LET'S DO THIS.
Washington Square Park is the best place for a new stadium.
Show your support by sharing on social media, emailing your elected officials, and contacting the community relations at the team.
email the team:
"From an urbanist's perspective, it's the full package."
Bradford Doolittle | ESPN
"What Royals' ballpark drama can teach us about MLB's future"
August 25, 2025
Excerpted and condensed from ESPN Magazine: (You can read the full article here.)
From the start, John Sherman cited "downtown baseball" as a possible outcome of the Royals' stadium search. He told reporters, "Wherever we play, the process will result in meaningful community impact that's real and measurable and result in economic growth and economic activity that benefits this region. The other criteria is that we have a positive impact on the quality of life for the citizens in Kansas City, with a particular focus on those underrepresented parts of our community."
While the challenges of the Royals' quest have kept pretty much every vacant lot in the Kansas City metro area in play, Sherman's initial thoughts express an urbanist perspective. This is nothing new. Baseball and urbanism -- or the rejection of it -- have always gone hand in hand.
"All roads lead to downtown," said Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, who advocates for a downtown venue. "And frankly, they're all roads that can get you out of downtown efficiently after a game."
Presumably, the Royals still have multiple possible downtown locations under consideration, but lately the buzz has been around Washington Square Park. From an urbanist's perspective, it's the full package.
Washington Square Park sits on the southern edge of the Crossroads Arts District, across the street from the Crown Center to the south and Union Station to the west. Main Street would run along the west edge of the park and features an expanding streetcar line. Amtrak rolls into and out of Union Station across the street. It's likely that a move to the Crossroads would eventually put the Royals in the upper third of urban-centric parks.
"We want the place to be active 365 days a year because we want the retail and the food and beverage to be successful year-round, not just when we're in town," Brooks Sherman said. "The way you do that is the density."
Crossroads advocates have gone to great lengths to make the case that there is ample parking near the site, and that's important. Still, the nature of the mixed-use baseball development should inherently ease parking concerns. With things to do around the ballpark, people come and go at different times, and anyone for whom transit is a better option than driving will use transit. This would not be an option in the suburbs in most markets, and certainly not in the Kansas City region as things currently stand.
The footprint of the potential ballpark works well enough, but the site is constrained by the constraints of the street grid. Analysis done by Washington Square Park proponents shows the site is as big as or bigger than the footprint of several current venues, but a Crossroads-located park might feature a fairly short porch to right field. That might be fun for Vinnie Pasquantino.
The Royals are targeting a somewhat smaller capacity than The K, around 34,000, and a potential venue here could have much of the intimacy of the classic parks -- including rooftop views from adjacent buildings. The site represents a design challenge, but Kansas City -- as the world's sports architecture mecca -- has a home-field advantage in that regard. The outcome could be dazzling.
"It fits like a catcher's mitt," said architect Steve McDowell, principal at BNIM, who put together the renderings for the Washington Square Park site. "You can just kind of drop it in there so gently, which gives fantastic views downtown, to the north and all around, really."
Teams like the Royals want their park to accelerate the progress of an improving downtown, not become a bubble within it, which is what has arguably happened in places such as St. Louis.
"While it might be a uniquely designed footprint, that also might give it a sense of character, like it's been here forever," said Brett Posten, co-founder of Highline Partners, a Crossroads-based strategic branding consultancy. Posten co-created the Washington Square Park website and has worked to catalyze community support around the effort. "Fenway is weird, and it's great. There's just cool stuff that happens in weird baseball, so we have the opportunity to create something with a little bit of character."
This approach, if the Royals seek it, could become the next aspirational model in ballpark projects. It's The Battery but in a city, not the imitation of one. Much of this takes some imagination, but whoever got anywhere without a little of that?
CONCEPTUAL RENDERINGS
WHY WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK?
