H1 BREAKING NEWS, Stadium Update

0:00Has your roof been hit by hail at CCR Roofing Services? Short cuts aren't an option. No corners are cut from inspections to full replacements. Trust CCR Roofing Services to protect your home or business. CCR Roofing Services, protection from above. You are listening live to the program. Your teams, your town, your program. And now the master of his own domain, Seren Petro. Right, you are K, right, you are Petro in the program on Sports Radio 810, WHB. Thank you for joining us here on a beautiful, fantastic master's Thursday. And I am first. Because I was supposed to be with Curtis at Nick and Jake's where all the fun is, where the party is, where everybody's having a ball.

1:00But we've got breaking news today that's requiring me to stay back here at the station. I may, I may find a way to get over there before this is all said and done. We will find out where maybe I'll just go over there tomorrow. You know what? Maybe I'll make that executive decision, which I am not empowered to do in any way, shape or form, but I can beg and plead. Nick and Jake's great, great place for the masters. If you have never been to the masters at Nick and Jake's, you do not know what you're doing. You have lost your mind if you have not been at Nick and Jake's for the masters. It is the greatest place to watch it just short of. I will give one place as a better location than Nick and Jake's for the masters. Do you know what it is, Curtis? Probably a gust and a yeah, that's it. That's the only place only if you're at the tournament. Is it better? All three Nick and Jake's don't forget great spot. They've got all the masters fair at the master's prices. So if you want to, hey, I hear about these Pimento cheese sandwiches. I want to give it a try. We'll get on over there.

2:01Buck 50. Buck Fitty gets to the egg salad sandwich. I ham and cheese for two bucks. Masters club for three and of course all their great made from scratch. Many you can get as well. Great, great drink specials. The surf side blueberry lemonade. Mulligan Mule, the birdie, 20 ounce yingling pipe drafts. Now you can get those. They got a cup that comes with them. These aluminum cups. You can keep your cup John daily yellow shots for a couple of bucks. What are we talking about here? We're talking about fun and it doesn't stop there. They're also going to be giving away a golf bag. Yingling flight golf bag at each location. They're going to give one away. They're going to basically a winner at each location. A Tito's Yeti cooler. Ben Holiday bourbon LED sign. Nick and Jake's gift cards. Get to Nick and Jake's dot com slash masters. You can even enter right there. So even if you can't get there, one entry per person. Don't forget and as always, and Jason's been talking about this all the way through the last group. Anybody who makes a birdie on 13 or 15 gets a $15. Nick and Jake's card.

3:02Go have a ball. Go celebrate golf. Go enjoy this day. Go get out on a patio with Nick and Jake's. If you want, but just be there. You can be making money. You can be getting gift cards. If somebody drops in an eagle and they always do. Several times. So you could come away with. I don't know if it's a great day. And we get great golf. You could be getting two, three, four of those cards. So get to Nick and Jake's. Nobody does sports on the TV. Definitely nobody does golf on the TV's like Nick and Jake. So go see him Curtis is right there at 135th and Metcalf. You will have a ball. Now we're going to move quickly here. Got a number of things we want to talk about the story breaking today. This is something we've been talking about. Really all week that this was coming sooner rather than later. It is now official. That Kansas City, Missouri has its economic engine to make it go, to make it work, not make it go. I think this is it. This is the plan. I've been saying for months. The only person that's involved in this is Washington Square Park. It never it was crystal clear when we heard the comments from John Sherman.

4:05From opening day. That just is like maybe something Kansas. Ah, the Northland. Yeah, that it was clear that Kansas City, Missouri was where this was going. The city council meeting is underway as we speak or at least should be if it's on time. Where the new. What would you call it? I mean, financing engine. I'll call it is going to be put through and put in place by Mayor Lucas. We're hoping to talk to Mayor Lucas at some point today. I say hope because you never know what happens with people schedules. But I want to give you some of the highlights of what this project is. New stadium team offices and supporting infrastructure in the Washington Square Park slash Crown Center area. I'm being told that Crown Center may very well be sold as part of this to the royals. Whether they would just take that in as part of their operations. Would they knock it down? Would they strip it and keep the tower part and add to it for a hotel.

