2026 Q2 Luncheon: Destination Riverside
The Platte County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) hosted its second Quarterly Member Luncheon on Friday, May 29th, 2026, at Argosy Casino & Hotel. Sponsored by ARCO Construction, this event featured a presentation highlighting recent development in the City of Riverside, followed by a panel discussion including:
- Kathy Rose, Mayor – City of Riverside
- Dani Welniak, VP of Communications – KC Current
- Tim Burris, General Manager – Morton Amphitheater
- Sam Stahnke, Vice President – ARCO Construction
PCEDC Chairwoman Dr. Adrian James of Park University welcomed attendees and acknowledged elected officials, high-level investors, board members, and other key stakeholders.
Sam Stahnke, Vice President of ARCO Construction, opened the program by introducing Riverside Mayor Kathy Rose. Mayor Rose began her presentation with a question often asked about the City's growth: "How did Riverside do that?" She explained that the community's transformation can be traced back to the devastating 1993 flood. At the time, her mother served as mayor and told national media, "We will be back, and we will be better!"
In the year after the flood, Argosy Casino & Hotel opened and began providing resources to help Riverside rebuild. Once Mayor Rose succeeded her mother in 2006, the City implemented a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program and partnered with NorthPoint Development to build Horizons Business Park. This development generated a stable revenue source, allowing Riverside to pay off bonds and reimburse project costs.
While industrial development was the catalyst for Riverside's growth, the City was intentional with the types of businesses looking to call this community home. ARCO Construction has been one of those key partners, serving as the general contractor for many of the projects that have shaped Riverside. The northern portion of Horizons Business Park was designated for industrial use, reserving the southern portion for destination-type development.
While industrial development served as the catalyst for Riverside's growth, the City was intentional about the types of businesses and developments it sought to attract. ARCO Construction has been one of those key partners, serving as the general contractor for many of the projects that have shaped Riverside's transformation. The northern portion of Horizons Business Park was designated for industrial uses, while the southern portion was reserved for destination-oriented development.
In early 2013, the City began exploring the concept of a music venue across from Argosy. More than five years later, they connected with Live Nation to help bring that vision to life. While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed progress, that dream is becoming a reality this year with the opening of the Morton Amphitheater on June 3, 2026. The more than $130 million project will enhance the region's appeal as a live entertainment destination.
Then, in March 2021, the amphitheater's architect connected Riverside with a client looking for a site to build soccer fields. The KC Current broke ground on their training facility in August 2021, and the ribbon-cutting was held just 10 months later in June 2022. Since then, KC Current's ownership has continued to expand the training campus with additional pitches, youth sports fields, a performance center, and a mini-stadium.
Riverside remains focused on the future. The City recently completed its third comprehensive plan in 20 years, staying true to the vision of community and long-term sustainability. Riverside has also developed a concept plan for 25 acres surrounding the Morton Amphitheater and KC Current Training Facility to help support their continued success.
Following Mayor Rose's presentation, the panelists joined her on stage for a discussion moderated by Sam Stahnke. Stahnke began by asking Dani Welniak, KC Current's VP of Communications, about the team's continued growth and expansion at its Riverside training facility. Welniak highlighted the addition of new turf and grass pitches to support KC Current II, the club's development teams, and youth programming. She also mentioned KC Current's partnership with Variety KC to build a fully accessible, all-abilities playground at the training complex. Stahnke then asked about preparations for hosting the Netherlands Men's National Team in Riverside during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Welniak noted that while the KC Current support staff will temporarily relocate from the facility to accommodate the team, it's an exciting moment for both the organization and the City of Riverside.
Stahnke then welcomed Tim Burris, General Manager of Morton Amphitheater, and asked about his experience since relocating to Kansas City to oversee the new venue. Burris shared that he has enjoyed living and working in the Northland, adding that Kansas City is a great community to be a part of. Stahnke asked Burris what attracted Live Nation to Riverside, noting that the Morton Amphitheater is the largest amphitheater project the company has built in 22 years. Burris shared that the strong partnership with the City of Riverside was a key factor in the decision. He explained that Live Nation incorporated successful features and amenities from their other venues across the country to help deliver a premier entertainment experience for artists and concertgoers alike.
To close out the discussion, Stahnke asked Mayor Rose about the synergies between the Morton Amphitheater and the KC Current facility. Mayor Rose explained that the two developments complement one another, and there are plans to create a more connected entertainment and recreation district. She noted that plans include a pedestrian bridge linking the two development areas, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
We genuinely appreciate our Event Sponsor, ARCO Construction, for their support of this event. Thank you to Mayor Kathy Rose, Dani Welniak, Tim Burris, and Sam Stahnke for taking the time our of their busy schedules to participate in this conversation.
