Questions surrounding proposed Royals stadium left unanswered after meeting ends with disruptions

KMBC 9 News Reporter

After a Monday night public meeting centered on the proposed Royals stadium concluded unexpectedly early, many audience questions remain unanswered about the $3 billion project, which includes the stadium and construction of an adjacent entertainment district.

The meeting ended after about an hour due to consistent and loud interruptions by a small group of audience members who shouted phrases such as, “Let us vote!” and “Why do you need our tax dollars?”

Brooks Sherman, director of Royals Real Estate and Development; representatives of Crown Center and traffic engineers from Populous and Kimley-Horn explained parts of a proposed rezoning plan that would expand the current Urban Redevelopment (UR) boundaries in and around Crown Center.

Initial rezoning plans were filed with the city on June 29, 2026, under the case ID CD-CPC-2026-00100.

Transportation and other project plans can be found here:

Public concern at the meeting largely centered on traffic and construction issues, as well as funding sources and whether Missouri taxpayers will have to share some of the financial burden.

The Royals organization and private investors will foot nearly $2 billion of the project, with about $600 million being committed by the city of Kansas City through tax increment financing.

Millions more may come from the state of Missouri due to the passage of the “Show Me Sports Investment Act,” which passed in the last legislative session. It can be found here.

It is unclear at this time if any additional costs will be passed onto Missouri taxpayers.
Public comment and questions will be heard on Aug. 5 before the City Planning Commission from 9 a.m. to noon.

Neighbors in the area surrounding Crown Center have started an informational group to share information about this massive project. The public can send an email to royalsneighborhood@gmail.com to receive project updates.