5:07But I've had some running that is not part of this agreement. But it's one of the things I've been told was in the discussion part as we came down to the finals of this and the fact that in the agreement it says for the design construction operations of a new stadium team offices and supporting infrastructure in the Washington Square Park slash Crown Center area. The fact that the Crown Center part as mentioned makes me think that there is a part of that that is in this that that area will become part of the royals domain as well cannot confirm that but I just wanted to add that in as I go through the highlights of this tax increment financing plan for the project right. So it'll be a tip project from the city apply for various financial and tax incentives through state agencies. I'll get to some of those here in a minute. Here's some of the highlights that you need to know the roles organization represents. I think this is important because this is in we hear all the time. We see articles written all sports teams paying him is just an economic disaster for everybody

6:10out there you know like they just they just draw money away. We don't need them. Well not according to what Mayor Lucas is putting out there. He says the Kansas Enrolls organization represents more than a baseball team but serves as an important institution that unites the community provides educational and charitable programs and contributes significantly to the region's tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors. I think it's a note that in this official document you you that is how he describes the royals in no way shape or form is the mayor saying that they are a drag on the economy. You know it and so I think that's an important distinction right. So I wanted I wanted to point that out because you hear a lot of it that that that is how it is being viewed. I'll also point out that they lost the chiefs Kansas obviously didn't think the chiefs were an economic drag and they're now circling the wagons and going to put I'll get to the number here in a minute but $600 million of taxpayer money into keeping the royals.

7:13They clearly see it as a benefit okay now it can be debated. I'm not telling you that's a fact you go into so many layers to find that out but I'm just telling you that this is clear that Kansas and Missouri says having the royals is an important part and generates revenue for the area for the region. The state of Missouri has passed the Show Me Sports Investment Act which provides state funding of up to 50% of the total project costs for stadium projects that cost at least 500 million in connection with Major League Baseball and the NFL. So I'll read that project that cost at least 500 million pays 50%. Now I think the things that we want to know that we want to hear from Mayor Lucas R is that 50% of the entire project that includes the entertainment district and everything around it or is that just 50% of the cost of the stadium right either way we're going to get to the amount on the project either way it's going to mean half of either the whole project which in this it states I'll get to in a minute 1.9 billion to be the expected

8:16cost. If that's the case that's 950 million from the state my assumption is it's just for the stadium so they're going to have to carve out how much of this is stadium cost. The number that was being used a couple of years ago when the taxes voted was about a billion for the stadium and about a billion for the entertainment area. So if that's the case it would be 500 million coming from the state. The development of a new stadium and associated stadium district so they are making it clear that they're going to build the district as well. It sounds like the state or the city money will include the district. Again I'm not sure if the state money does but it doesn't really matter what do they care. They pay for the stadium and they get you know they're going to get 1.15 which I think is going to be the total tax dollars they're going to get 1.15 billion dollars. What do they care whether they're buying the the surrounding ballpark district or they're buying the stadium either way they're getting the money right but I do think it's important to note because if it's 50% of the entire project then the state of Missouri's cost would

9:19be 950 million. I don't think that's the case. I think the state of Missouri will be in for about 500 to 600 million dollars that the cost of the stadium is going to be listed at 900 to 1.2 billion on this so that's where it'll be. Other things this thing says draw tourism to the city and state encourage recreation and educational opportunities for children in Missouri enhance the Kansas City parks and boulevard system and contribute to a vibrant dense walkable urban atmosphere the parks. There's going to be some kind of and I'll get to it here in a minute community benefits part of the equation. Some of the things that are at the estimated cost of the project 1.9 billion. The city through will through this tiff will contribute 600 million dollars. The least of the stadium to the Kansas City rolls for a period of not less than 30 years so it will be a minimum of 30 years. There's something that I think we want to hear from Mayor Lucas at some point.

10:21Responsibility just states in here I'm going to read the paragraph how it would read legally because there's different sections of it but it says the city manager is hereby directed to negotiate and execute a term sheet to retain the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City. The terms of the term sheet may include but shall not be limited to the following elements. 1. It says responsibility for the design and construction of the stadium, ancillary development and necessary infrastructure, necessary infrastructure, support including pedestrian bridges, transportation access, utility upgrades, traffic improvements, and similar infrastructure projects. But it doesn't say that's the city's responsibility or is that the Royals responsibility. Frankly, I'm no lawyer but I've done a handful of contracts. I've been involved in a lawsuit. I've led some legal documents and I'm surprised that it does not clearly specify city responsible for or royals responsible for.

