KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just days after the Kansas City Chiefs announced that the team would be moving across the state line, a local attraction has entered the chat, fighting to keep the Royals on the Missouri side of the metro.
On Saturday night, Union Station took to social media to share “the time has come for downtown baseball.”
Kansas City, Missouri, pivots to focus on KC Royals ballpark
A downtown baseball stadium in Kansas City has been in talks for the last several years.
These conversations all stem from multiple hiccups regarding the Truman Sports Complex and its projected renovation costs, as well as its highly controversial stadium sales tax, which failed to pass in Jackson County last year.
Since then, the Royals have been weighing its options and considering a move to a different part of the city, or even a different state. And now, with the Chiefs having officially announced its plans to move to the Sunflower State, the pressure is on for Missouri and Jackson County lawmakers.
But they aren’t the only ones making noise…
“A downtown ballpark offers something special—an exciting atmosphere that draws together friends, families, and fans in moments of shared joy,” Union Station shared on social media.
“It strengthens community, celebrates teamwork, and reminds us of the simple beauty of the game.”
From the Crossroads to the Northland to the West Bottoms, there have been endless renderings of elaborate urban ballparks designed for the city and the team. But its safe to assume that Union Station may prefer its neighbor, Washington Square Park, as the stadium contender.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has pushed for the city park to be the site of the new stadium — which sits just east of Union Station, at the site of the former headquarters of the Kansas City Blue Cross and Blue Shield building.
Since the summer of 2024, the building and its surrounding parking went under contract, fell out and was placed under contract again by two development groups. This happened at the same time the city began pushing for a potential downtown ballpark.
The 6.14-acre site is currently owned by Wichita-based Crain Co. and is the larger of two primary properties composing the Washington Square Park stadium site. The city’s adjacent 5-acre park is the other big piece.
A rendering of a Royals Stadium from 2024 at Washington Square Park near Union Station in downtown Kansas City.
Mayor Quinton Lucas said Washington Square Park is one of the areas being considered for a new Royals baseball stadium site.
The former Blue KC headquarters sits on a proposed site for a Kansas City Royals stadium in Washington Square Park.
Kansas City Chiefs will leave Missouri for new stadium in Kansas
Now, with the Chiefs decision looming over the heads of Missouri and Jackson County lawmakers, and the Royals having made very few comments about their stadium status, Union Station is lighting up blue for the team to, in its own words, serve as a “powerful symbol of a truly generational opportunity rooted in both history and hope.”
The attraction said, “We believe that the time has come for downtown baseball, and a return to where the story first began… in the heart of Kansas City, where we gather to celebrate its triumphs, traditions, and most cherished moments.”
“So, we look ahead with clarity and optimism. We see an opportunity to bring baseball’s legends, legacy, and love back to the place where it all began,” Union Station added.
“It’s time to welcome downtown baseball home—once again, for all of Kansas City.”
FOX4 reached out to the Royals for comment on Wednesday in the hopes of hearing any update about its plans, but the team has not responded.
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