Royals Will Pick New Ballpark Site This Summer

The owner of the Kansas City Royals has provided an updated timeline for the club’s $2 billion ballpark construction project. 

John Sherman forecasted a decision on a location by the end of the summer and a move-in date of 2027 or 2028.

After reviewing at least 14 ballpark sites with architect partner Populous, the choice is down to a new downtown location in partnership with Jackson County, Missouri, or a site in neighboring Clay County. 

“We want them to give us their best shot,” Sherman said of Jackson County, home to their current ballpark, Kauffman Stadium. “And we’re going to give them our best shot to do it there. But I think we should be clear that there is certainly an alternative to that area.”

Either way, the Royals will be leaving the Truman Sports Complex — almost 10 miles from downtown — that also houses the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium. “A new stadium will generate more revenue than this one does,” Sherman added. “In addition to that, we will control surrounding real estate that will also generate revenue for the club.” 

As for the $2 billion price tag, $350 million will come from taxpayer funding — and the final figure could be even higher. “Ownership will take the rest,” Sherman said. “It’s a $2 billion project, probably more when you think of infrastructure.”