Stadium fatigue felt as State House begins voting on Royals new home field

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Decision time is approaching to decide if the Kansas City Royals will call Clay County home. Missouri lawmakers have until the end of the week to consider a last-minute proposal for a $300-million incentive package to move the Royals to Clay County.

It’s a here we go again for some Crossroads residents, as KC’s Royals’ home field could become their burden to pay for, now that state lawmakers are deciding.

“This is enough. I just don’t it. I can’t put my finger on it, but that property tax is really killing me though,” said Crossroads resident Robert Tribitt.

Tribitt said he’s lived in the Power and Light District for over twenty years, and doesn’t want to have to relocate due to raised taxes.

Last year, Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax extension that would have paid for renovations at Arrowhead and built a downtown stadium for the Royals.

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An idea die-hard-fans approve of and believe downtown is the best spot for the city baseball team.

“We used to go when we were younger and they weren’t that good of a team. But we loved to go out there during the day and skip school and watch baseball during the day sometimes,” said Anthony Noll. “I’m excited for it, but I think building entertainment around the stadium itself is what’s going to be driving more fans to the baseball stadium.” Since last year, Missouri lawmakers have been working to keep them in the state, all while folks on the other side of the state line are trying to snag them.

In Missouri, it’s Clay County that’s the latest county to re-pitch for the Royals.

A bill is now going through the legislature that would allow the county to establish a $300 million county sports complex authority.

However, people on both sides of the matter agree, more information should have been given out. Residents believe if the idea wasn’t thrown at them, it last year’s vote might have not been shut down.

“When we did the vote, nobody really knew what was truly happening until the day of the vote. I think they have a lot of explaining to do. But great opportunity ahead, I think when people understand the plan, that’s when it’ll be successful.”

KCTV5 asked State Senator and bill sponsor, Kurtis Gregory for comment, but did not hear from him at time of publishing.

A decision could come as soon as Friday.

Stay with KCTV5 for updates.

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