11:22So I think that's going to be interesting because you could interpret this one way that the royals are responsible for infrastructure costs. I don't think that's going to be the case. I think the city is going to be giving $600 million to the royals and paying infrastructure costs. I guess, but again, I think that is a big way of putting it in this piece. We'll want to know that. Specific deadlines for the stadium and team office design. They're not stated here but it is assumed that there will be a deadline negotiated and given. So we're not sitting around and waiting five years for you to keep making up your mind. Presumably, and I'm, my understanding is the royals have had one of the architecture firms, populists, I believe, that has already been working on this and they should have something to go very soon. But it does note that there will be a deadline for when that will come together. So I think that's important. Terms of the lease, commitments to land acquisition, agreed upon advance of that.

12:25So it's talking about all kind, you know, getting the land, but then purchase agreements leases easements, street vacations that doesn't mean taking a vacation on the street. It means vacating a street. Remember the little fun we had before the vote two years ago where they were deciding whether or not they were or weren't going to close the street. That is listed in here that that will be part of the an encroachment agreements. What they're going to be encroaching upon. That's an important part of the equation because they're going to be near the railroad tracks. And railroads are very particular about how close you put anything to where their trains are moving. So I think that's an important part of this. The responsibility for construction of parking facilities and coordination with existing businesses regarding parking rights. If you're coordinating with the existing businesses regarding parking rights, you're planning on using some of their lots and when do we get control of it? When do you got to get your people out so that we can open it up for a ballgame tonight and use your parking lot?

13:25There's going to be a tax exemption for materials. The city will provide a tax exemption for materials. There will be benefits to the Kansas City Parks and Boulevard system and public engagement. So there does have to be something that the community is going to benefit. My assumption is the roads will build a park somewhere or maybe not even close to it. There's talk about pools, parks is going to be something that the roads have to build that the community can use that doesn't have anything to do with the stadium, right? Meaningful consultation with the existing businesses in the area regarding those parking rights, access arrangements and operational considerations. Hey, we got a game day at 640, at 3P, we're shutting down the streets. So get your folks out and don't be planning on opening your doors for business or we're going to make this one way and so your people aren't going to be able to come and go. Well, they've got to sit and they've got to negotiate that with the people around there. So the businesses around there will have a part of it. Here's where I say 1.15 billion. That's if it would end up being 500 million on a billion dollar project from the state,

14:25but there's another 50 million. The city manager is directed to find application with the Missouri Development Finance Board in an amount not to exceed 50 million for funding of a portion of the project through state tax credit for contribution program. So there's another 50 million 600 from the city 50 million from the state program. In addition to the 50% cost on the stadium, those are the particulars, okay? It is the Washington Square Park location. The city is behind it. There will be no, and I can tell you that as recent as a couple of weeks ago, there were some rumblings that they might make a run at a Jackson County tax. Again, just rumblings. Nobody put their name to it. This has no Jackson County tax. There will be no vote by the tax payers. They will not have a say. It just needs to pass the government institutions. And then this will be laid out there. What I've been told by folks in and around the Royals organization is that an announcement is

15:27coming soon. This is that announcement. The Royals are not party to this. This right now is just a Kansas City Missouri announcement. But I don't think this is being put together and put on paper because the Royals are like, wow, first we've heard of it. We'll have to take a look and see if we like it. I guarantee I'm to you. This was written in accordance with the Kansas City Royals. Side by side on what they need, what they expect and what the project will be. I think the Royals are a glorified rubber stamp once this is official. Again, Mayor Lucas is in a city council meeting right now. This is being put out there. The expectation is that it will go through whatever channels it needs to go through there. And this will become the financing plan along with the money from the state. Two different pools of money. The 50% on stadium cost. I'm assuming it's just going to be stadium cost and not the whole project. And the 50 million from that other entity plus 600 million from the Kansas City Royals.

16:27You now know where the Royals are going. When do they have to have the designs in? I don't think that's going to be a problem. What I've been told is that they're a long way down the road of whatever the design would be and designs for this location. So that should be out soon. I think everybody's going to be on the edges. They better hit a home run with it. Because I don't think anybody wants to hear. We're giving you a 600 million dollars and then see a plan that sucks. Okay. And it needs to be buttoned up. I do like that there's a deadline on it, but this doesn't state what the deadline is. I hope it's not a year from now. My assumption is it's going to be a lot sooner than later. My assumption is the Royals. Probably have those plans close to if not already buttoned up. Now, infrastructure, that'll be interesting. There's just the plumbing and electrical and things you need to put a a baseball park there, flush the toilets, run the water, everything you need. But I am going to be curious what the infrastructure is on. How you're going to get the people there?

