KCTV5 broadcast tower to shine once again with relighting ahead of 2026 World Cup

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After more than two decades of darkness, the iconic KCTV5 broadcast tower will once again light up the Kansas City skyline.

In partnership with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, KCTV5 will officially relight the historic tower with 96 state-of-the-art LED lights during a special illumination ceremony on Sept. 18, 2025.

Towering over the city since 1955, the 1,042-foot KCTV5 tower has been a familiar landmark and a symbol of Kansas City’s growth and innovation.

At the time of its completion in 1956, it was among the tallest broadcast towers in the nation and 18 feet taller than the original height of the Eiffel Tower. It quickly became a defining feature of Kansas City’s skyline.

With its signature red lights blinking against the night sky, the tower became both a practical transmitter of news and entertainment and a symbol of the city.

Extinguished in 2004 due to aging infrastructure and maintenance challenges, the tower has stood dark for over 20 years—until now.

“As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we couldn’t imagine a better time to bring back this powerful symbol of our city’s pride and resilience,” said Curtis Miles, General Manager at KCTV5. “We’re proud to work hand-in-hand with city leaders to return the tower to its rightful place in our illuminated skyline.”

The upgraded lighting system features 96 energy-efficient LED fixtures capable of dynamic displays and color-changing effects, allowing the tower to light up for holidays, special events, and civic celebrations. The relighting is expected to become a permanent fixture in downtown Kansas City’s growing ensemble of architectural lighting and public art.

“Like many Kansas Citians, I remember fondly seeing the KCTV5 Tower shining bright as part of Kansas City’s skyline and identity, beaming memorable events into our homes and standing tall as a landmark, visible over the years to millions across our region,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Thanks to the continued success of our Illuminate KC initiative, I look forward to seeing the Tower shine again as an iconic and unifying symbol of our city.”

The Illuminate KC initiative has already transformed the city’s nighttime landscape by lighting beloved landmarks, including the 18th and Vine Jazz District, Bartle Hall, and Waldo Tower. Restoring the KCTV5 Tower is yet another project as the city prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“The relighting of the KCTV5 Tower is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a reminder of the stories and history that connect us,” said Kliff Kuehl, President and CEO of Kansas City PBS. “For decades, this beacon was a fixture in our community, broadcasting important news and entertainment into homes across the region. It’s great to see it shine again, and we are grateful to Mayor Lucas and KCTV5 for making this happen.”

The relighting event on Sept. 18 will be visible throughout Kansas City, with viewing areas located near the station and in downtown gathering points. More details will be shared as the date approaches.