High Stakes for Stadium Vote in KC.

As the debate over the future of Kansas City's Royals and Chiefs teams and the impending sales tax vote, it's crucial to address the undercurrents of opinion swirling around the issue. At the heart of this discussion lies a significant reality: voting against the proposed stadium tax isn't just a statement of dissent-it's a gamble on the Kansas City and Jackson County's future, one that could see our beloved teams relocate to cities more eager and willing to welcome each team with open arms and even more generous tax incentives and financing.

Let's tackle the argument head-on: some contend that keeping the Royals in their stadium for another 25-40 years (75-90 years total) is an exercise in practicality. However, such a stance overlooks the evolving needs of sports franchises and the infrastructural demands of current and modern stadiums. This is a different argument than the Chiefs. The Royals use their facility 81 games per year vs. Chiefs' 13-15 games per year. Either way, to cast a vote against the stadium proposal under the guise of "fiscal" prudence is to misunderstand the economic dynamics at play. Without revenue generated from these two teams and their stadiums, Kansas City faces a grim prospect of shouldering the financial burden, and the demolition of unused sports complex; while also waving goodbye to any future major league prospects. This isn't mere speculation; it's a cautionary tale that is playing out in real time across the U.S.

For those who question the value of our sports teams beyond their win-loss records, consider the broader impact of hosing major league franchises. It's not merely about the games won but the community pride, economic activity, and national attention they bring. The Chiefs and Royals are more than teams; they are institutions that galvanize our city, drawing attention, talent, and investment. The suggestion that teams like these wouldn't have suitors elsewhere is naive, at best. For the Chiefs, cities across North America, from San Antonio, Portland and even Toronto, would leap at the chance to adopt our sports legacy.

It's clear that Kansas City stands at a "crossroads" (pun intended), not in terms of its sports legacy but its growth and development trajectory. The path forward demands courage, vision, and an openness to change. We are competing not just with ourselves but with vibrant, growth-minded cities like Nashville and Austin. The question for us is not merely one of whether we can afford to keep the Royals and Chiefs...it's whether we can afford not to.

Are we content as a city or are we driven to pursue growth, opportunity and a place on national stage? Let's choose progress.

The decision April 2, will echo far beyond the ballot box. Let's face it, nothing will read that Jackson County failed to keep their teams; it will read Kansas City failed.