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Kansas City moves $1.9B Royals stadium plan another step forward. Here's what's needed next
The plan would fund 60% of the $1.9 billion project with public money, while private sources are expected to cover the rest.
On Thursday, the Kansas City Council voted 11-2 to authorize a $600 million commitment for a new Kansas City Royals stadium and entertainment district at Crown Center.
Public sources will cover 60 percent of the $1.9 billion project, with the Royals financing the remaining 40 percent, advancing a plan delayed after the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs announced their own $3 billion stadium move.
The Royals committed to at least $55 million in community benefits over the lease term, including $5 million to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and $5 million to the city's Housing Gateway Program.
Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman called the vote a "major step forward," while demonstrators inside City Hall shouted "Shame on you" immediately after the decision.
Councilmember Johnathan Duncan voted against the agreement, arguing "we are moving forward on a deal that's incomplete," as the city must still finalize the Tax Increment Financing plan before construction begins.