When the Kansas City Royals won the World Series in 2015, the city celebrated at Union Station and Washington Square Park. Since then, the location has hosted multiple Super Bowl celebrations and was the shining star of the NFL Draft. With its magical connection to victories, a group of Downtown Business owners envision an even greater civic win: a downtown home for the Royals.
In January 2024, independent of the Royals, the City and County, a team of real estate developers, architects, real estate brokers, attorneys and PR professionals to conduct a deep investigation to see if Washington Square Park could achieve the goals of both community and Royals. This team includes 3D Development, BNIM Architects, Cushman & Wakefield, Withers Brant and Highline Partners.
To achieve both community and team goals, the site must:
- Benefit local businesses across the largest footprint possible
- Deliver significant cost savings across the board
- Have both abundant parking and easy access via public transportation
- Be welcoming to families as a safe and fun destination
“We didn’t believe that the vote was the end of the story,” said Vince Bryant, CEO of 3D Development. “As Crossroads businesses, we understood the concerns of our neighbors, but we also believed in the Royals’ desire to create something transformational for the city. After months of due diligence, which included sharing it quietly with our neighbors, we feel confident that this is a great home for the Royals.”
“It didn’t take long to see that this is the right site for the Royals and the people of Kansas City,” says Steve McDowell, Principal BNIM. “For more than 50 years, we’ve worked in the Union Station District and a new ballpark here would leverage so many existing public and private assets. Even more, it connects to a civic tradition of what began two-miles east at the historic Municipal Stadium. This is the last piece of the puzzle in finishing the heart of the city.”
SITE HIGHLIGHTS
Click to download these graphics so you can post via your own channels to share your support of downtown baseball at Washington Square Park.
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Zero business displacements, 1 building demolition (2301 Main building being vacated in 2025)
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A single willing seller at 2301 Main completes the assembly of land required for the ballpark site
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Ample ancillary development opportunities surrounding the site
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Over 17 acres of empty parking lots within a 2-block radius of the site
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Surrounded by existing class-A real estate
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10.5 million SF of office
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3,000 residential units
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1,770 hotel rooms
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150 retailers
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Abundant access points whether fans walk, drive, ride or bike
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A proven location for Kansas City’s biggest outdoor events
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9 interstate connections within a 5 minute drive and a convergence of 8 four-lane roadways surround the park
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More than 20,000 parking stalls within a 4-block radius
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2,500 people per hour delivered by KC Streetcar (Located at the mid-point, 15-min to each end)
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Future commuter & regional rail service direct to Union Station
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Best distribution of benefit in all directions
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New stadium would sit directly on the ever-growing KC Streetcar Line, connecting our largest public investments, from the Riverfront through the new South Loop Project (I-670 Lid) to Union Station, Penn Valley Park and the Country Club Plaza.
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Walking distance to hundreds of existing local retail/restaurant/bar establishments as well as Power and Light District.
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Surrounded by Large-scale Attractions
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Significant Architecture: Union Station, Crown Center, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, Penn Valley Park, Western Auto Building, Freight House Restaurants, and Pennway Point
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Complementary to other family-friendly attractions: Sea Life Aquarium, Science City, Lego Land, Kaleidoscope, Crown Center Fountains & Ice Terrace, KC Wheel, Coterie Theatre, KC Ballet, National WWI Museum and Memorial, and more
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Placed just outside of the Crossroads Art's District but prominently featured as an investment in our Downtown Community
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Skyline views from within and around the stadium and surrounding grounds
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Reinforces the City’s National Reputation
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As host to the NFL Draft, and the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival, the site has proven to be one of the city’s most iconic backdrops.
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With downtown as the backdrop, aerial coverage will show off the City in a way that supersedes any other potential location and spur even more national interest and outside investment
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Voters rejected plans for a ballpark in the East Crossroads, but that doesn't mean we've struck out. In what could be the biggest transformative project our city will see in the next generation, it's time to embrace this opportunity as a downtown neighborhood.
We're collecting pledges from businesses, residents, and fans of a strong Downtown community to show the Royals that Downtown wants to play ball!
