Kansas City Royals Share 1st Look at Future Stadium, Ballpark District Options

The Royals are deciding between building a brand-new stadium and ballpark district in either the East Village or North Kansas City.

The Kansas City Royals are still in the early stages of finding a new home, but they have now narrowed down their list of possible destinations.

The Royals will build their new stadium in either Downtown Kansas City – in the East Village – or North Kansas Kansas City, the team revealed Tuesday. In either event, the team will be building more than just a new stadium, as both plans include constructing entire ballpark districts.

Renderings and official first-looks at both options were shared on social media Tuesday, while in-depth presentations, FAQs and economic impact research has been compiled at KCBallparkDistrict.com.

We’re excited to share the future vision of Royals baseball.

For more images and to learn about the economic impact of a ballpark district in both the East Village and North Kansas City, please visit: https://t.co/Cuz4H6wWD1 pic.twitter.com/KWbomvOo8B

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) August 22, 2023

The franchise plans to build event space, restaurants, bars, affordable housing and more surrounding their new ballpark, wherever it may be.

As for the ballpark options themselves, the designs vary depending on the location. Both are incredibly sleek and modern, though, featuring wide-open concourses, massive jumbotrons and signature center field fountains.

The official relocation website includes an open letter that chairman and CEO John Sherman wrote to the team's community on July 25, following up on a letter he addressed to fans on Nov. 15, 2022.

The Royals initially announced their plans to leave Kauffman Stadium back in the fall of 2021. Their current ballpark in part of the Truman Sports Complex, right across from Arrowhead Stadium roughly 7 miles southeast of Downtown Kansas City.

Kauffman Stadium opened in 1973. It underwent renovations from 2007 to 2009.

The Royals' current lease with Jackson County is set to expire at the end of the 2030 season.

Ownership has committed to contributing over $1 billion to the new stadium and ballpark district. The project is expected to cost upwards of $2 billion, with the rest of the money coming from public funding.

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