17:28Does infrastructure start to include expansion of the trolley? Or what do we call streetcar? Is that now going to expand all the way to the plaza? To it goes to it goes does it start in Brookside? Curtis, do you know? Does it start in Brookside? I'm not sure. I've only been on it once. Okay, I can't remember if it starts at UMKC down the plaza, but we'll go to Brookside. We'll go to Waldo. We'll make its way all the way to 435 to try to make that a way to get people in there. Will there need to be widening of streets? Will there be highway access that, you know, you come off one of the highways and it dumps you right into that area? I don't know. There's still a lot to do. Still a lot to figure out, but I think we have our location. The part that it is exclusively is this. If adopted, this is an exclusive negotiation between the royals and Kansas City, Missouri. There can be no talk with Kansas. There can be no talk with the Northland. That is out, assuming this is done.

18:29And I believe it'll be done this afternoon. That's the bottom line. Go ahead, Curtis. There can be there can be only one. Yes, it can be only one site. It is the Washington Square Park. I'm interested. We waited a long time for this. Like we said, almost two years to the day. I think it's two years and seven days since the vote was voted down. John Sherman has said all along. It's very important to get this right. This is a generational decision. We have to get it right. And they have taken their time. And presumably they now have it right. It sounds to me if the number of 1.9 billion is correct. And they are going to have upwards of 1.15 billion in financing from the state and the city. That this is a better deal for the royals than the one that was going to be voted on. And so they're getting more money from taxpayers. Then I think it was going to be the last time where I believe,

19:30it was going to be 50% is my recollection. The other thing that we need to find out is who's on the hook for cost overruns. There ain't been one of these things that's ever been built for the number they said. All right. So who's on the hook for cost overruns? The city's amount is capped at 600 million. But the state's amount, again, if it's 50% on any number you want to spend, then it sounds to me like the overruns would be 50% on the taxpayers. Unless there is a cap on that, that's something we'll have to find out from the state later on. 913-3-810-810, the phone number 913-3-810-810. We know where the ballpark is going. I believe that is the case. Hopefully we'll get some of these details ironed out when we talk to Mayor Quentin Lucas a little bit later on. We've been told that we're going to talk to him. But, you know, kind of like no stadium comes in on budget.

20:31I don't know how often you talk to a politician on time. You know? So we're trying. We'll see what we can get done. And I ain't guessing on that one. I'll just tell you for those that know the code of things I put out there on the radio. I ain't guessing on that one. 913-3-810-810, the phone number, 913-3-810-810. I am jealous as hell because Curtis is at Nick and Jakes. I have not heard any celebration. Have not heard an eagle. But any eagle on 13 or 15, you're going to be getting a $15 gift card at Nick and Jakes. There's no better place in Kansas City to celebrate the Masters than at Nick and Jakes. Three locations. Find the one nearest you by going to Nick and Jakes.com. Find Curtis at the 135th and Metcalf location right there on the northeast corner. Right out in front of the handhouse, get the Nick and Jakes and enjoy some Masters. We'll keep you up to date on everything going on with the Royals new stadium plan. All right, Crush. Jack's hang on. I'm coming to you. We're going to take your calls here in a minute. 913-3-810-810, the phone number.

21:31Bethany, Steven St. John. They're down covering the City Council meeting. And Steven St. John, part of the quick Q&A with Mayor Lucas there. Now in that meeting, it started about 15 minutes late. Before it, he addressed the media. Steven St. John there. Getting this back for us. This is Lucas. Mayor Lucas answering questions before the City Council meeting. No, I think we're probably good to see you. No, I think it's an exciting day for Kansas City who have more to share afterwards. But you know, this is us moving forward on the future of baseball, future of downtown Kansas City. And I think the future of our region. A fair deal for our taxpayers. And frankly, good collaboration with all of our partners from the state of Missouri. Talk to Jackson County Executive today. We continue to talk to the Kansas City Royals. How much more are you talking about from the state? We're looking at $600 million. That would be basically funded through economic activity, redirection, so think sales taxes from the state of itself. For people who ask, how do you come up with that number?