WE SUPPORT DOWNTOWN BASEBALL
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Additional Support
"Crossroads Hotel would be proud to support a proposal to consider Washington Square Park as the future site for the Kansas City Royals’ new downtown stadium. As a longstanding business in the burgeoning Crossroads neighborhood, we would embrace a vision that provides a more taxpayer-friendly option involving no displacement of local businesses while improving the economy of downtown Kansas City.
A thoughtful proposal would align well with Aparium Hotel Group’s founding mission to uplift the communities where our properties are located. It would also be consistent with Crossroads Hotel’s commitment to being a cultural and economic catalyst, supporting the ongoing revitalization of the vibrant Crossroads district in Kansas City."
-Mario Tricoci – Aparium Hotel Group – Crossroads Hotel
“Downtown baseball is good for downtown, and what’s good for downtown is good for all of Kansas City. Downtown represents only 2% of the City’s land area, but it generates roughly 25% of the City’s earnings tax revenue. That money flows out to all parts of the city: the East side, South KC, the West side, and the Northland. It benefits everyone.
If we want a healthy city, we need a strong downtown. And nothing - nothing - would strengthen downtown more than a Major League Baseball stadium. This is our generation’s chance to really move the needle on Kansas City’s vitality. I hope we’ll make the most of this incredible opportunity.”
-Gib Kerr, Vice Chair of the Downtown Council
“A downtown baseball park is a generational investment that will catalyze growth in our urban core, and activate many of the assets where we have already made regional investments like the Riverfront, Midtown and The Country Club Plaza. Whether you work or live downtown or not, the entire region benefits from downtown baseball. Let’s continue to make the River-Crown-Plaza a priority, and bring baseball downtown. No plan is perfect, but I know we are a better region with downtown baseball.”
-Nicholas Grünauer, Owner, Grünauer Restaurant
"I think the Washington Square Park site has great potential and believe in the benefit of Downtown Baseball as a community asset both for individuals, families, and as an economic driver for our businesses. While I don't have all the facts because it is a work in progress, I strongly support further investigation of the site and continued development of a plan."
-Suzie Aron, President + Broker, Aron Real Estate & Founding Member + Past President, Crossroads Community Association
"I have viewed the prospective site for over 30 years from my office at Kessinger Hunter, and as a season ticket owner since day 1 (when the team was the Athletics!) I truly believe the location and all the surrounding amenities assures me that this site is a REAL WINNER!"
- Chuck Hunter, Principal, Kessinger Hunter
"I'm really excited about this new home for the KC Royals Stadium! It is an everybody wins location for KC, Jackson County, the Royals, the Fans and the surrounding community.
Well Done! It's brilliant! Excellent highway accessibility, parking options, and connectivity to the Streetcar, the Crossroads and Crown Center. And it's on KC's Grand Blvd. To say it simply, I'd call it a Home Run!"
-Matt Abbot, Owner, Abbot Properties
"This site’s connection to existing infrastructure, transportation, and parking—all with zero displacement of existing businesses at a fraction of the land cost of Crossroads—is a 10 out of 10. When can I reserve my seats?"
-Brad Nicholson, Downtown Pioneer
"Love this site! We can see so much design potential here and agree with the sentiment that it has become a community gathering destination synonymous with victory. We fully support the Royals in its stadium efforts and this site should be a strong consideration."
-Thomas Proebstle, AIA, Co-Founder, Generator Studio
“Washington Park is the “bullseye site” for the new Royals stadium. Accessed by interstates from every direction, the site is adjacent to the streetcar line linking the Plaza, The Crossroads, and CBD, and points clear north to Berkley Riverfront and the KC Current’s CPKC Stadium. With synergistic linkage to thousands of parking spots, Crown Center, CBD and Crossroads hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues are all nearby. Adding the Royals’ stadium to this location is a classic real estate 2+2=5.”
