Together, these moments show Kansas City's growing momentum and appeal on a national stage.

The new, $22.7 million, LongHouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is set to open Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. Views from inside the center feature panoramic views of the arboretum. Admission for visitors will be free on Sept. 9-10 during the grand opening for the facility. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 1: THIS JOHNSON COUNTY CITY IS ONE OF THE HAPPIEST IN THE UNITED STATES, STUDY SAYS

The study looked at factors like the emotional and physical well-being of city residents. | Published February 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

CPKC Stadium, the new home for the Kansas City Current women’s soccer team, sits on the Missouri River near the Christopher Bond Bridge. By Nick Wagner

NO. 2: THE NEW KC CURRENT STADIUM IS USHERING IN A PIVOTAL ERA FOR WOMEN’S SPORTS WORLDWIDE

Even amid the Chiefs’ dynasty, the KC Current organization is a major reason why Kansas City is in the spotlight as never before. | Published March 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Vahe Gregorian

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert holds a news conference before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on Oct. 10, 2024. By Wendell Cruz

NO. 3: WNBA HAS EXPANSION PLANS. ‘KANSAS CITY IS A PERFECT PLACE,’ SAYS KC SPORTS OFFICIAL

The WNBA will look for a 16th team, and Kansas City wants in. | Published October 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Blair Kerkhoff

The third version of the Kansas City Current wrapped streetcar rolled into the Union Station stop Friday for its unveiling ceremony.

NO. 4: KANSAS CITY MAKES INTERNATIONAL LIST OF TOP 25 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2025. FIND OUT WHY

Other destinations on the list include Panama, Jordan and Uzbekistan. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

Chiefs fans Doris Lucke of Girard, Kansas, shopped for Chiefs’ shirts and clothing Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at Rally House Legends, 1867 Village West Pkwy., in Kansas City, Kansas. “I have no Chiefs’ gear,” said Lucke who planned to purchase a few different items. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 5: WHETHER THE CHIEFS WIN OR LOSE, PLAYOFF GAMES GIVE KANSAS CITY ECONOMY A NICE BOOST

Saturday’s game against the Texans is expected to have more positive economic impact that a regular-season Chiefs game, Visit KC says | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Hendricks

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.