Royals Unveil New Crown Center Stadium Plans
The Kansas City Royals have officially announced their plans for a new stadium at Crown Center, signaling a major shift in the team’s history. The announcement took place during a special event featuring Mayor Quinton Lucas and Governor Mike Kehoe. Royals owner John Sherman shared details about the $3 billion redevelopment project that includes a new ballpark situated just south of downtown Kansas City.
Details of the Crown Center Stadium Plans
The first phase of this extensive project will encompass 85 acres and will involve creating a $1.9 billion baseball stadium as part of a larger ballpark district.
Funding Breakdown
The funding for this sizable undertaking will be sourced from multiple channels:
- City funding: $600 million
- State funding: Tax credits from Missouri
- Private financing: $2 billion
The city’s contribution will primarily come from tax-increment financing. This strategy utilizes revenues generated by the new development to service public bonds.
Future Timeline for Development
Groundbreaking for the new stadium is expected in 2027, with hopes for the venue to be operational by Opening Day of 2030. John Sherman emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it aligns with the original vision of Royals founder Ewing Kauffman, who wanted the team to be rooted in Kansas City.
Impact on the Crown Center Area
The Crown Center has a rich history, developed in the late 1960s by the Hall family, who based their Hallmark headquarters there. Currently, it offers an indoor shopping environment, an ice skating rink, Kaleidoscope kids center, SeaLife aquarium, and Legoland Discovery Center.
Hallmark Chair Don Hall Jr. announced plans to relocate the company’s headquarters to accommodate the stadium’s construction. Notably, this area features 9,000 parking spots and is serviced by the Kansas City streetcar, which runs through the development.
Community Response and Next Steps
The Royals have been exploring new locations since 2022, transitioning away from Kauffman Stadium. Previous proposals, such as a rejected 2024 measure to fund a ballpark in the Crossroads area, have paved the way for this initiative, which does not necessitate a public vote.
Last week, the City Council approved negotiations for a term sheet and lease agreement with the Royals, solidifying downtown as their preferred location. As Sherman stated, “We’re bringing baseball downtown. We’re bringing a second crown downtown.”
