On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals announced plans for a new baseball stadium at Crown Center, a $1.9 billion project in collaboration with Hallmark Cards. This decision concludes a five-year search for a new home for the team. Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman, alongside Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, revealed that the stadium will not be located in Washington Square Park as previously speculated. Construction is projected to start in 2027, with the Royals committing $800 million to the project. The development is part of a larger $3 billion mixed-use initiative expected to create over 20,000 jobs during its construction phase.

Community responses have varied; while some residents express excitement about the stadium's proximity to public transport, others voice concerns about potential traffic issues and parking shortages. The Missouri Workers Center is advocating for a public vote on financing, arguing that public funds should not bypass democratic processes. Key questions remain regarding the exact financial contributions from the state and the ownership of the stadium. Despite the uncertainties, many fans and players are optimistic about the new location, envisioning it as an enhancement for the Royals and the city.