Iconic MLB franchise hit ‘dead end’ in search for new stadium home as search begins for downtown site before lease ends

THE Kansas City Royals have been forced to make a U-turn in their search for a new stadium site – and are now looking to relocate to a downtown plot.

The iconic MLB franchise’s lease at Kauffman Stadium, where they have hosted games since 1973, ends after the 2030 season.

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The Kansas City Royals are taking their search for a new home downtownCredit: KANSAS CITY ROYALS

Their lease at Kauffman Stadium ends after the 2030 seasonCredit: Getty

And the Royals are now eyeing a move to the heart of the city after hitting a dead end when it came to two prominent options.

Front Office Sports reports that officials in Clay County, Mo., will no longer “engage in a bidding competition with other jurisdictions” over a potential ballpark deal after the Royals missed a key deadline.

A January 8 cut-off point had been put in place to have a finalized proposal that would be ready to go before voters in an April ballot.

But the Royals failed to meet those terms, and it has resulted in talks spanning close to three years coming to an end.

A statement from the Clay County Commission read: “The Royals elected not to accept the county’s proposal within that timeframe. As a result, no proposal will be presented to the public for a vote.”

The Royals also abandoned an option to move across the state line to suburban Overland Park, Kansas.

The mortgage for the land under consideration was held by an affiliate of the MLB franchise.

But Kansas officials chose not to continue discussions with the Royals after December 31.

A statement from the ball club read: “After significant evaluation, we do not believe this site meets our criteria for a stadium.

“We continue to evaluate opportunities throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area to create a world-class ballpark district.

MLB important dates

Pitchers and catchers expect to report around February 10-14.

February 20 – Spring Training begins

March 5-17 – World Baseball Classic

March 25 –  Opening Night Game on Netflix (Yankees vs. Giants at Oracle Park)

March 26 – Traditional Opening Day

April 25-26 – MLB World Tour in Mexico City (Diamondbacks vs. Padres at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City)

May 15-17 – MLB Rivalry Weekend

June 8-14 – Athletics host two series in Las Vegas

July 13-14 – MLB Home Run Derby, All-Star Game in Philadelphia

August 13 – MLB At Field of Dreams (Twins vs. Phillies on Netflix)

August 23 – Little League Classic (Brewers vs. Braves) in Williamsport

September 27 – Final day of the regular season

September 29 – Postseason begins

October 23 – World Series begins

“We remain hard at work toward the best solution for our team, fans, partners, and community.”

The Royals could move to Washington Square Park, located near Union Station, after switching their focus to the downtown area.

A move to the location has been favored by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

But, when the Royals initially toyed with moving into the center of the city, they faced political and neighborhood opposition.

The Royals has hosted games at Kauffman Stadium since 1973Credit: Getty

Changes are being made ahead of the new seasonCredit: Getty

Ownership is desperate to pinpoint a plot which would allow them to make the move ahead of the 2031 campaign.

In the meantime, the Royals are preparing to move the majority of the outfield fence in by 10 feet at Kauffman Stadium to make it easier to hit home runs.