KC Downtown Baseball

[Greg S]

Maybe moving to the fans makes sense in congested cities like Atlanta and Dallas, but I don't think that's a real problem in KC. I doubt having the team 20 minutes closer to wealthier fans is going to make or break the Royals.

I'd have to imagine going downtown is part of a vibe the team is going for. If they wanted to stay in a suburban environment I'm not sure it makes sense to uproot from where they are now even if maintenance costs supposedly make a new stadium financially attractive. I'd think it also helps that they wouldn't have to worry about managing their own parking anymore, but I could be wrong.

BTW: that highway cap is quite nice and will really help downtown KC mitigate the barrier between downtown and the Crossroads area.

Yeah I am pretty excited for the highway cap as well. So much momentum going from the Kauffman Center to the Crossroads District.

[Greg S]

The group behind and more information on NKC location:


https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/k ... 80363.html

[damonhynes]

The group behind and more information on NKC location:


https://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/k ... 80363.html

That's interesting--I never considered NKC/Clay County.

[Greg S]

They unveiled their new ballpark website today. It includes presentations and information on both the East Village site in DT KC and the other finalist, NKC.

https://kcballparkdistrict.com/




Greg

[Garrett]

They unveiled their new ballpark website today. It includes presentations and information on both the East Village site in DT KC and the other finalist, NKC.

https://kcballparkdistrict.com/




Greg

Well, I am a sucker for shiny renderings. The NKC plan obviously has a lot more room to play with from the looks of things, though I still can’t help but wonder if it’s partially being dangled to get more from KC proper.

Edit: KCRag people are saying that the NKC plan would take a lot of land acquisition and building demolition to accomplish, and that Clay is pretty resistant to increasing taxes for the plan, so it does indeed seem to just be stunt

[strangerthings]

They unveiled their new ballpark website today. It includes presentations and information on both the East Village site in DT KC and the other finalist, NKC.

https://kcballparkdistrict.com/




Greg

Well, I am a sucker for shiny renderings. The NKC plan obviously has a lot more room to play with from the looks of things, though I still can’t help but wonder if it’s partially being dangled to get more from KC proper.

Edit: KCRag people are saying that the NKC plan would take a lot of land acquisition and building demolition to accomplish, and that Clay is pretty resistant to increasing taxes for the plan, so it does indeed seem to just be stunt

The Clay plan is 90-100% controlled by favorable parties but a new survey reported Clay voters are 70% against a new stadium tax.

[Greg S]

They unveiled their new ballpark website today. It includes presentations and information on both the East Village site in DT KC and the other finalist, NKC.

https://kcballparkdistrict.com/




Greg

Well, I am a sucker for shiny renderings. The NKC plan obviously has a lot more room to play with from the looks of things, though I still can’t help but wonder if it’s partially being dangled to get more from KC proper.

Edit: KCRag people are saying that the NKC plan would take a lot of land acquisition and building demolition to accomplish, and that Clay is pretty resistant to increasing taxes for the plan, so it does indeed seem to just be stunt

The Clay plan is 90-100% controlled by favorable parties but a new survey reported Clay voters are 70% against a new stadium tax.

I know the Royals are having issues dealing with Jackson County, especially Frank White, but I think they get the votes easier there because the Chiefs unreleased plans for Truman Sports Complex will be on it. And I just don't see the Jackson county voters shooting down anything that might impact the Chiefs negatively right now.

[thenewguy]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

[Greg S]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

There just such a difference in available space between the two. I am happy that no matter what site they chose, there's a fountain in the outfield like Kauffman Stadium.

[thenewguy]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

There just such a difference in available space between the two. I am happy that no matter what site they chose, there's a fountain in the outfield like Kauffman Stadium.

oh, yeah, no, that's why I'm hoping (if they move) that they incorporate a fountain into the new stadium. I don't live in KC so I'm not sure what the general consensus is, but I like Kaufman- I'd be ok if they didn't move

[Greg S]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

There just such a difference in available space between the two. I am happy that no matter what site they chose, there's a fountain in the outfield like Kauffman Stadium.

oh, yeah, no, that's why I'm hoping (if they move) that they incorporate a fountain into the new stadium. I don't live in KC so I'm not sure what the general consensus is, but I like Kaufman- I'd be ok if they didn't move

Yeah the renderings both at NKC site and East Village downtown both show a fountain in the outfield, so that feature will be a part of the new stadium.

