Kansas lawmakers have recently put forth a plan to build new stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. The proposal involves using state bonds for stadium construction and paying off the debt with revenues generated from sports betting, the Kansas Lottery, and additional tax dollars from the new venues.
The bill has passed the Kansas Senate with a vote of 27-8 and is now awaiting approval from the governor, who has expressed support for the plan. The goal is to have the new stadiums or renovations ready by the time the current lease agreements expire in January 2031.
While some lawmakers are excited about the prospect of bringing the Chiefs to Kansas, others are more cautious. Democrat Rep. Jason Probst emphasized the importance of ensuring that the plan benefits the communities involved without creating additional financial burdens.
On the other side of the state line, Missouri lawmakers are gearing up to fight to keep both franchises in their state. Republican state Rep. John Patterson highlighted the pride that the Chiefs and Royals bring to Missouri and the importance of retaining them.
Despite the economic arguments often used to justify public funding for stadiums, research has shown that such investments are not always beneficial to cities and residents. However, Kansas lawmakers are optimistic about the potential economic benefits of attracting these sports teams to the state.
Republican state Rep. Sean Tarwater pointed to the potential for increased commerce and business development in the areas surrounding the new stadiums. He believes that bringing the Chiefs and Royals to Kansas will not only benefit the teams but also stimulate economic growth in the region.
Overall, the proposed plan to build new stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals has sparked a mix of excitement and caution among lawmakers in Kansas and Missouri. The debate over the economic impact of publicly funded stadiums continues, but for now, both states are focused on securing the future of these beloved sports franchises.