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Press Releases

Union Station Posts Record Annual Attendance for Science City and Kicks Off 25th Anniversary Year of Historic Station Restoration and Re-Opening

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Union Station’s 2023 was one for the record books.  Across its core attractions, including Science City – Powered by Burns & McDonnell, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, and Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, visitors from Kansas City and the entire region turned out to set new attendance records.   

Kansas City, MO – Today, Union Station officials shared record-setting 2023 year-end numbers that once again validate the historic destination’s claim of being “where Kansas City gathers and celebrates”.  And kicking off the Station’s 25th Anniversary year of restoration/re-opening (including the opening of Science City), 2024 is already lining up to extend the remarkable success and ongoing excitement.

“It’s truly humbling to look back across the last few years — and 2023 in particular – to reflect on how vital and vibrant Union Station and Science City have become to Kansas City, the region, and even nationally,” George Guastello, Union Station’s President & CEO, shared.  “From the NFL Draft to a new one-million-dollar exhibition in Science City (the result of the 7th Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains program) to record guest visits across our award-winning attractions, Union Station is setting the bar high for ourselves and meeting equally high expectations from our diverse community of fans and supporters.”

A highlight list of 2023 record-setting attendance and engagement successes includes:

• Science City Powered by Burns & McDonnell – inspired 365,000 guests – a 15% increase over 2022

• Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium attracted 65,000 curious space explorers – a 15% increase over 2022

• Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre educated and entertained 67,000 – a 21% increase over 2022

• Holiday Reflections Presented by BOK Financial – welcomed 185,000 visitors – a 13% increase over 2022

• Holiday Train Sponsored by CPKC – welcomed 24,000 children – a 23% increase over 2022

• 2023 NFL Draft hosted at Union Station – drew in-person attendance of 312,000 and on-line audience of 54 million internationally

• School Groups experiencing the Station’s various attractions set a record with 70,000 enriching visits

• And visits to the Station’s prolific Community Photo Ops  — including Chiefs, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and more — topped 95,000

The numbers tell a remarkable story, but the strategies that help drive those outcomes are also worth noting. 

“Everything that happens at Union Station and Science City is carefully planned and aligned – sometimes at lightning speed — with our mission and essential business strategies,” Ray Kowalik, Union Station Board Chair, shared.  “With the Board’s guidance and support, the leadership and professional teams continue to push the potential of Kansas City’s historic home by identifying consumer trends and technologies and delivering first to market experiences for our community.  Our strategy of multiple revenue lines combined with world-class content and a ‘Welcome All’ attitude keeps guest engagements fresh and approachable.   When the most asked question regarding Union Station and Science City is ‘What’s Next?’, we know our efforts are paying off now and paving the way for an even more remarkable future for all.”

What’s Next? . . .

Looking into 2024 and beyond, Station officials are particularly excited about:

• Disney100: The Exhibition –Presented by Bank of America – The epic presentation the first 100 years of the Walt Disney Company. Opening in late May of this year, advance tickets are already being reserved at record pace. Combined with the uniquely Midwest and Kansas City aspects of Walt Disney in his early years, this exhibition promises to be a particular pride point for the entire region and one that will power local, regional, and even national tourism to Kansas City through the end of 2024.

• Complete Reimagination of Science City’s Mister E Hotel – A 25-year Science City favorite for guests of every age, this mind-bending experience will receive a big overhaul, including refreshing some “must keep” areas and totally reimagining others thanks to support from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation and the Goppert Foundation.

• An Even Bigger Holiday Experience – Since 1914, when Union Station first opened, families have gathered in the marble halls to absorb and be part of the holiday magic. With a record attendance set in 2023 for Holiday Reflections – even in the face of new and substantial local competition – planning is already underway to add more unique and awe-inspiring visual wonder in 2024.

• And More! – Against the backdrop of the Station’s 25th Re-opening Anniversary Year, Kansas City should expect to experience more exploration. More adventure. More science. More movies. More community events. And more surprises and opportunities to gather and celebrate meaningful and memorable moments that simply can’t be duplicated anywhere else.

2023 is in the books and 2024 is off to a fast start, already setting new records.  Union Station is vital, vibrant, and brilliantly positioned to deliver even more ambitious dreams and realities.  Station officials invite everyone to be part of a very exciting Union Station future.

For Media Use:  Photos from 2023 Union Station attractions, events and celebrations are available here:  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/hfjdowamq9xpt8yj4a23b/h?rlkey=oply1cs5xnu33whqamlb8dmmy&dl=0

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Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 108-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Recently awarded “Favorite Attraction”, “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction” and “Favorite Historic Attraction”, the organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions and was proud to host the 2015 Royals World Series Championship Parade/Rally and the 2020 and 2023 Chiefs Super Bowl Parades/Rallies plus the 2023 NFL Draft.  Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2023 

Union Station Contacts:

Lauren Kovarna
C: 785.608.8558.  [email protected]

 Michael Tritt
C: 913.219.6890    [email protected]