-Whitney E. Kerr, Sr., Chairman of the KCMO Planning Commission 1991-1998
"This alternate site solves nearly all of the issues I had with the East Crossroads proposal: Better transit access, fewer displaces businesses, and -- most importantly -- a position alongside other institutional properties (Union Station, Crown Center) rather than an arts district. Kudos!"
-David Johnson, Neighborhood & Transit Advocate
"The proposed stadium development in Washington Square Park is an intriguing possibility. Enhancing economic opportunities in this area would provide benefits to residents and businesses, particularly given that nearly 80% of visitors to the National WWI Museum and Memorial come from out of town, often for sporting events. Integrating the museum more closely with potential new attractions holds promise to serve more people visiting Kansas City."
-Matthew Naylor, President and CEO, National WWI Museum and Memorial
“We are excited about the prospect of a downtown baseball stadium and having the Kansas City Royals as our neighbor. We would love to raise a glass in our Beer Hall with our shared fans before and after games.”
-Seraf De Smedt, President, Boulevard Brewing Company
"This is an inflection point of the future of our City. The status quo may comfortable, but cities either shrink, get stagnant or thrive. Downtown Baseball will be that catalyst for our City. This is a grassroots efforts that started by stakeholders. They heard the concerns of opposition that focused on the proposed location, and found the solution, the ideal location deserving of community support. Not only is the site located on the streetcar, it can bring fans on heavy rail from Lees Summit and Independence into Union Station. We need all stakeholders to be loud, be prideful and...Believe in Downtown Baseball."
-Chris Sally, Iconic Development
"In the last 30 plus years, there has been an overwhelming demand for new MLB stadiums to be built in a city's central core. These downtown investments bring additional energy to existing community assets and attractions, further strengthening the heart of these cities. Aggregating these activities where infrastructure can support them is a primary key to their success."
-Vincent Gauthier, Founder of AuthentictyCity
“I am a longtime supporter of downtown, and downtown baseball. Many small and large businesses have committed to a vibrant and thriving downtown in Kansas City Missouri. Hallmark being a leader some 50 years ago. As a 30-year downtown business, I have experienced both lean times and good times. The Baseball Stadium at Washington Square Park will solidify these commitments from local businesses, without negative impact on any small business. The site addresses parking, connectivity and will provide a great foundation for Union Station, the Crossroads and the streetcar for years to come”.
-Butch Rigby, Owner, Screenland® Real Estate Services
"As an East Crossroads business owner, I had significant reservations about the ballpark proposal presented last Spring. The Washington Park location alleviates my key concerns. I like the fact that no businesses or residents will be displaced, that the location will activate a vacant office building and parking lot while creating synergy with Crown Center and Union Station, that there parking readily available nearby, and that the streetcar would provide direct access to the site for people coming from the River Market to UMKC."
-Elizabeth Rosin, Senior Vice President, Business Strategy, Heritage Consulting Group
COMMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE WEBSITE:
"This location is the perfect place for the new Royals stadium. If the new stadium isn't located downtown, it should not move at all. Modern new stadiums are all located in prime downtown locations within their cities. This new stadium would have a view of downtown, have rail car transportation, be close to power and light district, and wouldn't displace any current businesses. I have no idea what is taking so long for the Missouri side to realize this. This is the only option."
- James M.
"I support downtown baseball!!!"
- Larry C.
"Everyone knows how important location is for any venture. The Kansas City Royals could not find a better location than Washington Square Park. It is at the fulcrum of activity in this region. There is no more important location. Period."
-Dan C.
"I do support the notion of a downtown ballpark, and the Washington Square Park location seems to be an option worth developing further."
- Doug S.
"Great spot for a new KC Royals baseball stadium. I like the idea of having a major league baseball stadium in the heart of downtown KC."
- William S.
"If you do this, you should keep a fountain. It's so iconic for "Fountain City." I'm not sure how hard it would be, but I could see that right field wall on Grand being turned into a fountain wall."