[nebugeater]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

There just such a difference in available space between the two. I am happy that no matter what site they chose, there's a fountain in the outfield like Kauffman Stadium.

oh, yeah, no, that's why I'm hoping (if they move) that they incorporate a fountain into the new stadium. I don't live in KC so I'm not sure what the general consensus is, but I like Kaufman- I'd be ok if they didn't move

Yeah the renderings both at NKC site and East Village downtown both show a fountain in the outfield, so that feature will be a part of the new stadium.

Or at least part of the plan. Can always change when implemented.

[Greg S]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

There just such a difference in available space between the two. I am happy that no matter what site they chose, there's a fountain in the outfield like Kauffman Stadium.

oh, yeah, no, that's why I'm hoping (if they move) that they incorporate a fountain into the new stadium. I don't live in KC so I'm not sure what the general consensus is, but I like Kaufman- I'd be ok if they didn't move

Yeah the renderings both at NKC site and East Village downtown both show a fountain in the outfield, so that feature will be a part of the new stadium.

Or at least part of the plan. Can always change when implemented.

Honestly I would be willing to bet pretty much anything on fountains being part of the new stadium. Populous which is the dominant player in stadium design is behind these and their HQ is in KC. They absolutely know that fountains in Kauffman and KC as whole are iconic and part of the fabric down there. I really can't fathom those not being a part of the final product.

[nebugeater]

stadium looks nice. I like the park/surroundings look on NKC better, but the outside atmosphere isn't as cool as downtown. Too bad they didn't incorporate more water/fountains into the DT rendering

There just such a difference in available space between the two. I am happy that no matter what site they chose, there's a fountain in the outfield like Kauffman Stadium.

oh, yeah, no, that's why I'm hoping (if they move) that they incorporate a fountain into the new stadium. I don't live in KC so I'm not sure what the general consensus is, but I like Kaufman- I'd be ok if they didn't move

Yeah the renderings both at NKC site and East Village downtown both show a fountain in the outfield, so that feature will be a part of the new stadium.

Or at least part of the plan. Can always change when implemented.

Honestly I would be willing to bet pretty much anything on fountains being part of the new stadium. Populous which is the dominant player in stadium design is behind these and their HQ is in KC. They absolutely know that fountains in Kauffman and KC as whole are iconic and part of the fabric down there. I really can't fathom those not being a part of the final product.

I agree, but I also will not say it is guaranteed until the pumps are running

[Coyote]

Royals *NEW* Stadium Renderings Released for $2 Billion Ballpark



Discussing the two different stadium options for the Kansas City Royals

[strangerthings]

April election for a tax extension for Chiefs and Royals

[Greg S]

April election for a tax extension for Chiefs and Royals

I expect the Chiefs to become much more vocal on this after the Super Bowl. Everyone thinks this is being driven by the Royals but the Chiefs have been in the discussions with them since day one. Reading between the lines they want the Truman Sports Complex all to themselves and have ideas for the land that Kauffman sits on. I think the Chiefs are the key to getting this thing approved.

Greg

[Louie]

April election for a tax extension for Chiefs and Royals

I expect the Chiefs to become much more vocal on this after the Super Bowl. Everyone thinks this is being driven by the Royals but the Chiefs have been in the discussions with them since day one. Reading between the lines they want the Truman Sports Complex all to themselves and have ideas for the land that Kauffman sits on. I think the Chiefs are the key to getting this thing approved.

Greg

Huh, that's an interesting bit of information. I bet the city will do whatever the Chiefs want thanks to their recent success.

[Greg S]

April election for a tax extension for Chiefs and Royals

I expect the Chiefs to become much more vocal on this after the Super Bowl. Everyone thinks this is being driven by the Royals but the Chiefs have been in the discussions with them since day one. Reading between the lines they want the Truman Sports Complex all to themselves and have ideas for the land that Kauffman sits on. I think the Chiefs are the key to getting this thing approved.

