The Kansas City Royals have officially unveiled their plan to build a new baseball stadium in the heart of downtown Kansas City, in the Crown Center area. The stadium project is estimated to cost $1.9 billion and is part of a larger mixed-use development valued at around $3 billion. The team is partnering with Hallmark Cards to transform 85 acres into a vibrant baseball district that will include shops, restaurants, and new corporate offices.

The stadium financing will be a public-private partnership. The city of Kansas City will contribute $600 million through bonds and tax increment financing. The Royals and private partners will provide at least $800 million, with expected additional support from the state of Missouri through the “Show-Me Sports Investment Act.” Roughly two-thirds of the project will come from private sources and one-third from public funds.

The new stadium will be located in Crown Center, a commercial and entertainment district managed by Hallmark Cards. Hallmark will also relocate and upgrade its corporate headquarters as part of the plan. The development includes a central plaza with fountains, more than 9,000 existing parking spaces, and direct connection to the city’s streetcar system. It is projected to create over 20,000 jobs during the construction phase alone.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with an opening target for the 2030 MLB season. This timeline aligns with the end of the current lease at Kauffman Stadium. The new venue will keep the Royals in Missouri and in the center of Kansas City, moving away from the current Truman Sports Complex location.

This announcement marks a major milestone for urban development in Kansas City. It combines a modern stadium with an ambitious downtown revitalization project aimed at boosting tourism and the local economy without raising general taxes. The Royals and Hallmark describe it as a world-class project for a professional sports team.