Mr. B, Very well researched and reasoned with, as always, smoothly flowing and humorous writing. BIG, much-needed belly laugh on the O'Hearn extension joke. Please tell me you're kidding, however, when calling public transportation supporters perverts.
Absolutely spot-on. It's time to stop tax dollars funding stadiums. Unless, of course, the owners want to transfer ownership of the stadiums to little guys like us. After all, it's our money (in their theory) that paid for it.
Second thought, re: parking and the 40,000 parking spaces inside the downtown loop. I *really* hope the Royals don't pull a Braves move and prohibit gameday parking within a mile (or two) of the shiny new stadium.
Good article Craig. I hate when these billionaires want the little guys to pay for their new stadiums. I have been to the K many times over the years and have loved watching games there. I live 4 hours away and am old enough I will probably never come to a new stadium. If these guys can pay players millions of dollars for players salaries, they can pay for their own stadiums. Thank you for your newsletter.
> The renovations required at The K *to achieve our objectives*
Pretty clear he means the ballpark district. And yeah, I buy that it could cost more than 2 billion to build a successful ballpark district at Truman Sports Complex.
The thing that galls me about all this, is that they want the taxpayers to pay for this with the ultimate goal of making it more expensive to go to a game. That's the whole purpose of this move, to suck even more money out of your pocket.
In my opinion, baseball should be working to expand access to the sport. This is going the wrong way.
I think I just talked myself into opposing this even though I downtown baseball is a nice experience and I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford it.
The one thing not mentioned in the article is that there are some co-owners of the Royals that work in construction or own property downtown. Sherman is an entrepreneur. He wants to make money. Those that invested in the Royals want to make money. The new stadium and baseball district is to line those investors and Sherman's wallet with a continuous influx of cash.
Why build a baseball district and new stadium if the product on the field isn't worth going to see? I usually attend 5-8 games a year since I live 3 hours away. However, due to the terrible managing/coaching and on-field play we only attended three games this year. I'm not going to waste my time and money if ownership isn't going to put a good product out on the field.
I know, I know - the new stadium will bring in more money to help put better teams on the field. I don't believe that. Again, I come back to Sherman and the group that has invested in the Royals are trying to find a way to line their pockets with $$$.
This move has some of the fingerprints from the owner of the Los Angles Rams all over it. A business district around the stadium. Sound familiar? You were right in the article, there is no way Sherman is going to pump a ton of his on money into the project.
Parking and city infrastructure is going to be a huge issue. You can point to other stadiums in the league that have downtown baseball. St. Louis - Busch IV is nice, but you are never in the same parking area each game. It's a roll of the dice. Wrigley - great atmosphere, history. They have the elevated trains/subway. KC has the streetcars, but that will be a joke for the volume of people it will need to handle. Again, there will have to be a ton of investment in infrastructure IF a new stadium is built.
Sherman has eluded to working with the Chiefs. The way I read it last year was - The Royals will move downtown. Kauffman/Royals stadium will be torn down. The Chiefs will then build a new stadium in it's place. Tear down Arrowhead and build their own business district. Although I wonder how things are going to play out now that the state is going to be pumping funds into Arrowhead for the World Cup in 2026. Wouldn't transportation infrastructure be bulked up going to the Truman Complex for the World Cup? If so, then why wouldn't the Royals try to capitalize and build upon it with what they have?
I know, I know - the stadium will be 60 years old. The renovations made Kauffman/Royals stadium much better (wider concourse, outfield experience, scoreboard, ribbon board, bar, HOF) Is it totally up to modern times? Not 100%, but the experience and view of games is incredible. There is hardly a bad seat in the stadium (even up in the nosebleed section).
The one thing that fell through 50 years ago and then again in the 2006 renovation vote for the stadium was a roof. It was supposed to have a rolling roof all those years ago that was to go between Royals Stadium & Arrowhead. It was too costly due to overruns in the early 70's. The voters chose not to in 2006. Had it been approved there would have been more events coming to Kansas City - A final four, a Super Bowl, etc. But it didn't happen. Now I know the argument on this would be that the roof would have benefitted the Chiefs. It would have helped the Royals as well. A retractable roof would ensure there would be no rainout and better control the climate during games. Sadly I doubt that will be even considered.
Bottom line - Sherman has finally stopped tiptoeing around and made it obvious what his plans are. The train is out of the station and he's going to get what he wants even if we don't.
Good article, as always. I love the K. Will always hold a special place in my heart, as this is where I spend hallowed time with my daughters. But I will definitely move with the Royals, I like that it's more centrally located, downtown could really take another huge step forward, as the River Market keeps expanding and a rebirth in Columbus Square...it just seems like an amazing opportunity for the city and its future, how it's perceived nationally which has an impact to luring future businesses and citizens. I'd rather the funding be a private affair, but I'll also be fine if there is public support. The Power and Light District was the booster rocket stage...a new stadium and stadium retail district could provide the final escape velocity. Sure, Sherman's investment skyrockets too...but I don't begrudge a risk taker being rewarded.
Well said, Craig. Of course I would prefer the team stay at the K, but I've been around long enough to know that if a powerful person with lots of money wants something badly enough, they'll probably get it. As someone else mentioned, it will just make it harder financially for a lot of people to attend games, and that is unfortunate.
