Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman gives new details on stadium timeline, location

There are more than a few Royals fans around Kansas City who would like to see the team improve on the field before talking about building a new stadium.

The Royals are moving forward with plans to build a new ballpark district in one of two sites: downtown Kansas City or Clay County, and on Tuesday CEO and chairman John Sherman shared an update on those plans.

In an open letter to fans released by the team, Sherman wrote that “detailed renderings and many other components” about the project will be released in the next 30 days. That will include what the Royals see as the benefits of the two sites being considered for a new ballpark.

After that, the team will pick a site.

“We are committed to doing this right,” Sherman wrote. “This is a huge decision for us. We’re focused on playing the long game for the region we call home. In late September, we plan to announce which site will best fulfill our pledge to Kansas City to create 1) powerful community impact, 2) generate sustainable economic activity in the county, city, and state, and 3) greater opportunity for the citizens of our region.”

In the letter, Sherman wrote about 2026 World Cup plans and the NFL Draft, which was held in April. He also noted the changes around Kansas City: the new airport terminal, work on an expanded streetcar line and the Current’s new stadium, which is under construction.

“We want to help drive that momentum,” Sherman wrote.

The Royals have previously said the ballpark project will cost $2 billion. In the letter, Sherman shared his financial projections for the ballpark district. He believes the project will create more than 20,000 jobs, $1.4 billion in labor income and $2.8 billion in total economic output from construction and labor income.

Sherman estimates it will take three years to complete the project, and wrote “the inaugural year of the new ballpark is expected to generate some $185 million more in regional economic output than The K does today.”

However, there are some who dispute that proposed economic impact.

Some city leaders have also expressed frustration about the lack of details regarding the project, though the Royals have said they’re working as quickly as possible.

About the Royals’ struggles

Sherman also acknowledged the Royals’ 29-73 record, which is the second-worst in Major League Baseball.

The Royals are trending towards a franchise-worst record as well. The 2023 squad is on pace to surpass the 2005 Royals, who went 56-106. This season, KC ranks 29th in runs scored (379) and 28th with a 5.23 team ERA.

Several prospects have made their MLB debuts this season. The Royals hope to see continued development from players such as Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Maikel Garcia and Daniel Lynch among others. They are considered the team’s projected core long term.

“I know we’re not at all where we want to be on the field; I’m here every night, and I feel that pain alongside our team, our fans, and our community,” Sherman wrote. “And I get that it isn’t going to feel better until it gets better. But rest assured that we’re intensely committed to restoring the Royals to their rightful place in Major League Baseball, and we will do what’s necessary to see that through. We’re just getting started here.”

Here is Sherman’s letter.

The Star’s Jaylon Thompson also contributed to this report.