Greg

Huh, that's an interesting bit of information. I bet the city will do whatever the Chiefs want thanks to their recent success.

That's the hope. Going to be interesting watching the ads and press conferences leading up to the vote.

[Busguy2010]

April election for a tax extension for Chiefs and Royals

I expect the Chiefs to become much more vocal on this after the Super Bowl. Everyone thinks this is being driven by the Royals but the Chiefs have been in the discussions with them since day one. Reading between the lines they want the Truman Sports Complex all to themselves and have ideas for the land that Kauffman sits on. I think the Chiefs are the key to getting this thing approved.

Greg

Huh, that's an interesting bit of information. I bet the city will do whatever the Chiefs want thanks to their recent success.

That's the hope. Going to be interesting watching the ads and press conferences leading up to the vote.

Hmm, interesting. I couldn't imagine them wanting the land Kauffman sits on for anything other than a new stadium for themselves, like how the Giants and Jets did with New Meadowlands.

[Greg S]

April election for a tax extension for Chiefs and Royals

I expect the Chiefs to become much more vocal on this after the Super Bowl. Everyone thinks this is being driven by the Royals but the Chiefs have been in the discussions with them since day one. Reading between the lines they want the Truman Sports Complex all to themselves and have ideas for the land that Kauffman sits on. I think the Chiefs are the key to getting this thing approved.

Greg

Huh, that's an interesting bit of information. I bet the city will do whatever the Chiefs want thanks to their recent success.

That's the hope. Going to be interesting watching the ads and press conferences leading up to the vote.

Hmm, interesting. I couldn't imagine them wanting the land Kauffman sits on for anything other than a new stadium for themselves, like how the Giants and Jets did with New Meadowlands.

I think they want to renovate Arrowhead (and they have said this is their preference publicly), and then develop on the land that Kauffman sits. Either build a new practice faility with indoor and outdoor fields and offices. Make it one that they can include fans with and generate revenue year round. The Vikings have this (but not near their downtown stadium). The Chiefs have an older office/indoor/outdoor fields at TSC but it's kind of hidden and was not built to generate income through fans.

Or they might build bars/restaurants/store/premium party space. Again looking to generates income outside of Arrowhead. We will see going forward.


Greg

[Busguy2010]

I think they want to renovate Arrowhead (and they have said this is their preference publicly), and then develop on the land that Kauffman sits. Either build a new practice faility with indoor and outdoor fields and offices. Make it one that they can include fans with and generate revenue year round. The Vikings have this (but not near their downtown stadium). The Chiefs have an older office/indoor/outdoor fields at TSC but it's kind of hidden and was not built to generate income through fans.

Or they might build bars/restaurants/store/premium party space. Again looking to generates income outside of Arrowhead. We will see going forward.


Greg

That makes sense too. But I think they'd be wise to build a new stadium and do what you're saying on the site of arrowhead. I get it though, it'd be hard to delete the building that holds so many memories.

[Greg S]

I think they want to renovate Arrowhead (and they have said this is their preference publicly), and then develop on the land that Kauffman sits. Either build a new practice faility with indoor and outdoor fields and offices. Make it one that they can include fans with and generate revenue year round. The Vikings have this (but not near their downtown stadium). The Chiefs have an older office/indoor/outdoor fields at TSC but it's kind of hidden and was not built to generate income through fans.

Or they might build bars/restaurants/store/premium party space. Again looking to generates income outside of Arrowhead. We will see going forward.


Greg

That makes sense too. But I think they'd be wise to build a new stadium and do what you're saying on the site of arrowhead. I get it though, it'd be hard to delete the building that holds so many memories.

Yeah I thought it might be better to build new at TSC, but like you I get the thought process on redoing Arrowhead. Will be interesting to see what the Chiefs officially announce for their plans. Should be within weeks, so they get the message out before the vote this spring.

[Flyer14]

Is there enough of a desire from the chiefs to take over the entirety of TSC that they would help facilitate the Royals move? The Chiefs value and sheer amount of money they have has to be astronomical after the last few years.

