Royals Commit to $3B Downtown Relocation at Hallmark’s Crown Center

The MLB’s Royals announce a landmark $3B stadium and entertainment district at Hallmark’s Crown Center, shifting from Kauffman Stadium to downtown Kansas City.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 6:49 AM EDT

Source: Bisnow

A Transformative Public-Private Partnership with Hallmark

The new stadium will be situated on land owned by Hallmark Cards Inc. through its subsidiary, Crown Center Redevelopment Corp. Hallmark, which has been headquartered in Missouri since 1910, will continue to operate its corporate headquarters within the redeveloped district. This partnership aims to integrate the ballpark into a vibrant entertainment district, effectively connecting downtown neighborhoods and leveraging Crown Center’s existing amenities, such as its aquarium, retail shops, and Lego store.

Financing Structure and Economic Impact

The $3 billion project is anchored by $2 billion in private financing provided by the Royals ownership group, led by CEO John Sherman. The remaining public portion involves:

Bond Issuance: Kansas City expects to draw $600 million in bonds, to be repaid over 30 years via tax revenue generated within the new stadium district.

Tax Redirection: The state government will redirect existing tax revenue currently generated at Kauffman Stadium to support the new build.