- Kevin E.
"Yes!!! Love this idea. Brilliant. Pls do it."
- Mitch S.
"What a great Idea. I'm a retired engineer who worked on the downtown highways when Bartle and the arena were built. Best plan I have seen yet."
- Steven H.
"I live in Midtown, worked in the Sun Life bldg for 35 years, and voted absolutely not on the 1st plan. My initial reaction upon hearing the Washington Square Park proposal (expecting to see the same set of issues) was "Oh, hell no - put the damn stadium in the East Village." But this was an excellent presentation on the considerations behind the choice of the Park and I've come around from a hard no to maybe this is OK."
- Valerie A.
"Washington Park is a good idea. "
- Cheryl B.
"I’m a big baseball fan that has visited numerous parks. In 2021 I came to KC to see the Royals at Kaufmann. It’s a beautiful stadium with a great history but I think baseball is an urban sport and the closer you can be to the downtown core the better. I’ll be cheering on this effort. It looks like best location for now."
- J.P.
"I’ve lived downtown for almost 20 years and I think it’s the missing piece of the puzzle.
Impressive idea! Thank you for developing this. Please consider creating easier & faster access to I-35. Maybe you put a new road or tunnel between I-35 and Oak Street, using railway land or having it elevated over the trains. The new road could have access to Union Station parking, CrossRoads parking, Stadium parking, and Crown Center parking, with non stop access to I-35. Please look into it."
- Steve M.
"The best day to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best day is today. The time is now. Let's make this happen KC!"
- Roger S.
"WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL,WONDERFUL!!!"
- Vicki S.
Individual Supporters
Herman Weist
Leonard Popplewell
Mark Spence
Michael Hood
Janette Yost
Ben Steelman
Gene Moore
Seth Feldkamp
Jonathan Torres
Dan Sight
Troy Campbell
Anthony Angelo
Mike Czerniewski
Kasey klugman
Tyler Collins
Ron Peine
Randall Cupp
Jeff Markey
Sarah Scholz
Judy Hutchison
Bill Roush
Michael Morris
Matthew Cushman
Sammy sosa
Bradley Wiedeman
David Bonham
John Doxey
Randy Crenshaw
Linda Crenshaw
Stephanie Webber
Frank Bandelow
Scott Albright
Bradley Barker
Jay Tomlinson
Dan Clothier
Frank Kennedy
Cameron Erlandson
Suzie Aron
Markus Beeks
Jon Greene
Julie Spaulding
Dan Fitzpatrick
John Flathers
Annie Presley
Tracie Dittemore
Bob Lindeblad
Matthew Streeter
Makena Adkins
Sean O’Byrne
Erin Reed
Erik Wullschleger
Gib Kerr
Dan Dickinson
Vince Bryant
Nicholas Grunauer
Leah FitzGerald
Dan Clothier
Dante Passantino
Matt Abbott
Larkin O'Keefe
Paul Freeman
Miles McCune
Lindsay Johnson
Christopher Nelson
Brett Posten
Alexa Clark
Christopher Nelson
Tracy Gordon
Elsa Posten
Shaul Jolles
David Lopez
Tom Proebstle
Nate Orr
Nathan watson
Paul Kamps
Alan Bloomquist
John Stolte
John Warren
Mitch Feitz
Nick Harris
Andrew Lee
Kathryn Jones
Justin Love
Alex Reed
Jaime Diaz
Clifton Alexander
John welsh
scott schonts
Bethany Traylor
Malta Olhiser
Kyle Howard
Grant Auman
Richard Bailey
Matt Hoefer
Kelly VanElders
Donnie Rice
Noah Evans
Nicole Brewer
Ron Berg
Mark Grego
Alan Taliercio
Dru Colhour
James Webber
Scott Levin
Dustan Fankhauser
Alex Toepfer
Chris Bannister
Stacy Braiuca
Julie Browne
Joseph Cherrito