22:32The way you do is that we have Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City today. This is based on good conservative estimates. As to how we could deliver a great baseball deal. I'll quickly just be finalized. If everything goes the way you want, how quickly can everything be finalized? You know, we'll be up the before City Council and the Parks Board on Tuesday. We certainly hope for a favorable passage there. And then, you know, I think we're pretty much off to the races. We've had a lot of good chats with the team. We've had a lot of good chats with the community. But my goal is that we have stadium open for opening day in 2030. So we're looking at April of 2030. That's a quick time frame. We're hoping for ground breaking at least first quarter of 2027. That's kind of the layout that we have. And I think those are things that we can keep if we can keep our approvals goals. Sir, you mentioned the Parks Board. Previously, you indicated that you were kind of interested in following the same model as the Chicago Bear, but the park district is there. Do you see the park district is being the one that oversees them as the tenant and then the, or is the landlord in the royals as the tenant? Yeah, our idea is that this is a park's asset. This will remain part of the park system. Soldier Field is the absolute model that we have.

23:34You look at parks amenities both in Kansas City and St. Louis. We have things like that as well. And so this would continue to be something that not just is part of the park system, but where the community benefits a crude of parks and recreation throughout our region. That's the way that you see this being a benefit not just to downtown, but frankly all throughout the city. The Shelby Sports Investment Act requires that local components. Yeah, it sounds like this would fulfill that. But what are the next steps with the state funding? And do you know how much you anticipate there? You know, we've had great conversations with the governor. I'll leave it to the state to share how much they would expect to put in, but you know, this is not something that's coming out of whole cloth. This is I think everybody's saying we're excited to work together. We're excited to see baseball and I think good alignment of the state, the city, our partners at the county. And frankly, we're going to have, I think, some positive steps ahead. All right. There will be money from the county. You know what? I let them talk to that. I think what we've delivered and introduced today is an ordinance they can deliver a good baseball stadium to downtown Kansas City. Do you think there's additional investment from other sources? You'll certainly have to talk to them. But you know, the deal that we have laid out looks to public private participation

24:35with the city. The stadium is around the Kansas City rules. I got to run. But I'll be back at the end. All right. There it is. Steven St. John, Bethany Bowman for us down there. Well, we'll get some of the video out there on social media here shortly. As they've been sticking out city hall here throughout the morning and into the afternoon. There you heard Mayor Lucas talking about. I think interesting there. I talked about the county. You got plenty of money. I mean, you've got a lot of money without the county. But if the county is going to come on board as well. And he said, I'm not going to come in on that. That's not my, you know, part of the equation. But if the royals would be able to go and just extend the sales tax. That's currently in place for the royals and chiefs. And give all that money to the royals. I mean, we're talking about, again, another four, five hundred million dollars. I mean, this project could end up being largely funded by taxpayer money. I don't anticipate that happening. But there is going to have to be. Somebody's going to have to figure out in this equation. The other thing that's not in here is what are you doing?

25:37The chiefs are leaving. And there's nothing, as my understanding, there's nothing in their current lease that says they got to do anything about tear down. And the royals will be leaving. So what are you going to do with that area? And who's going to help fund tearing that area down? So that may be where the county comes on board. Okay, we'll step in. We'll help you with some tear down and some cost here. But you got to help with what we're doing over here in building things. I don't know. We'll see where that goes. The mayor having no comment. Not really just not like, oh, no comment. I know something, but I'm not saying anything. Just like that's not my department. That's the county. We've got plenty of money. You said to build a great ballpark. So here we sit. 913-3-810-810, waiting patiently. Great baseball fan, our buddy Crush. You're in the program. Crush, what's going on, buddy? Thank you, sir. Hey, I never have said that I want the teams to leave. I've always talked to you about whether I agree with public funding. That's it.

26:37That doesn't mean I don't want the teams. Sure. Okay. So Jackson County wrote a no as a part of that. The Kansas did not vote, yes. And there's been a couple issues at the YNDI and Johnson County, even for the headquarters or whatever that's going to happen in Johnson County. And there's not been a vote. Okay, and I just would like to reiterate that we have a lot of issues. And we have a shortage of money. And my political friends, I happen to be a Republican. I like Mayor Lucas. I believe in him. I like the guy. I think he's ginger wine. There's just some people aren't going to like it. I say this. Hey, let's figure it out without public money. I mean, we have sewage issues in Kansas. These are, I can keep going. I love you, man. Keep it up. All right, I appreciate it, Crush. And thank you. And listen, I, I will tell you, I agree. I would love for the teams to build their buildings, right? And I think that is what would be just and right in the world.

