New Development: Third Option Emerges for KC Stadium Sites, Expanding the Royals’ List

New Development: Third Option Emerges for KC Stadium Sites, Expanding the Royals’ List

The Kansas City Royals are considering a new stadium location in downtown Kansas City’s south loop, according to sources. The team has been approached about the concept and has quietly been analyzing the possibility. The site, which includes the former KC Star printing press pavilion, was originally pitched to the team eight months ago but was initially rejected. The south loop location was not among the team’s two finalists that were announced earlier this year, but the Royals are now reevaluating its viability. The potential location offers the advantage of being in the heart of downtown, near existing entertainment venues, retail, and restaurants. However, negotiations with Jackson County, where the site is located, have been slow-moving, which could present a hurdle for the team. The team’s owners recently met with the mayor and a representative from the Cordish Companies, the developer behind Kansas City’s Power & Light District, to discuss the potential project. The Royals have not provided details about the exact nature or location of the project and are still exploring their options. Land acquisition and financing are among the challenges that the team will need to address. The Royals hope to make progress on the new stadium project, but it remains unclear how long the process will take and how it will impact their original deadline and plans for a ballot measure in April 2024.