Jefferson City, Missouri – The recent defeat of a sales tax proposal to fund a new downtown Royals ballpark and renovate Arrowhead Stadium for the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs has sent shockwaves through the Sports community. While this setback may seem like a final blow, history has shown that teams and cities often find alternative solutions to fund stadium projects.
According to data compiled by experts, from 1990 to 2023, there have been 57 stadium and arena proposals voted on across the country, with 35 approved and 22 rejected. This demonstrates that rejection by voters does not always mean the end of the road for stadium projects.
In the case of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, there are several options available. Teams could revise their plans and seek voter approval again, finance the projects privately, or pursue public subsidies through legislative bodies. Relocation is also a possibility, but not a guaranteed outcome.
Public subsidies for stadiums and arenas are sometimes approved without a public vote, as was the case with the recent proposal in Missouri. This showcases that there are alternative funding methods available for sports facilities.
Historically, teams have found creative ways to overcome Election losses and secure funding for stadiums. Whether through legislative approval or revised proposals, the sports community has shown resilience in navigating challenges related to stadium financing.
As the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs assess their next steps following the recent defeat of the sales tax proposal, it remains to be seen how they will adapt their approach to secure funding for their stadium projects.
