Kansas City’s on the move. Yes on Question 1 for our stadiums keeps the momentum going | Opinion

Kansas City is on the move, one of the fastest growing, most affordable American cities. A primary reason for this success is our incredible sports teams, which drive significant tourism, business growth and employment that ultimately benefit our residents, schools, and communities.

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Jackson County, where the convergence of sports and economic development presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Kansas City sports is in a golden era: three Super Bowl wins and a World Series champion in a decade, plus the first stadium ever built for a professional women’s team. Keeping the teams in Jackson County attracts fans and businesses, allowing us to continue competing with other sports cities for World Cup games, investment and growth.

On April 2, Jackson County residents must decide whether to continue the decadeslong partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals — or put it all at risk. As leaders who are invested in the prosperity and vibrancy of Jackson County, we urge a yes vote on Question 1 to keep this incredible momentum going.

Kansas City has faced tough questions like this before, and backing past initiatives has more than paid off — whether it’s the previous sales tax to sustain the Truman Sports Complex, building a 21st-century terminal at Kansas City International Airport or supporting the T-Mobile Center — one of the most successful non-sports arenas in the country. We are the second-smallest city with both an NFL team and a Major League Baseball team, and we want to keep it that way.

Voting yes would not only secure the future of our beloved Chiefs and Royals in Jackson County, but it would also be a vote to invest in the future, igniting a new wave of connectivity and economic growth, benefiting every corner of our community. A yes vote would mean our children and grandchildren will enjoy the thrill of making memories watching our teams continue to play in Jackson County.

This is not a new tax — it would simply keep the same level of tax support for the stadiums already in place today. The economic ramifications of Question 1 cannot be overstated. Voting yes would free up $200 million for the county, because the teams would cover stadium insurance premiums, and the levy funding would be restored, benefiting Jackson County parks. Additionally, more than $1.3 billion of private investment for these projects demonstrates the teams’ commitment to Jackson County.

It is more than economics. The downtown ballpark represents an opportunity to enhance community engagement. By expanding the Interstate 670 cap and developing the surrounding area, we can better link the 18th & Vine District, the Crossroads, the Power & Light District and other areas. This integration would foster greater unity among a diverse community of residents. Baseball fans coming downtown 81 times a year means more activity — and revenue — for small businesses there, while increasing flexibility for special events such as concerts at Arrowhead Stadium.

We understand that renovating Arrowhead and building a new downtown ballpark may seem too bold, or without broadly shared benefits. Neither of these ideas is correct. We are sowing the seeds for sustained prosperity that would benefit Jackson County and beyond. This is more than renovating and building stadiums. It’s about investing in our community’s future.

The Chiefs and Royals are not simply teams. They are at the heart of Kansas City’s identity and pride. They support our community, and we need to do the same, because the Royals won’t play at The K after 2031 and we must keep the Chiefs in Jackson County.

We must seize this opportunity to shape our future. Voting yes on Question 1 ensures that the Chiefs and Royals remain in Jackson County, stimulates economic growth, and creates a more connected and vibrant community for future generations.

Bob Kendrick is president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Kathy Nelson is president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. Joe Reardon is president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.

This story was originally published March 10, 2024 at 5:06 AM.