Royals and Hallmark unveil downtown ballpark plan at Crown Center

The Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards announced plans to build a new ballpark and mixed-use development at the 85-acre Crown Center site, with expected private investment of about $2 billion and an estimated 20,000-plus construction jobs.

The Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards announced a joint plan to build a new ballpark at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City and to develop surrounding mixed-use space and updated headquarters for both organizations. Officials described the project as driven primarily by private investment, with public funds to supplement. They said the development is meant to keep the Royals in Missouri and to increase downtown walkability. The announcement lifted details such as projected investment size and job estimates but did not specify a construction timeline. Key details: - Planned at the 85-acre Crown Center site in downtown Kansas City. - Officials expect private investment of $2 billion or more for the development. - The project would include a new ballpark, mixed-use development, and reimagined headquarters for the Royals and Hallmark Cards. - The announcement estimated more than 20,000 jobs during the construction phase. - Funding is expected to be led by the Royals and other private investors, supplemented by the City of Kansas City and Missouri's Show-Me Sports Investment Act. - The Royals' lease at Kauffman Stadium ends in 2031. Summary: Officials described the plan as the largest private investment in Kansas City history and framed it as a public-private partnership intended to keep the team in Missouri and support downtown activity. Funding is expected to be led by private investors with public support; the team's lease at Kauffman Stadium runs through 2031. Undetermined at this time.