Union Station urges Royals to play in downtown Kansas City

Nearly everyone around Kansas City seems to have an opinion about the Chiefs’ deal with the state of Kansas to build a new stadium in Wyandotte County.

Whether it’s the state-line dispute among fans or the details of the agreement, there have been many passionate responses.

The Chiefs will be leaving the Truman Sports Complex no later than 2031 and most likely won’t have the Royals as a neighbor.

“Proud to be your next-door neighbor for 52 years,” the Royals wrote in an X post. “Proud to be part of the Kingdom into the future.”

So … what’s next for the Royals, who will be leaving Kauffman Stadium in a few years? There has been talk of building a new stadium in North Kansas City, downtown or possibly Johnson County.

Union Station was alit in blue on Saturday night in honor of the Royals. And the Union Station social-media team shared a photo and made an impassioned case for the Royals moving to a downtown stadium.

“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,” it wrote on X. “At this moment, Union Station glows in Royals blue, serving as a powerful symbol of a truly generational opportunity rooted in both history and hope.

“Long before today, however, teams and ballparks — some now remembered only in name — laid the foundation for baseball in our historic core. Included are the Unions at Athletic Park in 1884. The Kansas City Cowboys at League Park in 1886. The Royal Giants at Shelley Park in 1910. The Packers at Gordon & Koppel Field beginning in 1913. The Kansas City Blues at Association Park in the early 1920s, before moving in 1923 — along with the Monarchs — to what would eventually be called Municipal Stadium. In 1955, the Athletics started playing in a nearly entirely rebuilt Municipal Stadium, followed by the Royals in 1969 before their move to Royals Stadium in 1973.

“Now, a new chapter in Kansas City’s baseball story is ready to unfold. Included is a sincere expression of gratitude for the visionaries and leaders who brought us here — from the enduring legacy of Ewing Kauffman to today’s Royals ownership, led by John Sherman.

“The restoration and reopening of Union Station 25 years ago — made possible by the shared commitment of citizens on both sides of the state line — marked a turning point for our city. Since then, our downtown has been reimagined and revitalized, earning recognition across the nation and beyond. We are vital and vibrant and not turning back.

“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.

“A downtown ballpark offers something special — an exciting atmosphere that draws together friends, families, and fans in moments of shared joy. It strengthens community, celebrates teamwork, and reminds us of the simple beauty of the game.

“It’s time to welcome downtown baseball home — once again, for all of Kansas City.”

This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 9:50 AM.