Overview
- Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins issued an official statement rejecting the Aspiria location, citing traffic, safety, noise and lighting, parking spillover, and impacts on schools, medical facilities and senior communities.
- T-Mobile, which employs more than 3,500 at the campus, said it would leave the site if a ballpark is built there, noting its lease runs through mid-2029 after an extension request was denied.
- A national affiliate of the Jewish Community Center also opposed the location, warning that more than 80 home games each year would strain infrastructure, security and the JCC’s ability to operate.
- Overland Park residents pressed city leaders for updated post-COVID traffic and emergency-response studies, arguing access near 119th Street and Nall Avenue is inadequate for a major venue.
- The Royals say they are still evaluating multiple Kansas and Missouri sites; a team-affiliated entity earlier this year bought the Aspiria mortgage and the club’s Kauffman Stadium lease ends in 2031.