In K.C., Mike Hendricks reported supporters of a sales tax key to a new Royals ballpark and renovations to Arrowhead Stadium “took the first steps this week toward financing a ballot campaign by forming a campaign committee as required by the state of Missouri.” Royals EVP and Chief Commercial & Community Impact Officer Sarah Tourville is “listed as co-chair” of the committee, while Royals CFO Whitney Beaver “was listed as campaign treasurer.” No other Royals execs “are on the form, although the statement could be amended.” Meanwhile, the campaign’s address is Kauffman Stadium (K.C. STAR, 2/8).
RAYS URGED TO PICK UP PACE: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that he is “happy with the framework” of the Rays’ ballpark proposal in St. Petersburg, but he “suggested elected officials are not moving quickly enough to approve the deal.” He said Rays owner Stu Sternberg is “positive about where the substance is but, you know, it kind of echoes the questions about Oakland.” Manfred: “We’re at the point now where it needs to go. You know, it takes a long time to get in the ground and get a stadium built. The sooner the better from my perspective” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 2/8).
