Royals $3 Billion Ballpark Development Gets Key Approval

The Kansas City Royals are set to officially relocate to downtown Kansas City after city officials gave final approval to a $3 billion ballpark and mixed-use development project. On Thursday, the city council authorized the establishment of a tax-increment financing district, authorized $537 million in public bonds, and rezoned the Crown Center site. The approvals came by wide margins, with the bond measure passing 11-2 and the rezoning receiving unanimous support from the council.

The Royals' project will feature a 34,000-seat ballpark at the Crown Center, near the city's Union Station, in collaboration with greeting cards giant Hallmark. The development will also include Hallmark's new headquarters and an 85-acre area with a "park-like central square," featuring fountains that are reminiscent of Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium.

Mayor Quinton Lucas hailed the decision as one that would keep Major League Baseball and Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, paving the way for a transformative district that benefits residents, workers, and neighborhoods. The Royals have agreed to a 30-year lease with options for five two-year extensions, while the city will receive 5% of non-baseball event net profits at the ballpark.

This approval marks the second significant MLB stadium deal in the last two months, following the Tampa Bay Rays' recent agreement. While the Royals' stadium search had its own set of challenges, it's essential to note that retaining the Royals became a priority for Missouri officials after the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs signed a $3 billion dome stadium deal with neighboring Kansas.

As both MLB teams move to new venues, Kansas City is planning for the future of the Truman Sports Complex, which will be transformed into a venue for concerts, college football, soccer, rugby, and a hotel, convention center, and entertainment district.