The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals have announced their commitment to remain in Jackson County, pending voter approval of a sales tax extension that has historically funded the upkeep of their stadiums.
The teams have a long history of partnership with the county, dating back to the opening of Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums in the early 1970s.
With their current lease set to expire in 2030-31, the teams are planning for the future of their facilities, with the Royals considering a new downtown ballpark and the Chiefs planning renovations to Arrowhead Stadium.
The proposed agreement between the teams and Jackson County would provide over $200 million in new economic benefits to the county over 40 years, alleviate the county’s obligation to pay stadium insurance premiums, and redirect the park tax back to the county.
The Royals would privately fund a new $1 billion ballpark district around their new facility. The teams aim to get the tax on the April ballot, which would clear the way for construction and renovations to begin.
The partnership between the teams and Jackson County has been a remarkable success over the past 50 years, contributing to the region’s growth and momentum.
The proposed framework is a collaborative effort that addresses concerns expressed by local leaders and provides a financial boost to the county and the region for decades to come.