Bob Kendrick addressing the audience. Photo: Abbey Higginbotham/Axios
The Ballpark Celebration event brought some of KC's most recognizable names together to talk about what the Royals' new home means for the city, the state and the decades of history that led here.
What they're saying: Gov. Mike Kehoe said the stadium's impact will extend well beyond the city, with ripple effects in rural Missouri through tourism, job creation and small-business growth.
"The state of Missouri is not just where the Kansas City Royals play but where they belong."
— Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick, who emceed the event, welcomed the Royals back to the urban core where KC's baseball history started with the Monarchs.
"Kansas City baseball is back at the center of the universe."
— Bob Kendrick
Hallmark Cards executive chairman Don Hall Jr., whose grandfather founded the company and helped build Crown Center starting in 1967, said the Royals' move-in fits the original vision for the neighborhood.
"This is exactly where baseball stadiums belong, at the center of our community, where everyone can access it."
