The Kansas City Council approved legislation today establishing the project framework for a new Royals ballpark at Crown Center, marking a major milestone in the effort to bring the team to downtown Kansas City and keep Hallmark’s global headquarters in the city. The vote follows months of negotiations between the City and the Royals, and a legislative process that included review by the City Plan Commission, Council’s Finance Committee and hours of in-person public testimony.
"A lot of good work got accomplished today, and there's still a lot of work to do," said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "I'm thankful for the City Council’s trust that enables us to deliver a win for all of Kansas City. We all know that Kansas City is the heart of the region and the region deserves a strong heart."
The approved framework includes:
- A 30-year lease agreement with the Royals to host games and house team offices at the downtown location, with the option for five, two-year extension options.
- The team will make a commitment for all repair, maintenance, utilities, and operations costs
- The City will receive a share of 5% of net profits of all non-baseball events
- The overall district development has an estimated value of $3 billion in investment.
- The City would commit a fixed total of $600 million to the overall $1.9 billion cost of the stadium -- $90 million is anticipated to be provided as city infrastructure funding, with the remaining $510 million to be provided as City-supported bonds.
- The Royals would also enter into a Community Impact Partnership Agreement that include no less than $55 million; $24 million of that will be paid up front, and at least 1.03 million annually, escalated by CPI.
- Programs benefitting from the up-front contribution: Housing Gateway Homelessness Initiative, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum capital contribution, and a fixed rail study for Union Station
- Annual contribution will go toward: Relocation Area Impact Account, Washington Square Park activation, maintenance and operations, and arts acquisition, installation, and maintenance requirements (incl. performing and visual arts)
Today’s vote moves the project forward, completing the city legislative process, allowing the city manager to begin executing the lease, funding and related agreements needed. A vote on the development plan’s zoning authorization will appear before the City Council on Thursday, September 3. City staff will continue working with the Royals and project partners on the next steps, including the Tax Increment Financing plan that will come before council in the weeks ahead, continued applications in partnership with the State of Missouri and further community engagement, in efforts to keep the project moving toward its anticipated 2030 opening.
