Want to talk (downtown) baseball? Royals set Plexpod Westport Commons for first stop on listening tour
December 7, 2022 | Startland News Staff
Less than a month after announcing the Royals’ intention to build a $2 billion downtown ballpark district — a vision that would see the Major League Baseball franchise leave its longtime home at Kauffman Stadium — the team’s leadership is opening a community dialogue on its future.
The move would boost economic growth for entrepreneurs, John Sherman, chairman and CEO of the Royals, shared previously, noting the potential for new shops, hotels, restaurants and affordable housing options downtown.
John Sherman, Kansas City Royals
A public community meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Plexpod Westport Commons, 300 E. 39th St., to discuss the Royals moving to a new home in or around downtown Kansas City.
The gathering is expected to include presentations from Royals executives and outside experts engaged on the project and a session for questions from the audience.
Click here to RSVP for the meeting, which is expected to be the first stop on an ongoing public listening tour.
In a Nov. 15 letter to the Kansas City community, Sherman shared his vision for the team to leave the Truman Sports Complex in less than a decade.
“When its current lease in Jackson County concludes at the end of this decade [in 2031], it will be 60 years old,” Sherman’s letter read. “The renovations required at The K [Kauffman Stadium] to achieve our objectives would cost as much or more than the price tag to develop a new ballpark.”
Rendering of a potential new downtown KCMO stadium for the Kansas City Royals, image courtesy of the Royals
With the price tag for the move and ballpark district projected to surpass $2 billion, the Royals plans would be contingent on continuing its public-private partnership and investment with multiple local jurisdictions and the state of Missouri, Sherman said.
The Royals intend to invest hundreds of millions of dollars directly into the project, according to previous reporting from KCUR, with Sherman saying the franchise will not ask Jackson County citizens to pay more tax dollars than what they already do in the current lease at Kauffman Stadium, which opened in 1973.
“The Royals look forward to seeking public input about how to best serve our residents and build on the momentum our city is experiencing,” the team said in a statement announcing the Dec. 14 meeting.
RELATED: Kansas Citian of the Year: Royals owner’s work echoes legacy of Ewing Kauffman
2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Meet the Kansas City entrepreneurs picked for DoorDash’s first Midwest accelerator
DoorDash delivers $50K bag to 10 KC small biz leaders hungry to learn DoorDash is dropping support on Kansas City’s doorstep through a new cohort of 10 small businesses selected for the company’s local restaurant accelerator, marking the first time the nationwide initiative has landed in the Midwest — with KC chosen as its launchpad.…
Not a college student anymore: Entrepreneur’s origami-inspired bags fold functionality into professional fashion
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — Founded in 2018 by Lisa Hu,…
First came baby, then the boutique; 18 years later, this owner is the mother of retail survivors
Opening her storefront at the age of 23 with a newborn daughter, Meagan Doyle faced double duty as a first-time mother and budding entrepreneur. Eighteen years later, her baby is now grown — and Mom is coming into her own as a retail survivor and seasoned business owner. “It’s been a fun adventure,” said Doyle,…
Nick the Greek reset: Reinvigorated owner reopening locations, launching new spot after facing his own test
When Nick the Greek abruptly closed two area locations six months ago, fans on and off social media were distraught, fearing they were closed for good. Now there’s a surprising update: two reopenings, one new opening. All this month. Area franchisee Arthur Gilbreath previously placed “closed for renovation” signs at his Nick the Greek restaurants…