K.C. Officials Propose Royals' Stadium Plan
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas proposed a $1.9 billion investment plan for a new Royals stadium and surrounding infrastructure in downtown Kansas City's Washington Square Park area, including roughly $600 million in city funding.
- The proposal aims for the Royals to commit to a 30-year lease starting in 2030, with hopes to begin construction by early 2027 and have the stadium ready by 2029, ahead of the current Kauffman Stadium lease expiration.
- Missouri law allows the state to fund up to 50% of major stadium projects, but state contributions for this plan remain unresolved, and the proposal requires City Council approval and the Royals' agreement.
- The Chiefs are moving forward with a $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, set for 2031, making the Royals' potential new stadium in Missouri a key factor in keeping the team downtown.
- The proposal does not include a public vote, following a recent rejection by Jackson County voters of a sales tax measure for stadium funding; Kauffman Stadium is currently the fifth-oldest MLB venue in use since 1973.
