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Royals, Hallmark Unveil $3B Crown Center Stadium, 20k Jobs

4/24/2026

Summary

Royals, Hallmark Build Stadium

Royals and Hallmark announced a $3 billion stadium at Crown Center on an 85-acre mixed-use site.
Private investors, Kansas City, and Missouri together will supply $2 billion, $600 million, and additional funds under the Show-Me Sports Investment Act.
Groundbreaking is set for 2027 with opening slated for Opening Day 2030, creating over 20,000 construction jobs.
Hallmark will move its headquarters into the development.
Governor Mike Kehoe and Mayor Quinton Lucas supported the partnership.

Summary

Hallmark Displaced

Hallmark will be the only business displaced, with its headquarters demolished while it retains ownership of the 85-acre site.
The footprint will include the Hallmark office building and adjacent structures.
The Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic church is expected to remain, possibly taller than the ballpark.
Crown Center attractions like the Kaleidoscope art center, Sea Life aquarium and Legoland have no confirmed future, though developers say plans are being developed.

Summary

Jackson County Plans

Voters rejected a sales tax for the Royals and Chiefs in 2024, prompting new financing searches.
Interim Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said he is proud the Royals will stay and would support a community benefits agreement if the stadium moves downtown.
Jackson County formed a 15-member task force with a 90-day deadline to draft a Truman Sports Complex redevelopment plan, aiming for an August or September proposal.

History

Historical Context

In 2021, Missouri passed the Show-Me Sports Investment Act, allocating $2 billion for sports infrastructure, including a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals, projected to create over 20,000 construction jobs. This initiative mirrors past urban revitalization efforts, such as the 2006 renovation of the Kansas City Power and Light District, highlighting a trend in public-private partnerships aimed at boosting local economies.

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Royals, Hallmark Build Stadium

Royals and Hallmark announced a $3 billion stadium at Crown Center on an 85-acre mixed-use site.
Private investors, Kansas City, and Missouri together will supply $2 billion, $600 million, and additional funds under the Show-Me Sports Investment Act.
Groundbreaking is set for 2027 with opening slated for Opening Day 2030, creating over 20,000 construction jobs.
Hallmark will move its headquarters into the development.
Governor Mike Kehoe and Mayor Quinton Lucas supported the partnership.

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