Kansas City plan for downtown Royals stadium would cost $600 million in city funds
KCUR • • sports
Key Points:
- Kansas City announced a plan to invest up to $600 million in a new $1.9 billion Royals stadium to be built at Washington Square Park downtown, with funding supported by municipal bonds and tax incentives from Missouri potentially covering half the cost.
- The Royals would lease the stadium for at least 30 years, but the team has not yet officially endorsed the proposal, having previously considered other locations in North Kansas City and Johnson County.
- The plan has backing from Mayor Quinton Lucas and nine city council members but has been referred to the Finance Committee without a vote; some council members and officials argue the public should vote on the investment.
- The new stadium aims to replace the aging Kauffman Stadium, with the project expected to boost local economic activity, including hotel stays, without requiring a new public sales tax extension.
- Key next steps include city council approval, rezoning, tax increment financing approval, Missouri’s financial commitment, and securing the Royals' agreement to move forward under the proposed funding structure.
