County executive announces task force to explore future of Truman Sports Complex

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - As the Kansas City Royals prepare to welcome their fans to the Truman Sports Complex in a matter of days, Jackson County’s top politician unveiled his vision for the future of the site on Thursday.

Since the early 1970s, the Truman Sports Complex has hosted Kauffman Stadium (home of the Royals) and Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs).

But that will change in 2031. After the lease of the professional sports franchises that year, the Royals will build a new stadium at a location yet to be determined. The Chiefs already announced their intentions of building a domed stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas.

So what is next for the Truman Sports Complex? That remains to be seen.

County Executive Phil LeVota announced a new sports authority task force to determine the future of the Truman Sports Complex.

The task force will begin work on April 15 with a 90-day window to examine business and entertainment opportunities for the complex.

The group will include 10-15 people, including business owners, developers and community leaders. LeVota said the task force will come at no cost to taxpayers.

“I believe a decision of this scale, decisions involving hundreds of millions of dollars, must be thoughtful, informed and grounded in data,” LeVota said. “This is not about rushing to a decision. This is about getting it right.”

After the 90-day window, the county will work with the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services. The organization will examine what is possible and create a framework for the site. LeVota said his goal with the task force is public transparency.

He released six renderings Thursday morning showing potential futures for the complex. Among the concepts, LeVota already has a favorite.

“So wouldn’t it be awesome to have horse racing in Arrowhead Stadium?” Levota said.

LeVota said everything is on the table for the stadiums.

“Do we repurpose Arrowhead Stadium? Do we tear down Kauffman Stadium? Do we repurpose all of it?” LeVota asked.

The county executive said he timed the announcement on purpose, giving fans headed to opening day at Kauffman Stadium on Monday something to look forward to.

“I mean, (the Royals) say they’re leaving by 2031. I anticipate that’s what they are doing,” LeVota said.

LeVota said the county remains open to talks with the Royals.

“I believe a decision of this scale, decisions involving hundreds of millions of dollars, must be thoughtful, informed and grounded in data,” LeVota said. “This is not about rushing to a decision. This is about getting it right.”

After the 90-day window, the county will work with the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services. The organization will examine what is possible and create a framework for the site.

LeVota said his goal with the task force is public transparency.

Fans skeptical of new plan

For fans, talk of the future carries a bitter reminder that their teams are leaving.

Nick Anderson and his father Kevin have been coming to Dixon’s Chili for decades, a neighborhood staple that watched both teams arrive and is now watching them leave the area.

When shown the renderings LeVota released Thursday morning, the father and son weren’t buying it.

“So, I don’t see what the attraction will be with the Royals gone, because they’re going downtown, and so you’re not going to have anything out there,” Kevin said.

“Yeah, 0% confidence in that. Yeah, I mean, we’ve watched it time and time again, where each time they propose stuff, and it always falls through,” Nick Anderson said.

Nick said past failures are making it hard for some fans to trust new promises.

“I mean, we weren’t able to hold on to them, and it’s largely because of our inactivity as Jackson County,” Nick said.

Kevin Anderson said he has little faith in the county’s ability to deliver.

“They botched the whole Chiefs-Royals thing, so how can anybody have any confidence? It’s not even a consolation,” Kevin said.

LeVota pushed back against the skepticism.

“We are going to develop it. It’s going to be bigger and better. We have people that will not let this go and we are not just going to put a data center there. It’s going to be amazing things in the heart of the county,” LeVota said.

County legislator weighs in

The task force announcement caught some Jackson County legislators off guard.

County Legislator Manny Abarca said he learned about it Thursday but supports the idea of using a redeveloped complex to benefit Kansas City, Independence and Raytown.

“And so I really hope that this is an opportunity for us to look at something positive impacting those three municipalities,” Abarca said.