The Royals “struck out in recent weeks with plans to sell naming rights for Kauffman Stadium to U.S. Bank” before this summer’s All-Star Game, according to sources cited by Steve Vockrodt of the K.C. BUSINESS JOURNAL. The team, which also shot down rumors of a naming-rights deal in November, “considered making an announcement" last week, but it "was canceled when the parties could not reach terms.” It is “not clear what is holding up a deal or whether one still could be struck with a different sponsor.” At least “two contractors had begun work related to rebranding the stadium with U.S. Bank or were discussing working on the arrangement with the Royals.” U.S. Bank Regional President Mark Jorgenson said that the Royals “were among several who have discussed naming rights with the bank.” Jorgenson: “That’s always an ongoing discussion, but it really comes down to what fits with our budget and fits with where we want to go.” Vockrodt noted the team has “talked to Star Signs LLC about installing new signs in various areas, including the roof, above the main entrance and on the main scoreboard.” Star Signs discussed the “budget and timeline with the Royals, but the team recently notified the company that the naming rights deal had fallen through” (K.C. BUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/6 issue).
