Kansas City, Here I Come: Revitalization Plan Unveiled

K.C. Mayor Kay Burns on Friday unveiled plans to renovate the Truman Sports Complex as part of a $1.8B downtown revitalization initiative, according to Howard Richman of the K.C. STAR. The renovations, proposed by K.C.-based HOK Sport, "are numerous," and the price tag is $300M. While a new downtown arena "is on the mayor's wish list," the renovation of Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium are "among the city's more immediate concerns." Richman: "Among the proposed changes are wider concourses at both stadiums; an increase in restroom and concession areas; new restaurants beyond the outfield and new group seating at Kauffman; and the possibility of adding luxury suites at Arrowhead, including lighted elevator towers to take fans to their new digs." Richman wrote the funds will come from $150M from a proposed extension of a bistate sales tax; $100M financed through diversion of state sales tax and withholding taxes created by the projects; and $50M from the Chiefs and Royals. MO Rep. Dennis Bonner, who is sponsoring the effort, said, "We have a tough road ahead of us in the Legislature. ... [But] we've got to strengthen our teams and keep them here in Kansas City. They are too important to lose" (K.C. STAR, 12/1).