Podcast: What the Royals said about proposed new ballpark and entertainment district
The Royals conducted the first program on their new stadium/entertainment district “listening tour,” on Tuesday. About 300 came to event held at the Plexpod Westport Commons. A lineup that started with Royals chairman and CEO John Sherman made their pitches for about an hour, then took submitted questions for 45 minutes.
The presentation covered many details, although it was short on certain specifics. Left unanswered about the proposed $2 billion project are the specific breakdown between private and public contributions and a timetable.
Among the revelations: The cost would be split between the ballpark and entertainment district, about $1 billion each. And, according to architectural design firm Populous, the cost to maintain Kauffman Stadium with a new lease would be the same as building a new stadium.
The event hosted by Royals announcer Ryan Lefebvre wasn’t available via broadcast or livestream, so you’ll hear it here on SportsBeat KC. The speaker lineup after Sherman bats leadoff:
- Sarah Tourville, Royals senior vice-president, business operations
- Brooks Sherman, Royals senior vice-president, Chief Operating Officer
- Sarah Dempster, principal, Populous
- Earl Santee, global chair and founder of Populous
- Adam Sachs, Royals vice president and chief legal officer
- Sharita Hutton, Royals senior director, communication
- Cary Hirschstein, partner, HR&A Advisors
- Host: Ryan Lefebvre
Story link:
Private funds will pay for a ‘bulk’ of Royals’ new stadium downtown, Sherman says