The iconic American Royal World Series of Barbecue has made the move to Arrowhead Stadium on October 1-3, 2015 in Kansas City, MO. The event began 36 year ago in the parking lot of the Golden Ox Restaurant. 50,000 attendees make it out to the annual competition and the American Royal is seen as the season’s grand finale for pitmasters and backyard barbecue enthusiasts in the competitive barbecue circuit.

“We’ve enjoyed many great years in the West Bottoms. However, to continue to enhance the American Royal’s World Series of Barbecue for all competitors and patrons, we must go,” said John Mitchell, Jr., chairman, American Royal. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex.”

According to Mitchell, the change to Arrowhead’s impressive stadium facilities will not only offer a more spacious environment but also allow the American Royal to elevate the experience for competitive teams, ultimately creating a better experience for customers and patrons alike.

“This move fuels our mission,” Mitchell said. “It’s about providing an exceptional Kansas City barbecue experience that promotes agrarian values, education in agriculture and scholarship opportunities for kids.” In 2014, the Royal was able to give $1.4 million in scholarship and educational awards.

“We are continuing to create a sports and entertainment destination for fans of all ages, interests and backgrounds through our Arrowhead Events business,” said Mark Donovan, president, Kansas City Chiefs. “There’s no event like the American Royal barbecue competition. There’s nothing like the tailgating experience at Arrowhead on gameday. Combining the best barbecue event and the best tailgating in Kansas City was an easy decision and we are really excited to work with the American Royal.”