On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards announced a partnership to develop a new ballpark at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This ambitious project is projected to cost over $2 billion, marking the largest investment in the city's history. The development will not only include the ballpark but also mixed-use spaces and reimagined headquarters for both organizations, creating more than 20,000 jobs during the construction phase. Royals CEO John Sherman emphasized the project's alignment with the legacy of the team's founder, Ewing Kauffman, who aimed for the Royals to benefit Kansas City. The funding will primarily come from private investments, supplemented by public funding through the City of Kansas City and Missouri's Show-Me Sports Investment Act. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas highlighted the importance of this public-private partnership in enhancing the vibrancy of downtown and ensuring the future of Major League Baseball in the city. The Royals' relocation downtown is expected to significantly improve their walkability ranking among MLB stadiums.