Royals want Crossroads ballpark open by 2028, calling up ‘generational’ impact on newly linked arts district, downtown

A late-to-the-game East Crossroads site is expected to take shape as the new home of the Kansas City Royals if voters approve the extension of a stadium sales tax that would help support the $2 billion downtown ballpark project.

John Sherman, chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Royals, sits alongside Earl Santee, Populous, and Brooks Sherman, Royals, during an announcement event at Kauffman Stadium; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Ending months of speculation, majority owner John Sherman and team officials announced on Tuesday the ball club’s plan to develop a new ballpark district within the existing Crossroads Arts District — anchored by a long-vacant, high-profile property along I-670 that formerly housed printing and distribution of the Kansas City Star newspaper.

“We have outperformed many of our peers for our care for the heart of our city,” Sherman, chairman and CEO of the Royals, told a crowd gathered for the announcement. “Looking at the residential growth downtown, and the dynamism of the development and redevelopment of the Crossroads — the arts and music, the food and drink — I believe in my gut the timing is right for the Royals to become residents of the Crossroads and neighbors to Power and Light, 18th and Vine and Hospital Hill, helping to further connect the cultural center of our great city.”

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The East Crossroads seemingly snuck back into consideration at the sport’s August trade deadline, postponing Sherman’s plans to announce a decision in late summer between the known finalist sites for the ballpark district: downtown KC’s East Village and North Kansas City.

Team officials said they hope the Crossroads ballpark district — stretching from Truman Road south to 17th Street and Grand Boulevard east to Locust Street — will be ready in time for the 2028 season.

The district would include team offices, as well as a conference center, corporate office, hotel, space for residential and entertainment options, and a bridge to the T-Mobile Center through the proposed South Loop park project, which would cap I-670.

Construction of the ballpark, however, would require significant demolition across the site’s 17.3 acres — encompassing more than just the former Star structure, but numerous active small businesses and even a popular church.

Rendering of the Royals' proposed ballpark district in the East Crossroads, looking north; rendering courtesy of Populous

Rendering of the Royals' proposed ballpark district in the East Crossroads; rendering courtesy of Populous

Earl Santee, Populous, makes a presentation on the proposed ballpark district during an announcement event at Kauffman Stadium; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

The Crossroads site makes the most sense for ease of access, said Earl Santee, senior principal, global chair and founder of Populous, the Kansas City firm designing the stadium. The KC Streetcar line runs just blocks to the west, a transit center is a 10-minute walk, and the ballpark’s plans require no major transportation improvements, he said.

“Here’s the unique thing about the site,” Santee continued, “there are 22 different ways to get here. That’s not the six or seven we have at the Truman Sports Complex [current home of the Royals].”

“There’s more parking in downtown,” he added. “There’s 40,000 spaces in downtown versus the 26,000 we have at the Truman Sports Complex.”

A presentation led Tuesday by Santee noted typical gameday parking would require only 9,000 spaces within a 10-minute walk, with no new parking needed within one-half mile of the ballpark site.

The Royals previously said in February 2023 they planned to build parking as part of the project. Brooks Sherman, Royals president of business operations, noted the ball club would negotiate with private lots and garages to minimize price gouging. He also assured fans there would still be sufficient parking space available for tailgating.

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Image courtesy of Populous

The new ballpark is set to become the epicenter of Kansas City sports and entertainment, Santee said, with the T-Mobile Center, the Kauffman Center, Municipal Auditorium, and the Convention Center all being within a 10-minute walk.

“It’s just amazing,” explained Santee, who has worked on 23 other ballpark projects across the country. “In fact, I would say this is the most unique site and the condensed sports entertainment site we have in America today.”

The new district hinges on a $2 billion investment, said Brooks Sherman, noting it would be the largest public private partnership in the history of Jackson County. The ownership group plans to invest $1 billion of its own money, he added.

“This is about a lot more than just a new home for the Royals,” Sherman continued. “This generational project is intended for something great for Jackson County and Kansas City, baseball and beyond. We’re gonna build on the momentum that we have seen in recent years in our city.”

Rendering of the Royals’ proposed ballpark district in the East Crossroads, looking south; rendering courtesy of Populous

Tuesday’s announcement comes before Jackson County taxpayers will vote April 2 on whether to extend the stadium sales tax, which benefits both the Royals and Kansas City Chiefs.

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“We’re happy and excited to build that new home without costing taxpayers a penny more,” John Sherman said. “In fact, the proposal voters will consider on April 2 will be the exact same tax, but a much better deal.”

“As to the sales tax, to be clear, we’re not asking for a new tax, rather a continuation of a ⅜ cent sales tax that exists today,” Brooks Sherman added. “We want to extend it for 40 years, supporting both clubs.”