[iamjacobm]

https://kcroyalsstadium.kinsta.cloud/

[Coyote]

'A Golden Era':
Kansas City Royals announce Crossroads location for new stadium site



The Kansas City Royals have selected the Crossroads location its new stadium.

[Coyote]

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Looks pretty cool but oh man are they leveling a lot of buildings for this..

[CBJason]

Looks great! Should be a win for the area!

[NEDodger]

Interesting. For some reason I had it in my head that they were looking at the empty lots a few blocks northeast of the T-Mobile Arena for this. The bridge from T-Mobile with the Royals fountain DOES look awesome though.

[Greg S]

Interesting. For some reason I had it in my head that they were looking at the empty lots a few blocks northeast of the T-Mobile Arena for this. The bridge from T-Mobile with the Royals fountain DOES look awesome though.

You are correct, that site was referred to as East Village. It was initially a finalist with the site across the river in Clay County. I think it dropped out because they would have had to do some major work with interstate off ramps and such, that area is a bottleneck already and will need to be fixed/expanded eventually. The other driving force towards the new site is the owner of the land where the KC Star printing press is (though no longer used) is open to selling, but especially with the movement towards the cap/park over I670. This stadium would be on the southside and adjacent, with T Mobile Center and Power and Light on the north side. It just works so well. You tie in downtown to the Crossroads.


Greg

[Greg S]

Pretty in depth article on the stadium proposal:

https://www.startlandnews.com/2024/02/r ... RrA-xsGZVA

[nativeomahan]

This seems like a Grand Slam Home Run for downtown KC as well as the Power and Light and Crossroads entertainment districts. And I like the idea that absolutely no public parking will be included as part of this $2 billion development. The city and Royals are counting on a combination of existing parking options as well as mass transit (it’s adjacent to their street car) to provide adequate options for attendees.

[Coyote]

Royals, Chiefs make final pitch to Jackson County voters



The Chiefs want 3/8ths of a cent in sales tax money to renovate Arrowhead while the Royals want that money to help build their new ballpark in the East Crossroads.

[nativeomahan]

Given all the recent backpedaling by the team representatives as to the benefits they would pour back into the city, I’m curious as to whether the taxpayers have the stomach for this development. We will know tomorrow.

[omaha79]

This seems like a Grand Slam Home Run for downtown KC as well as the Power and Light and Crossroads entertainment districts. And I like the idea that absolutely no public parking will be included as part of this $2 billion development. The city and Royals are counting on a combination of existing parking options as well as mass transit (it’s adjacent to their street car) to provide adequate options for attendees.

But is it a grand slam home run for families that take their kids to games on a school night? Is it a Grand Slam Home Run for fans that tailgate?

Local community opposition to this project has run about 70%, from what I'm seeing online. Will be interesting how the actual vote goes. I don't think many are too excited about it and the additional costs and time it will take to go to a game downtown vs. out East.

[CBJason]

It seemed there was a lot of pushback, especially from people in Crossroads that would have been displaced or otherwise affected. However, as of today this seems to be a thing of the past and if the voters vote for it, it should be a full green light…

https://www.kmbc.com/article/crossroads ... l/60373589

[TitosBuritoBarn]

This seems like a Grand Slam Home Run for downtown KC as well as the Power and Light and Crossroads entertainment districts. And I like the idea that absolutely no public parking will be included as part of this $2 billion development. The city and Royals are counting on a combination of existing parking options as well as mass transit (it’s adjacent to their street car) to provide adequate options for attendees.

But is it a grand slam home run for families that take their kids to games on a school night? Is it a Grand Slam Home Run for fans that tailgate?

Local community opposition to this project has run about 70%, from what I'm seeing online. Will be interesting how the actual vote goes. I don't think many are too excited about it and the additional costs and time it will take to go to a game downtown vs. out East.

Is there a lot of tailgating at Royals games? Also it seems like the downtown stadium is more centralized for the rest of the metro area than where it is currently.

[CBJason]

Results as of now, have this measure failing. Approximately 60%-40%.

[Garrett]

Does something like this give new life to a North KC stadium? Or are the Royals just not gonna move?