Mr. B, Very well researched and reasoned with, as always, smoothly flowing and humorous writing. BIG, much-needed belly laugh on the O'Hearn extension joke. Please tell me you're kidding, however, when calling public transportation supporters perverts.
Absolutely spot-on. It's time to stop tax dollars funding stadiums. Unless, of course, the owners want to transfer ownership of the stadiums to little guys like us. After all, it's our money (in their theory) that paid for it.
Second thought, re: parking and the 40,000 parking spaces inside the downtown loop. I *really* hope the Royals don't pull a Braves move and prohibit gameday parking within a mile (or two) of the shiny new stadium.
Good article Craig. I hate when these billionaires want the little guys to pay for their new stadiums. I have been to the K many times over the years and have loved watching games there. I live 4 hours away and am old enough I will probably never come to a new stadium. If these guys can pay players millions of dollars for players salaries, they can pay for their own stadiums. Thank you for your newsletter.
Spot on.
> The renovations required at The K *to achieve our objectives*
Pretty clear he means the ballpark district. And yeah, I buy that it could cost more than 2 billion to build a successful ballpark district at Truman Sports Complex.
The thing that galls me about all this, is that they want the taxpayers to pay for this with the ultimate goal of making it more expensive to go to a game. That's the whole purpose of this move, to suck even more money out of your pocket.
In my opinion, baseball should be working to expand access to the sport. This is going the wrong way.
I think I just talked myself into opposing this even though I downtown baseball is a nice experience and I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford it.
The one thing not mentioned in the article is that there are some co-owners of the Royals that work in construction or own property downtown. Sherman is an entrepreneur. He wants to make money. Those that invested in the Royals want to make money. The new stadium and baseball district is to line those investors and Sherman's wallet with a continuous influx of cash.
Why build a baseball district and new stadium if the product on the field isn't worth going to see? I usually attend 5-8 games a year since I live 3 hours away. However, due to the terrible managing/coaching and on-field play we only attended three games this year. I'm not going to waste my time and money if ownership isn't going to put a good product out on the field.
I know, I know - the new stadium will bring in more money to help put better teams on the field. I don't believe that. Again, I come back to Sherman and the group that has invested in the Royals are trying to find a way to line their pockets with $$$.
This move has some of the fingerprints from the owner of the Los Angles Rams all over it. A business district around the stadium. Sound familiar? You were right in the article, there is no way Sherman is going to pump a ton of his on money into the project.
Parking and city infrastructure is going to be a huge issue. You can point to other stadiums in the league that have downtown baseball. St. Louis - Busch IV is nice, but you are never in the same parking area each game. It's a roll of the dice. Wrigley - great atmosphere, history. They have the elevated trains/subway. KC has the streetcars, but that will be a joke for the volume of people it will need to handle. Again, there will have to be a ton of investment in infrastructure IF a new stadium is built.
Sherman has eluded to working with the Chiefs. The way I read it last year was - The Royals will move downtown. Kauffman/Royals stadium will be torn down. The Chiefs will then build a new stadium in it's place. Tear down Arrowhead and build their own business district. Although I wonder how things are going to play out now that the state is going to be pumping funds into Arrowhead for the World Cup in 2026. Wouldn't transportation infrastructure be bulked up going to the Truman Complex for the World Cup? If so, then why wouldn't the Royals try to capitalize and build upon it with what they have?
I know, I know - the stadium will be 60 years old. The renovations made Kauffman/Royals stadium much better (wider concourse, outfield experience, scoreboard, ribbon board, bar, HOF) Is it totally up to modern times? Not 100%, but the experience and view of games is incredible. There is hardly a bad seat in the stadium (even up in the nosebleed section).
The one thing that fell through 50 years ago and then again in the 2006 renovation vote for the stadium was a roof. It was supposed to have a rolling roof all those years ago that was to go between Royals Stadium & Arrowhead. It was too costly due to overruns in the early 70's. The voters chose not to in 2006. Had it been approved there would have been more events coming to Kansas City - A final four, a Super Bowl, etc. But it didn't happen. Now I know the argument on this would be that the roof would have benefitted the Chiefs. It would have helped the Royals as well. A retractable roof would ensure there would be no rainout and better control the climate during games. Sadly I doubt that will be even considered.
Bottom line - Sherman has finally stopped tiptoeing around and made it obvious what his plans are. The train is out of the station and he's going to get what he wants even if we don't.
https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/cobb-suspend-parking-ban-private-property-near-braves-stadium/o7xPcaZhyvlKmwhxQXR7RN/
It's all about the Benjamins, as Puff Daddy would say.
Good article, as always. I love the K. Will always hold a special place in my heart, as this is where I spend hallowed time with my daughters. But I will definitely move with the Royals, I like that it's more centrally located, downtown could really take another huge step forward, as the River Market keeps expanding and a rebirth in Columbus Square...it just seems like an amazing opportunity for the city and its future, how it's perceived nationally which has an impact to luring future businesses and citizens. I'd rather the funding be a private affair, but I'll also be fine if there is public support. The Power and Light District was the booster rocket stage...a new stadium and stadium retail district could provide the final escape velocity. Sure, Sherman's investment skyrockets too...but I don't begrudge a risk taker being rewarded.
Well said, Craig. Of course I would prefer the team stay at the K, but I've been around long enough to know that if a powerful person with lots of money wants something badly enough, they'll probably get it. As someone else mentioned, it will just make it harder financially for a lot of people to attend games, and that is unfortunate.