Our readers like the Crown Center ballpark plan
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Diagram shows a 10-minute walk radius around the proposed stadium site. Image: Courtesy of Populous
We asked readers last week to tell us what they thought of the Royals stadium plan at Crown Center, and the results were overwhelmingly positive.
Why it matters: The responses signal a rebound in public sentiment from 2024, even as many questions are left unanswered.
- Respondents raised flags that mirror the discourse we're seeing online and hearing from friends.
By the numbers: Out of 90 completed surveys, 86% said they liked the Crown Center site.
- 79% said they would go to more games now, with 9% saying fewer and 11% undecided.
- 59% said they live in either Jackson or Johnson County, with 17% living downtown and the rest spread across the metro.
Here are some of readers' most common concerns:
🚗 Access and traffic are top of mind as folks anticipate an influx of people on game day.
- Respondents questioned whether existing parking is enough or if new garages are planned.
- Others flagged transit access, walkability and neighborhood congestion.
🏘️ Community protections are a major concern, with calls for public meetings and benefits agreements that protect adjacent neighborhoods.
- Questions arose about access to Children's Mercy Hospital and Truman Medical Center.
- People don't want public incentives to burden city services, and some are afraid of rising costs.
🏟️ Confusion remains over the exact footprint of the stadium, with potential impacts on Crown Center family favorites and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at 26th and Gillham.
- Respondents said the area feels like a tight fit, and wondered what will have to be demolished.
But positivity flooded the results, with many saying they were happy it wouldn't displace businesses and some just relieved the Royals finally made a decision.
What we're watching: Many of these questions will be addressed as community benefits are hammered out and final plans are drawn up in the coming months.
What's next: The team hopes to start construction in 2027.