Recently, the Royals announced their plans to move the stadium’s location to downtown Kansas City. The ballpark would be built on seventeen acres of land in the Crossroads district. The construction of the stadium and other entertainment elements that would surround it will cost a hefty price of roughly two billion dollars.
Private funding will cover around half the cost of the new stadium. If voters decide to keep the sports tax during the April 2nd vote, equal parts will go to both the Royals and the Chiefs. This way, it’s very likely that we could see some renovations to Arrowhead Stadium as well.
The public’s response to the news surrounding the release of new stadium plans has been mixed, but some of Barstow’s community members offer us their pieces of insight into the baseball world.
“A lot of people have given up the team, so they probably are just gonna think it’s a waste of time,” says Robert Waldeck ‘27. “I think it’s a good move, and the people who care about baseball will agree. We can only really go up from here. Even though the Royals weren’t the best last year, we’re looking good for the upcoming season.”
The new stadium would require the demolition of several KC businesses, including the old Kansas City Star office and ones that house local businesses like Madison Stitch. However, the Royals are starting the process of working with these business owners and coming up with reasonable compensation, monetary or by other means.
“I think the local response is going to be more positive than negative, but there’s definitely both sides. People like the tradition of the current stadium, but growth is inevitable since the team is getting better finally,” agrees Taylor Lacy ‘24.
The Royals had the option to choose locations in the East Village and North Kansas City as well, but the Crossroads district location will tie the stadium directly to the heart of our city’s entertainment and art communities.
“I think it’s a good move for both the Royals and the Chiefs. The Chiefs will have more room to do their stuff, like parking, shops, and restaurants. The Royals stadium moving is better for the city. People might appreciate planning less for games since it’s less of a drive, too. The scenery of Downtown K.C. will add a lot to the baseball feel in other cities,” adds Lacy.
The transition from a more traditional stadium like The K to a modern one with a hotel, entertainment venues, and shops will change the culture surrounding Royals baseball.
“It will definitely be different,” says Waldeck. “But I think that it could be a good different if people are ready to embrace the change.”
The construction of the new stadium comes with several improvements, too.
“They need more fans and seats, so the new stadium will help a lot. It will bring a new atmosphere, and hopefully, it will be positive. If they decide to put a roof on it, then we could host the World Series, which would be really cool,” explains Waldeck.
“It also helps that we’re getting better and the AL Central isn’t great. That and the new stadium will bring bigger crowds to Royals baseball,” agrees Lacy.
Like every good thing, there are some technical complications with the new stadium.
“Really the only drawback I can think of is that it will be more of a tourist destination since it’s downtown,” says Lacy. “That might take away from the old traditional baseball game feel and make it feel more like modern entertainment.”
But, of course, “the new stadium will bring a lot of popularity and attention to Kansas City. Even if it’s just baseball fans. It’ll give everybody something to talk about” adds Waldeck.
While the renders have only just been released, and there will be a lot of time before fans can expect to be sitting in new seats, news about the construction of a new baseball stadium is something Kansas Citians should be on the lookout for in the coming months!
