Pros and cons of a downtown ballpark

The Royals ownership group, led by John Sherman, have considered building a new stadium downtown for many years; but now the conversation is coming back up in the local media. The Royals’ current deal with Jackson County runs through the year 2030, and Kauffman Stadium opened in 1973. The ballpark was last renovated in 2009. According to KMBC 9 News, the renovation cost $250 million dollars. The most recent renovation included a Royals Hall of Fame area, expansion of concessions, dining, additional restrooms, children's activities area, retail shops and more. Probably the most notable part of the renovation was the removal of the Sony JumboTron and the addition of a massive video board behind centerfield. While the Royals ownership group is considering building a new ballpark downtown, it's important to remember that Kansas City had a downtown ballpark at one point. Municipal Stadium opened July 3, 1923 and was home to many Kansas City sports teams including the Athletics, Chiefs, Royals and the Monarchs. Municipal Stadium was located in the neighborhood near 18th and Vine. The 18th and Vine district, as many people are aware of in the Kansas City metro, is Kansas City's Jazz District home to many music clubs and the famous American Jazz Museum. Although Kansas City had a downtown ballpark at one point, the Royals ownership group has considered a few locations in the Kansas City area for potential spots to build a new stadium including the Power and Light District, 10th and Cherry and East Village. While there are many advantages of having a downtown ballpark, including the use of the streetcar throughout the downtown area, there are some negatives as well. The biggest downside of building a new stadium downtown would be the impact of taxpayers money. Taxpayers in Jackson County would most likely have to pay more in taxes to help pay for the new ballpark and possibly the price to expand the streetcar as well. The economy is obviously another factor that must be taken into consideration when talking about a possible stadium being built and if the residents of Jackson County are willing to pay the big bucks for the new ballpark or not. Another thing fans need to remember is that John Sherman isn't as rich as David Glass was, and it's not even close. According to wallmine.com, Sherman's net worth is about $24.6 million as of 2022. Mr. Glass's net worth was at $800 million at the time of his death in 2020, according to celebritynetworth.com. I believe the price of tickets is another thing to consider when talking about a new stadium. Only time will tell if the Royals will proceed with the new downtown ballpark idea or not. 

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