Kansas City Royals announces new $1.9 billion downtown ballpark plans with $600m city funding after Chiefs move state

THE Kansas City Royals have announced plans for a $1.9 billion downtown ballpark.

Plans for the Royals‘ new ballpark include $600 million in city funding.

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Inside Kauffman Stadium during a game between the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City RoyalsCredit: Getty

The outfield seating at Kauffman Stadium during a game between the Twins and the RoyalsCredit: Getty

It comes as the NFL‘s Kansas City Chiefs are planning to leave the state of Missouri.

The Royals are expected to finally leave Kauffman Stadium after more than five decades.

A funding plan has been introduced by Kansas City, Missouri, for the construction of a $1.9 billion ballpark, according to The Kansas City Star.

Proposals have been made for the stadium to be constructed at a downtown site near Crown Center and Union Station.

The Royals are expected to agree to a 30-year term sheet, lease, and development agreement.

This comes after the Chiefs’ decision to relocate to a $3 billion venue in the state of Kansas.

It is set to have knock-on effects for the Royals as Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium are located in Truman Sports Complex.

The Royals had previously announced plans to move away from their current 38,053-capacity home.

But their plans to find a new location had previously proven unsuccessful.

Now Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas, 41, has explained the decision to help fund the Royals’ new stadium.

“Today is a very material step in the delivery of a downtown baseball stadium that the Royals and the city are interested in opening by Opening Day of 2030,” Lucas said to The Kansas City Star.

“This doesn’t happen in a vacuum.”

The 2030 timeline would see the Royals leave Kauffman Stadium a year before their current lease expires.

Such a move could see Kauffman Stadium demolished as plans are drawn up for the complex’s future.

MLB important dates

THE 2026 Major League Baseball season is here as teams look to stop the Los Angeles Dodgers from completing a three-peat. Here are the season’s important dates to know:

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

A spokesperson from the Royals has praised the work that has led to this offer from the city.

“The Kansas City Royals appreciate the work of our City’s leadership — the Mayor, City Manager, and City Council — as they take important steps toward continued economic development for our city,” the spokesperson said.

“We are grateful for their engagement in this process, as well as for the critical work of the State of Missouri, and look forward to more detailed conversations as we consider solutions that are best for our team, our fans, and our community.”

It is currently unclear whether the Royals will accept the offer to build this new stadium.