27:42It happens in bigger markets that the teams generate more revenue and their value goes up. In other words, they're a better investment. It is better if you have the money to buy the Los Angeles Rams than it is the Kansas City Chiefs. It's better to own the Dodgers than it is the Royals. That's a reality. And so I'm with you 100 percent. I wish zero tax dollars were going to any of these stadiums. All right, but here's the reality. Do you want Major League Baseball or do you want NFL football? In market 32, 33, whatever we are now. And by the way, we're falling down that list. Other towns are growing faster. We've got two of the big four sports. Two. We've been told we might get NBA. We're not. We've been told we might get NHL. We're not. Okay. And so do you like having these teams in your community? Cities are size half the pony up. They keep these teams or they can move to other places.

28:42So I'm with you. I hear you brother. I don't like paying it either, but I don't want to lose the Royals and Chiefs. I think they bring a quality of life. Even if you can't dollar for dollars say, here's the money that went in. Here's the money coming out. I tend to think they do bring in at least an equal return for what is invested in them. But I think the quality of life and what it brings with other job opportunities companies staying here. I mean, you know, the Rams left. And who was playing? Was it the zone that played the broadcast? There's a national broadcast or was it the Mets? Was it the Mets broadcast? It was Mets Cardinals. And they were talking about what a ghost town downtown St. Louis is. I mean, that no one's there. No one's down there. There's nothing going on there. Part of it's because they lost the Rams. They still have the Cardinals, which should be, and it's a cautionary tale to say, well, wait a minute. So the Cardinals are downtown.

29:42And their downtown's not vibrant impact. Yes, you need to understand that. This is not a waving of a wand that will fix any and all problems that may happen in your downtown. You simply have to make the decision. Are they an asset? Is Royals baseball and cheese football an asset for the area? And if it is, then what you have to do in a market of the size is you got to pay for it. And what you need to do is get as many things as you can for the community. That's where Lucas talks about it being part of the park system. And, you know, if you've ever been a soldier field, it's this big, giant park that has the stadium in the middle of it. But there's other things going on that are all part of the equation. You know, and that's the hope. I will tell you, it is a 100% while I believe John Sherman and every owner of the Kansas City Royals genuinely has a want and a desire to do whatever is best for Kansas City. They are still party to a cash grab.

30:43There's no way around it. The question is, do you want big league baseball in your town? You can move to Omaha or Des Moines or Oklahoma. Well, Oklahoma City has NBA. But you can move to other towns that don't have the big four sports and aren't putting this kind of money into building these facilities. But if you want these things, this is how it has to happen, right? That it's it is the any market like over 20 or maybe even over 15, maybe even over 10 is putting public money into these buildings. It's only a handful that the owners actually go and pay for it all. That's that's it. That's just we can we can piss and moan about it. And bitch and moan about it all we want. But that's the reality of how this works. 913-3-810-810-Jack's year in the program. What's up, buddy? So, Ryan, what's up, buddy? Hey, great day for Kansas City, man. I think so. First, yeah, no doubt. First of all, just to let you know, the street card does end at UMKC based on your 50th and book side.

31:46You know, the new extension is forward to go to current landing over on the on the river side. Part of it is or on the riverfront part of it. It's scheduled next month or so. So it will literally be from the river to the rooms. It will be the street car going right past and of course this spot in Washington Square Park, which will also open up the opportunity because they've already studied to have run that street car also down to 18th and Vine. So you got another hotel, you got a big parking garage down there. So when you start talking about expanding the footprint for parking, if everything works out with the street car, you can go all the way from the river to the rooms and even the 18th and Vine in order to find somewhere to park. So this is a good opportunity for the Royals, a good opportunity for the city. And I'm very excited about what's going to happen. And I'm looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great deal for us as a community as well. So appreciate your time, bro.

