The Kansas City Royals have modified their proposed stadium plan in the Crossroads District, addressing concerns raised by community members and city officials.
Originally, the stadium design included the land of the former Kansas City Star building at 16th and McGee Streets, extending onto Oak Street at 16th Street and up to eastbound Truman Road.
On Wednesday morning, Royals owner John Sherman announced that discussions with Kansas City leadership had led to reconsideration of plans that would have closed Oak Street as part of the stadium development.
Sherman stated, “We have been listening to members of the Crossroads community and had thoughtful conversations with the Mayor and City Council to improve the ballpark district impact. Through these conversations, we have come to realize the importance of keeping Oak Street open. We acknowledge Oak Street is an integral part of the downtown experience, and therefore we agree to change the ballpark district design to keep Oak Street open. We look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council to begin this joint effort.”
Two weeks ago, the Royals unveiled plans to construct a new stadium and ballpark district in the Crossroads District. The new ballpark is anticipated to accommodate approximately 34,000 fans, approximately 3,000 fewer than Kauffman Stadium, with hopes of completion by the 2028 season.
Attention now shifts to the April 2 election regarding Jackson County Question 1, which involves the stadium sales tax extension between 2031 and 2070. The estimated cost for the new stadium and ballpark district is around $2 billion, with the Royals ownership group committing to invest over $1 billion in private funding for the project.
Photo credit – Kansas City Royals / Kansas City, MO
