Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City’s push to keep two of its most recognizable institutions downtown moved a major step forward, with a City Council committee giving unanimous support to agreements tied to the Royals and Hallmark Cards.
The plans stretch far beyond a new ballpark. They would keep the Royals in Kansas City for at least 30 more years, create a new downtown stadium and events venue, retain Hallmark’s global headquarters and reshape the Crown Center area, all as part of what city officials describe as the largest economic development project in Kansas City history.
The City Council’s Finance Committee unanimously endorsed Ordinances 260704 and 260705, introduced by Mayor Quinton Lucas. The agreements also call for a new park scheduled to open in April 2030.
“Today is a homerun for Kansas City. The Royals and Hallmark downtown will bring millions of people to our city core, build thousands of jobs in the heart of our region, and will extend benefits to every corner of Kansas City and our area,” Lucas said.
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City officials say the broader project could bring tens of thousands of jobs and millions of visitors to downtown while directing benefits toward youth sports, Kansas City’s arts community and the city’s Negro Leagues baseball heritage.
The financing structure is also designed differently from the Royals’ existing Jackson County lease. According to the city, revenues generated by the project and surrounding area, combined with support from the State of Missouri, would help fund the development. Costs currently carried by Jackson County taxpayers, including certain insurance and maintenance expenses, would shift to the team.
The Royals have also agreed to hold Kansas City Public Schools harmless under the arrangement. The team committed to what city officials describe as the best wages for service workers among regional professional sports franchises and reached terms for higher wages with the Service Employees International Union.
Lucas said the agreements show Kansas City can pursue major development while continuing to invest in infrastructure, affordable housing and historic preservation.
With the Finance Committee voting unanimously in favor, the agreements moved forward for consideration by the full City Council. The city’s timetable also calls for the related zoning authorization to receive separate Council consideration on Sept. 3.
If approved, the agreements would lock in the Royals’ long-term future in Kansas City while tying the stadium project to a much broader redevelopment of downtown and Crown Center.
