The Kansas City Council has approved an ordinance authorizing the next phase of work on a proposed downtown stadium project for the Kansas City Royals in and around Washington Square Park and Crown Center.

The ordinance allows the City Manager to move forward with negotiating and executing a term sheet, lease, and development agreement, while also continuing public engagement and related planning work tied to the proposed project.

"The ordinance lays out a comprehensive list of duties for us to execute. There's a lot of work left to be done, " said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "We will engage with residents, and we will work to ensure that we can forge partnerships that will deliver long term benefits to Kansas City. That is what matters."

The proposed project includes a stadium, team offices, and supporting infrastructure in and around Washington Square Park and Crown Center. The ordinance also provides funding for professional services and directs the City to continue work related to financing applications, public engagement, and coordination with affected stakeholders.

Additional legislative steps related to funding, zoning, permitting, Tax Increment Financing, and other required approvals would still need to come before the City Council in the future.
Media with questions may contact Sherae Honeycutt, Press Secretary of Kansas City, at Sherae.Honeycutt@kcmo.org.