A struck-out potential site for the future Royals stadium is back up for another pitch.
We told you about the final two options decided on by the team — one in East Village and one in North Kansas City — but now a third option dismissed earlier this year is being reconsidered. For your consideration: a downtown ballpark at the former KC Star pavilion.
Get up to speed
Back in August, the Royals announced that they had narrowed down their search for a new stadium in or near downtown to two options:
Option 1: North Kansas City
- Pro: More space in the 90-acre development
- Con: Not technically downtown
Option 2: East Village
- Pro: Pedestrian access from The Paseo and streetcar line
- Con: Tighter quarters with 27 acres near the Jackson County Courthouse
Based on 700+ replies, our readers preferred the East Village ballpark. The Royals announced that they would decide by the end of September.
Option 3: KC Star pavilion
Located at 1601 McGee St., this site sits on top of I-670, is catty-corner from the T-Mobile Center, and would occupy a lot currently housing the Kansas City Star press pavilion that was vacated in 2021.
One advantage of this location is that it would forgo the planned ballpark village, which would bring the development’s price tag to $1 billion.
That’s because with Power & Light and the Crossroads both just a block away, there’s plenty of village already.
Fast facts about the KC Star pavilion option:
- Directly between Power & Light and the Crossroads
- A smaller development, about four square blocks
- No ballpark village means a cheaper build
If the Royals want the ballpark to make the April 2024 ballot, they will need to decide by mid-January.
