The Kansas City Royals have announced their decision to construct a new ballpark downtown, just a short distance from the T-Mobile Center and the Power & Light District. This decision means moving away from two other previously considered sites within the city to a location that brings the stadium nearer to the heart of Kansas City’s entertainment zone.
Today, the Royals shared details of their ambitious ballpark endeavor, which is estimated to cost over $2 billion. The planned stadium is expected to accommodate around 34,000 seats with space for another 3,500 fans for a standing-room-only game experience. The Royals aim to open the new facility in time for the 2028 season. Although the final design is yet to be finalized, initial renderings pay tribute to Kauffman Stadium’s distinctive roof design and the famous fountains beyond center field.
The chosen site for the new stadium is next to Interstate 670, taking over the space of the now mostly empty building that once housed the Kansas City Star’s printing press. This stadium location will also complement a $200 million proposed park that will span over I-670, connecting various parts of the city. The envisioned urban park, stretching over 4.6 acres from Wyandotte Street to Grand Boulevard, is set to revitalize the downtown area with green spaces, reduce traffic noise, and link the Crossroads Arts District and nearby neighborhoods with the central business district, enhancing the urban landscape.
The Power & Light District, known for its vibrant bar and restaurant scene, will be directly north of the new park and Royals Stadium, which will be designed to bridge the interstate, facilitating safer pedestrian access. To the south is the Crossroads Art District, known for its chic atmosphere, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The east side is bordered by the historic 18th & Vine neighborhood, famous for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the American Jazz Museum, and notable dining spots like Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque.
Kansas City has been a prominent host for major events over the past ten years, including two World Series, the MLB All-Star Game, and the NFL draft. Additionally, the city recently welcomed a $1.5 billion airport and is set to see the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League inaugurate their new stadium at downtown’s water edge. Moreover, Arrowhead Stadium is slated to host six FIFA 2026 World Cup games, including a quarterfinal match, showcasing the city’s growing prominence in the sports world.
