Mariner Kemper: Tear down Kemper Arena

Why does Mariner Kemper, the CEO of UMB Financial Corp., want to tear down the arena that’s named after his grandfather?

For redevelopment.

Kemper told the Kansas City Business Journal the downtown site, donated to the city by the Kemper family in the early 1970s, would be better suited for a smaller venue built for agricultural events. Kemper’s platform is his role as chairman of the American Royal Association, which each fall holds equestrian and livestock shows and a large barbecue competition.

However, a historic renovation firm also has an interest in the property, creating a battle of multimillion-dollar renovation plans detailed by the business journal.

Read more from the Kansas City Business Journal.