Uniquely KC is a Star series exploring what makes Kansas City special. From our award-winning barbecue to rich Midwestern history, we’re exploring why KC is the “Paris of the Plains.”
Kansas City’s historic Western Auto sign — a glimmering, red and white fixture of downtown’s nightscape since 1952, albeit with long periods of inoperability — will not be relit by the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in KC on June 16.
Dark since July 2025, the 70-foot-tall sign atop the curved Western Auto Lofts, 2107 Grand Blvd., could spark back to life by the end of the soccer tournament, or soon after, if all goes well, through a deal with the city of Kansas City…