Cerner CEO backs plan to raze, replace Kemper Arena

Cerner Corp. CEO Neal Patterson has thrown his support behind the American Royal Association's plan to raze 18,000-seat Kemper Arena and replace it with a 5,000-seat indoor arena and slightly smaller indoor/outdoor facility.

Patterson joins UMB Financial Corp. Chairman Mariner Kemper in opposing Kansas City developer Steve Fotch's plan to rehabilitate the arena into a youth and amateur sporting event hub, according to the Kansas City Business Journal.

Foutch said there is plenty of space adjacent to the American Royal Complex in Kansas City's West Bottoms for both his $22 million plan and the American Royal Association's $60 million plan. Opponents such as Patterson refute that claim.

Read more from the Kansas City Business Journal.