New Downtown Ballpark for Royals Features Limestone Design

WHO:

MLB.com - Kansas City Royals, Populous (global design firm), Brooks Sherman (Royals President of Real Estate and Development), Earl Santee (Populous Senior Principal and Founder)

WHAT:

MLB.com - The updated design of the new ballpark honors the crown, fountains, the Little K, and traditions from Kauffman Stadium.

MLB.com - The right-field entertainment building and left-field Royals headquarters building will connect to the ballpark through two continuous 360-degree concourses.

MLB.com - Approximately 90% of the design team for the new ballpark will be based in Kansas City.

MLB.com - The Kansas City Royals and Populous unveiled six new renderings and insights into a new downtown ballpark.

MLB.com - The ballpark will have approximately 34,000 seats and is designed to create an intimate experience for fans.

MLB.com - The ballpark's entrance will feature limestone framed by light-colored materials, metal, and terracotta.

MLB.com - The design aims to shade approximately 65% of seating during late-afternoon conditions.

MLB.com - The Royals have four Gold Glove Award finalists in 2026: Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey, Nick Loftin, and Bobby Witt Jr.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The new ballpark will be located in the heart of Kansas City, specifically at the Crown Center site.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The winners of the 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards will be unveiled on ESPN on November 1, 2026.

WHY:

MLB.com - The new ballpark is intended to create a true neighborhood around baseball and brings Hallmark alongside the Royals as a generational, Kansas City-born partner.

MLB.com - The new ballpark is intended to lift Kansas City's profile and create jobs and economic activity that will benefit the community and Royals fans.

HOW:

MLB.com - Populous has worked with 29 of 30 Major League Baseball clubs in some capacity over its four-decade history.

MLB.com - The design incorporates elements from Kansas City's architectural heritage, including features reminiscent of Municipal Auditorium, Union Station, and the Liberty Memorial.

The new ballpark design pays tribute to Kansas City's rich baseball traditions, incorporating elements like the crown, fountains, and the Little K from Kauffman Stadium. It features two continuous 360-degree concourses that will connect the right-field entertainment building and the left-field Royals headquarters, creating a vibrant neighborhood around the game. With approximately 90% of the design team based in Kansas City, the project is a collaboration with Hallmark, aiming to strengthen local ties as Populous brings its extensive experience working with Major League Baseball clubs to this endeavor.