Royals Fans Raise Questions as Washington Square Park Stadium Plan Progresses

Despite some concerns, the new downtown ballpark location offers improved access and opportunities.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a baseball stadium, fans, and the surrounding cityscape in vibrant shades of blue, red, and gold, conceptually representing the complex issues surrounding the new Royals stadium project.The proposed new Royals stadium in downtown Kansas City will reshape the fan experience, raising questions about parking, tailgating, and public financing.Kansas City Today

As the Kansas City Royals move forward with plans to build a new stadium at Washington Square Park, fans have raised a variety of questions about the project. Issues like parking, tailgating, and the timeline have been points of discussion, with some frustration over the lengthy process. However, the reporter argues the downtown location provides better access via the streetcar and other transit options, and believes the neighborhood feel can be preserved despite changes to the traditional tailgating experience.

Why it matters

The new stadium location is a significant development for the Royals and the city of Kansas City, impacting everything from traffic and parking to the team's gameday traditions. While not everyone is fully on board, the reporter believes the Washington Square Park site represents the best remaining option that balances the needs of the team, the city, and fans.

The details

The Royals initially focused on an East Village site downtown, but that location faced challenges with ingress/egress and distance from the streetcar. The team then explored options in North Kansas City and near the 18th & Vine district, but the Washington Square Park site emerged as the preferred choice. The reporter notes the political process has been 'messy', with former County Executive Frank White Jr. raising concerns and citizen groups opposing the plan. However, the downtown location offers ideal streetcar access and a wider range of parking options compared to the current Kauffman Stadium setup.

  • In April 2024, the city's plan for a new Royals stadium at Washington Square Park was approved by voters.
  • The KCMO City Council approved an ordinance in 2026 to negotiate a deal with the Royals for the new stadium.

The players

John Sherman

The Royals CEO and chairman who has pushed forward with the idea of a new downtown stadium, believing it is necessary for the club's future.

Frank White Jr.

The former Jackson County Executive who raised concerns about the stadium plans and won some concessions, but also undermined serious efforts to make a deal.

Laura Kelly

The Governor of Kansas who attempted to use STAR Bonds to poach businesses from Missouri, significantly increasing the public funding required for the stadium project.

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What they’re saying

“I will never fully understand Kansas City's fascination with parking. As a regular visitor downtown, who used to work at the maze-like brick former Kansas City Star headquarters, I've never had any issue finding parking downtown.”

— Tod Palmer, KSHB 41 Reporter

“Friends will be able to meet for dinner at any number of places, and I still think there will be a neighborhood feel. As much as I love a good tailgate, it's the people that create the neighborhood feel — and the people will remain.”

— Tod Palmer, KSHB 41 Reporter

What’s next

The Royals and city officials still need to finalize the development agreement for the new stadium at Washington Square Park, a process that will likely take several more months. Key details like the fate of the Irish Fest and the relocation of the Korean War Veterans Memorial have yet to be determined.

The takeaway

While the process of selecting and planning the new Royals stadium location has been long and contentious, the Washington Square Park site offers improved accessibility and transit options that could ultimately benefit both the team and its fans. However, the team and city will need to carefully navigate the remaining details to preserve the gameday traditions and community feel that Royals fans cherish.