Ninja Warrior’ Returns to KC
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‘Ninja Warrior’ returns to K.C. View in Browser For Immediate Release – April 19, 2017 American Ninja Warrior Season 9 returns to KC Production accepted into local film incentive program KANSAS CITY, Mo.— This month, Kansas City welcomes back American Ninja Warrior to film the competition’s qualifying regionals. Kansas City is one of six cities that will host regional tryouts in Season 9 of the heart-racing obstacle course television series. The episodes will tape April 24-25 at Union Station and will premiere July 2017 on NBC. The series is executive-produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions’ founders Arthur Smith and Kent Weed (Hell’s Kitchen, Wizard Wars, Ellen’s Design Challenge), along with Brian Richardson and Anthony Storm. “We couldn’t be more excited to have American Ninja Warrior return to Kansas City,” said Executive Producer Kent Weed, president of A. Smith & Co. Productions. “We had such an outpouring of support from the fans and city in our first visit back in season seven, that it was a no brainer to come back to one of our most popular cities on the ANW tour. In season nine, the course is brand new and more challenging than ever before and we anticipate some great performances from the athletes that will compete.” “We are proud to welcome American Ninja Warrior back to Kansas City,” said Stephane Scupham, KC Film Commissioner. “Their positive experience in 2015 encouraged them to return to KC this year, in addition to participating in our local incentive program.” Scupham also stressed the value the production brings to Kansas City, as it’s expected to spend an estimated $375,000 in the local economy. “Our destination gains national TV exposure to more than 7 million viewers, while the production will hire at least 50 locals and book approximately 700 hotel room nights,” said Scupham. “It’s impressive to realize that this level of incremental economic impact and powerful brand awareness is delivered by just two nights of filming in Kansas City.” The Kansas City episodes will film outside of Union Station, with the iconic structure serving as a scenic backdrop for the thrilling TV show. American Ninja Warrior previously taped two one-hour episodes in KC in 2015, also featuring Union Station, in Season 7’s regional tryouts round. “We’re honored American Ninja Warrior has once again chosen Union Station — the front door to Kansas City — as a competition location,” said George Guastello, President & CEO, Union Station. “Our historic monument is one of the most recognized and beloved landmarks in our region and the perfect location to highlight the skyline and make a truly stunning backdrop.” The tapings are open to the public. Tickets can be requested through this link. “It’s exciting to see new and returning productions happening in Kansas City,” said Megan Crigger, Director of Creative Services, Office of Culture and Creative Services with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. “We’re delighted to welcome American Ninja Warrior back and look forward to our continued partnership with the Kansas City Film Office with the Film Development Program. Productions like American Ninja Warrior provide opportunities to showcase the talent and historic and cultural gems of the city to millions of viewers, while giving a boost to the city’s economy.” In addition to Kansas City, the show will make stops in Los Angeles, San Antonio, Daytona Beach, Fla., Cleveland and Denver this season before heading to Las Vegas for the national finals. The winner will take home a grand prize of $1 million. About the Kansas City Film Office The Kansas City Film Office leads the city’s efforts to attract film, television and new media productions to the community. A division of Visit KC, the Film Office focuses on three core priorities: production assistance, project recruitment and industry support. For more information, go to www.filminKC.com. About “American Ninja Warrior” Everyone’s favorite heart-racing obstacle course competition series, “American Ninja Warrior,” returns for a ninth season beginning Monday. June 12. Original episodes are presented exclusively on NBC. For artwork and a complete press kit from the show, please visit the NBC Universal Media Village website at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks. Please visit the official show site at:http://nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior. Visit us online at FilminKC.com | 1321 Baltimore Ave. | Kansas City, MO 64105.