From a five-week small-business marketplace to a global media stage, Kansas City’s historic Union Station proved again it can host the world — and deliver real impact for local businesses along the way.
KANSAS CITY, MO. — As Kansas City’s Summer of Soccer draws to a close, Union Station is thanking the hundreds of thousands of visitors, partners, and neighbors who made their soccer celebration — held June 10 through July 12 — one of the most significant moments in the historic depot’s 112-year history.
Second only to Fan Fest and Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead), Union Station stood out as the top family destination of the summer — welcoming travelers, families, and soccer fans from around the globe to cross its marble floors and take in its landmark architecture and attractions.
| “Our ‘Summer of Soccer’ was a monumental triumph by every possible metric, proving beyond a doubt that Kansas City is a world-class destination. More than that, it served as compelling proof that when we activate our downtown core, this city can host any global event —including countless future occasions at the planned, state-of-the-art, new Royals stadium in the Crown Center District.
Throughout this historic summer run, Union Station proudly served as a grand host of the celebration, acting as a significant economic engine that drove substantial financial upside for hundreds of local businesses and vendors. The beautiful reality of this success is that it allows us to reinvest those dollars directly back into our campus, award-winning attractions, and year-round offerings. It helps ensure we can preserve, protect, and maintain this magnificent historic monument for generations of Kansas Citians to come.” — George Guastello, President & CEO, Union Station |
A Historic Summer, By the Numbers
|
400,000+ Total Visitors to Union Station |
38,000+ Vehicles Parked Across Union Station’s Campus |
70,000+ Streetcar Riders at the Union Station Stop |
Media Reach
Union Station became a global media backdrop, hosting broadcasters and journalists who told stories of excitement, unity and shared passion with audiences around the world.
|
4,448 Total media stories featuring Union Station, seen by tens of millions worldwide |
640+ INCLUSIONS by KMBC 9 alone during 33 days of live broadcasts from UNION STATION’S Grand Hall |
Digital & Social Reach
| 18.4M
Impressions |
818K
Video Views |
316K
Engagements |
117K
Website Visits |
Top international audiences tuned in from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Austria.
A Marketplace for Local Business: City of Entrepreneurs – Kansas City
In partnership with the City of Kansas City and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Union Station’s Grand Plaza hosted City of Entrepreneurs, a five-week activation putting local businesses, artists, and makers at the center of one of the region’s biggest tourism moments.
| 115+
Local Small Businesses Featured |
120,000+
Attendees |
ESTIMATED* $1M+
In Small Business Revenue Generated |
*Final Numbers Expected Week of July 20
- 21 Days: 21 activation days over five weeks introduced local makers and entrepreneurs to a worldwide audience
- 30 Performers: 30 local bands and artists performed live on stage in the Grand Plaza
- Lasting Value: Participating businesses gained significant media exposure and valuable networking connections
| “The value of City of Entrepreneurs extends beyond the marketplace itself. Participating businesses gained greater exposure, formed new connections, and introduced their products and stories to audiences they may not have otherwise reached. Those experiences can help entrepreneurs build momentum and contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy.”
— Tracey Lewis, President & CEO, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City |
| “City of Entrepreneurs showed what can happen when partners work together to remove barriers and create opportunities for small businesses. By bringing entrepreneurs into Union Station, we helped ensure local businesses were part of Kansas City’s global moment.”
— Nia Webster, Assistant Director, Neighborhood Services Department, City of Kansas City, Missouri |
Partners Who Showed Up for Kansas City
Throughout the summer, Union Station’s Grand Hall “Experience KC” activations gave fans unforgettable moments — from soccer star encounters and chocolate samplings to live newscasts and immersive art — made possible by Union Station’s Experience KC sponsors:
Russell Stover Chocolates, KMBC 9, Forvis Mazars, Ford Motor Company, Powell Gardens, Englewood Arts Center, Alpha-Lit KC, IN Kansas City Magazine, Events by Erika, and Professional Sound Services.
| “For four weeks, we watched people from around the world come together in Kansas City, reminding us that some of life’s best memories are created through shared experiences. We were honored to be part of those moments and proud that Russell Stover could help people connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories while showcasing our hometown on a global stage.”
— Renata Sato, Vice President of Marketing, Russell Stover Chocolates |
| “Union Station created an incredible opportunity to showcase the Forvis Mazars brand on a global stage while celebrating everything that makes Kansas City special. The Union Station team was a true partner throughout the process, helping us create a memorable experience for visitors from around the world. Their vision, collaboration, and commitment to excellence played a significant role in the success of our World Cup activation.”
— Rachel Dwiggins, Managing Partner, Forvis Mazars Kansas City |
A Boost for Union Station Restaurants, Retailers and Tenants
Tens of thousands of visitors explored Union Station’s award-winning attractions, exhibitions, restaurants, and retailers throughout the summer, translating into strong results for Union Station businesses.
- Parisi Coffee: Parisi Coffee saw a 50% increase in sales during the Summer of Soccer compared to the same period in 2025.
- Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory saw a 30% increase in sales at Union Station compared to the same period in 2025.
- Rally House: Rally House saw sales increase more than 250% at Union Station during the Summer of Soccer compared to the same period in 2025.
- Harvey’s and Harvey’s Whistle Stop Restaurants: Harvey’s and Whistle Stop posted a sales increase of more than 22% over the same period in 2025.
| “Union Station was more than a backdrop for the FIFA World Cup — it became the front door to Kansas City’s business community. Throughout the tournament, KCADC welcomed corporate executives, site selectors, international delegations and business leaders from around the world to our Union Station offices, showcasing our region’s strengths and building relationships that will drive investment long after the final match. Union Station has always elevated how we tell Kansas City’s story, and this global moment was no exception.”
— Tim Cowden, President & CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) |
Thank You, Kansas City
Time and again this summer, visitors from every corner of the globe shared a similar sentiment while at Union Station: Kansas City feels like a friend, and Union Station feels like a huge hug to all who visit. That is high praise — and it belongs to our entire community.
As Summer of Soccer winds down, Union Station thanks the hundreds of thousands of visitors, sponsors, small businesses, media partners, and neighbors who were part of this historic moment. Together, we shared Greater Kansas City’s heart and soul with the world — and this is only the beginning.
Union Station’s Summer of Soccer success also reinforces Kansas City’s ability to host major global events — and reflects on the future, including conversations underway about a new Kansas City Royals stadium. Proceeds and momentum from Summer of Soccer will help Union Station continue investing in the protection and preservation of its historic monument and campus for generations to come.
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Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and Smithsonian Affiliate — is a 112-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 unionstation.org for details. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.