Royals and Hallmark Reveal New Ballpark Plans

The Kansas City Royals, in collaboration with Hallmark Cards, have unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a new ballpark in downtown Kansas City. This announcement was made on Wednesday, and it marks a significant step towards revitalizing the area around Crown Center.

The proposed ballpark will not only serve as a home for the Royals but will also encompass a mixed-use development that includes reimagined headquarters for both the Royals and Hallmark. Officials estimate that the construction phase alone will generate over 20,000 jobs, showcasing the project's potential economic impact on the region.

With an expected private investment exceeding $2 billion, the development will span 85 acres and feature a park-like central square adorned with fountains. This investment is set to be the largest in Kansas City’s history, reflecting the commitment of both organizations to the city’s growth and development.

Royals CEO and chairman John Sherman emphasized the historical significance of this project, stating, "Our founder Ewing Kauffman wanted the Royals to be Kansas City's forever, and he wanted the team to benefit his hometown as much as possible." He believes that partnering with Hallmark on this project honors that legacy and contributes to the community's future.

The funding for the project will primarily come from the Royals and private investors, supplemented by public funding from the City of Kansas City and Missouri's Show-Me Sports Investment Act. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe expressed his support, stating, "Today's announcement reinforces that the State of Missouri is not just where the Kansas City Royals play, but where they belong."

The collaboration between Sherman and Hallmark Cards executive chairman Don Hall Jr. is rooted in decades of friendship and shared civic engagement. Hall remarked, "When the new Royals stadium opens at Crown Center, something proud will come full circle. The iconic Royals crown that Hallmark created will return to the very neighborhood where it was conceived."

This move downtown is expected to significantly improve the walkability of the Royals' stadium, elevating it from the bottom 10 to the top 10 among Major League Baseball venues. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas highlighted the importance of this public-private partnership, stating, "The public-private partnership between Hallmark, the Royals, Kansas City, and our state ensures we connect our neighborhoods, keeps our downtown vibrant, and maintains big league baseball in our city for generations to come."

As the project progresses, it promises to reshape the landscape of downtown Kansas City, fostering community engagement and economic growth while honoring the rich history of both the Royals and Hallmark.