Posted on Jun 20
Kansas legislators approve plan to lure Chiefs and Royals with new stadiums, sparking controversy.
u/alex •
KANSAS CITY, MO - In a bold move that could reshape the sports landscape of the city, Kansas legislators have approved a plan to entice both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals away from Missouri. The plan involves financing new stadiums and practice facilities on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area, potentially sparking a heated battle over the future of these beloved franchises. The approval comes after voters on the Missouri side rejected a local sales tax that was used to maintain the existing stadiums.
The legislative decision to finance new facilities on the Kansas side has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and civic leaders alike. For the Chiefs, who have celebrated three Super Bowl victories in just five years, this move showcases their status as a celebrated civic asset. The lease for the current stadiums, situated side by side in Missouri, is set to run through January 2031. However, the lure of new state-of-the-art facilities may entice the teams to consider relocating across state lines.
Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas acknowledged that the approval of the plan was largely driven by leverage. He emphasized that the teams now find themselves in an exceptional position of power, with multiple options on the table.
Under the approved plan, state bonds will be utilized to help finance the construction of the new stadiums and practice facilities. While the Chiefs are expected to invest between $500 million to $700 million in private funds for their new stadium, the magnitude of government subsidies for professional sports stadiums has drawn criticism from economists and skeptics. They argue that such subsidies may not be worth the cost to taxpayers.
State Representative Susan Ruiz, a Democrat from the Kansas City area, expressed concerns about the motivations behind the teams' potential relocation, stating, "I think the Chiefs and the Royals are using us." However, the plan received bipartisan support from legislative supermajorities, indicating a widespread belief in the potential economic benefits of attracting these sports franchises to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area.
While the approval of the plan signals an exciting development for Kansas City sports fans, cautionary voices have also emerged. House Commerce Committee Chair Sean Tarwater, a Republican representing the Kansas City area, emphasized that there are no blank checks when it comes to financing the new facilities. The legislators will undoubtedly be focused on ensuring that any financial agreements strike a fair balance between public investment and private contributions.
State Representative Jason Probst, a Democrat from central Kansas, reflected on the swift resolution of problems when they revolve around wealth and business, raising questions about the priorities guiding such decisions. In contrast, State Senator Molly Baumgardner, a Republican from the Kansas City area, alluded to the excitement and optimism surrounding the potential move with her remark, "There are visions of sugar plums..."
As the city awaits further developments, the battle for the future of the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals intensifies. The decision to approve the plan to lure these sports franchises across state lines sets the stage for what could be a defining moment in the city's sports history.
(Quotes sourced from various news reports)