Q: You are advocating for a new downtown baseball stadium. Why?
Kansas City Councilman John Fairfield: We are at a watershed moment. A
new stadium downtown would add to the momentum that has begun
bringing jobs, visitors and residents back to Kansas City's core. I believe
that the public funds that have been proposed for Kauffman Stadium, if used
as part of a funding package to build a new stadium downtown, would
leverage significant additional private investment and create many additional
jobs. If we do not build a new stadium downtown now, it may be 20 years
before we can make this happen.
Q: How much will it cost and how will the city pay for it? If you don't know,
how can you say this is a good idea for Kansas City?
A: I do not know the exact cost of a downtown stadium, since that would
depend on variables such as the precise location, land acquisition cost, and
the Royals' needs. It is generally thought that such a downtown stadium
would be in the $300 to $350 million range. Since the Bistate II proposal
would generate about $180 million for a baseball stadium, that would leave
a gap of $120 to $170 million to get a new, state-of-the-art stadium
downtown, which would not only generate more revenue for the Royals but
create significant additional downtown development. I believe there are a
number of ways to finance this gap, and we are exploring those alternatives.
There should at least be an open public discussion regarding how we want
to invest public tax dollars, and the best location to make that investment.
Q: How do you respond to critics who say that Kauffman Stadium is
popular, and that building a new downtown stadium would cost far more
than the $180 million that would be spent under the Bistate II plan to
refurbish Kauffman?
A: Many of us have fond memories of games at the “K,� but the fact
remains, it is one of the oldest stadiums in the league, and it needs a major
renovation. Spending the money to fix the “K� will not change the
fact that its location does not create any synergies for additional private
investment or the creation of new jobs. Virtually every other city that has
built a new stadium, built it downtown, recognizing that their public funds
would leverage significant new private investment and create new jobs.
Since Kansas City is home to several internationally renowned sports
architecture firms, it is ludicrous to think we cannot create a new downtown
stadium as wonderful and popular as Kauffman.
Q: Mayor Kay Barnes says the top priority should instead be a downtown
arena. What's your response? Has the mayor chastised you for taking a rival
position?
A: I agree with them mayor that a new, downtown arena is a very high
priority, and I have supported that effort; however, I do not think that
precludes a serious public discussion about the benefits of concentrating our
major public investments, like a baseball stadium, downtown. The mayor
has not “chastised� me for my position, because our positions are not
in opposition.
Q: Do you worry that your position might detract from support for a new
bistate tax, which would also provide money for Arrowhead Stadium, a new
Performing Arts Center, and other worthy projects?
A: No, to the contrary, open discussion is healthy in a democratic society
and I think my proposal would strengthen the bistate proposal. I have been
very supportive of the Performing Arts Center, arts, and Arrowhead
renovations. However, if the gap financing for the downtown baseball
stadium were found and approved, then those who support a downtown
baseball stadium would have renewed energy for the Bistate campaign
which also would benefit Arrowhead Stadium and the arts. I believe there
are lots of voters out there who want the option to use the bistate money for
a new downtown stadium if the gap financing can be found. If not, then we
can rehabilitate Kauffman Stadium as proposed. I want downtown to be an
option, not a mandate.
Councilman pushes for downtown baseball stadium
The Kansas City Star, April 25, 2004
by Lynn Horsely
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