KC FAQ

There are tremendous economic possibilities for the new ballpark district, both in the short term and long term. While we are still in the process of completing the economic analysis specific to the Crossroads, we expect the jobs, labor income, tax revenue and economic output to be similar or better than the projections we previously released for a downtown ballpark district.

We are also committed to spurring inclusive growth and job creation, uplifting the community and fostering a more equitable and prosperous Kansas City region.  We will hire and work with minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses and supportive programs; solidify our union labor agreement; ensure a prevailing wage agreement for workers; and create workforce development programs, wrap around services and continue community engagement and outreach. 

We believe the public benefit of this ballpark district will far outweigh the public investment – from bringing more people downtown to patronizing businesses and restaurants to the new public spaces that will be created as a result of this project. The vast majority of public-private partnerships have been beneficial to both sides in baseball and other major professional sports. 

This proposal – the largest public-private development project in Kansas City’s history, projected to be a $2 billion investment as currently envisioned – is an investment directly into our community.  

Alongside public funds, the Royals ownership group will be funding the majority of this project, including over $1 billion to cover a major portion of the ballpark and the entirety of the surrounding development.  

Today a 3/8 cent sales tax supports both teams and stadiums; we are asking that this level of support remains in place for the next 40 years. 

We are committed to a Community Benefits Agreement centered around core goals we call KC WINS:    

• Delivering a world-class neighborhood ballpark district and experience that is welcoming and accessible to all.  
• Spurring inclusive growth and job creation, uplifting the community and fostering a more equitable and prosperous Kansas City region.  
• Continuing to nurture Kansas City’s future through the team’s intentional philanthropic and community impact initiatives. 
• And driving sustainable impact with responsible and forward-looking neighborhood investments.  

The ease of access to the Crossroads site and an abundance of surface and structured parking has huge benefits in providing and creating easy access to the ballpark from the cultural heart of the city. 

More than 40,000 spaces—twice the number of parking spots of the Truman Sports complex—will be available downtown, all within a 10-minute walk of the Crossroads. The majority of this parking will be provided in existing parking facilities, most of which are empty at night and weekends when the majority of the games will be played.  

An event traffic management plan will be developed for the ballpark to handle traffic and parking. This will help create a seamless parking experience, both on gamedays and for when games and events occur simultaneously downtown. An abundance of surface/structured parking will benefit attendees by providing easy access to the ballpark.  

Peak traffic patterns out of the downtown area should counterflow any fans arriving at the new stadium. Those who are leaving the area should not hinder those entering, helping reduce traffic congestion.  

Traffic will be managed more efficiently by dispersing fans between multiple parking lots and with various ways into and out of the Crossroads. 

Making baseball games and the overall experience affordable and accessible for all is important for us.   

Right now, the Royals Foundation works closely with partners, schools, not-for-profits, and veterans’ groups to facilitate discounted rates. Jackson County Days offer all County residents steep discounts to dozens of selected games, including weekends. We consistently offer flash sales, ticket specials, and discounted prices on concessions. Our games are among the most accessible in Major League Baseball. 

All of those efforts will continue and even grow at the Crossroads.

Nothing is more important to the Royals than winning games, and providing our fans a team they can be proud of, and nothing will distract from that focus.   

We scored more runs than all but one team in our division last year and have a core of young players we believe in and will build around. We have been baseball’s busiest team this offseason, including more than $100 million in commitments to new players, largely pitching.   

We are thrilled to have signed Bobby Witt Jr – one of the brightest stars in professional sports – to a franchise record-shattering 14-year contract. In the press conference announcing the deal, Bobby emphasized that the fans in Kansas City and the talent building around him were critical in committing the bulk of his career to the Royals.   

Over the last few years, we have hired new leaders atop baseball operations, amateur scouting and pro scouting, and have modernized our player support to offer cutting edge development. We see tremendous promise in our future under the leadership of Executive Vice President – General Manager JJ Picollo and Manager Matt Quatraro. Better days are coming, and we look forward to playing October baseball again for the great fans of Kansas City.