32:48It's always jacks. I appreciate your call, man. It's good to hear from you. Don't be a stranger, my friend. And I'm with you. I mean, I think it's a positive. And I'll go back to what we talked about. And I know we got Curtis where we're kind of playing the levels game, but I know Curtis is at Nick and Jake's, by the way, I'll remind you $15 gift cards can be yours. Every time somebody hits an eagle on 13 or 15 at Nick and Jake's, the best place in town to watch some masters. I will tell you that let's go back and Curtis, how long have we been talking about the ideal scenario would be to have one stadium in Kansas and one stadium in Missouri to split the cost up to where one city, county, and state is not on the hook for all of it. I think you've been talking about it and us as a team for several years. I like it's back for nothing. It's back to the renovations. It goes back to when they renovate. That was the first time I said one of these should be in Kansas.

33:51And then you can, because to me, I think you've got a better chance to do it right and have a long term answer if you've got one state that's on the hook for just one team and another state that's on the hook for the other. Instead of trying to, it was a, it was a great landmark approach to doing things when the Truman Sports Complex was built. But now the immense cost and the fact that our city is the size it is, this is going to be, I think, the healthiest for the entire metro community, but also the healthiest approach for both the Royals and Chiefs. Yeah. Remember, they broke ground on that thing in 1968. I was cute. Yeah. Yeah. Different game back then. Yeah. I hope that what we're talking about is, you know, more than 30 years. But I'm going to point something out. Who did I just read? Oh, the Eagles are 23 years in to their stadium. And they're already talking about a new stadium.

34:52They're already ready to go back, which puts them in timeline to go through as we've been through this process. As we're talking about 2030. And we first heard John Sherman talking about this in what 2019 was the oldest cut that Todd Lemo played for us a couple of weeks ago. Put some in line to be looking for a new building at the 30-year mark. I'm hopeful. I'm not optimistic. But I'm hopeful that each of these buildings that will be built will last longer than 30 years. But at least you're on for 30 years. Yeah. So we'll see. Not much. Yeah, good. I think it was in Sam's story. They said they want to break ground next year and have an opening day on 30. Mary Lucas said it. Stephen was down there and sent us back the audio. Mary Lucas said they'd like to first quarter of 27 opening day of 30, which has Sam has said a number of times. The quickest has been 39 months, three years and three months. The Atlanta Braves built their stadium.

35:52So you'd be looking at something similar. If you can put shovels in the ground on January 1. And you can equal that timeline. Then you would be ready to go on April 1 of 2030. But that is equaling the fastest of ballpark has ever been built. And I'm going to tell you all the stuff around it would absolutely not be done. No, and it also speaks to the idea that the royals, you know, the idea, they're good with this. Yeah, you don't have that kind of a timeline. If you think you got to hangle with them for five months. Right. Right. 9133 810 810. Let's talk to Zach here in the program. Zach, what's going on, buddy? Hey, what's going on here? And how are you? Good, man. What's on your mind? Yeah, I mean, I, you know, I think every plan is going to have its wards and its claws, but I'm a big fan of this idea. I love the Washington Square Park spot. And the thing that I love to hear from from Quinn Lucas is the idea that some of this money is going to be going back into the park.

36:54I live in South Kansas City. I have three daughters, eight, five, and seven months old. And Kansas City parks are horrible. I mean, every time we go to a playground, it's Johnson County. Because that's where all the great parks are. That's where all the awesome playgrounds are. You go to minor parks. You go to some of these other teams of city parks and they're just run down. They're beat up. You know, the crown jewel, I guess you could say, is loose park, but even it gets dirty and trashed. It just does not compete with some of the Johnson County parks. And so I love that idea, too, of hey, some of this money can go back into revival. I think different areas of the city with the parks for kiddos and families. And I love the idea of taking my kids on the street car to go down and watch a baseball game. I think that's super exciting. I do too. And I think if the city is going to continue, none of us want it to become Manhattan. All right, I think we like living in a smaller city. But if it's going to continue to grow and you know, have more growth downtown, have more companies come

37:55to Kansas City, provide more job opportunities, pay and more tax, then there are things you got to keep up with. And I think having reasons to get on that street car is huge because I'm going to tell you, mass transit at some point is going to be something this city, every city has to deal with. And if this helps, you know, get us new lines going different directions on that and we get more mass transit, I agree. And listen to somebody who's, I've got, you know, girls that are 19 and almost 16. So our days are going to the parks are over. But you're 100% correct. I mean, it is an absolute treasure to take your kids to a quality park. And we drove a long way to find them and drove to parks that were a long way away because the kids like certain amenities that are there. So yes, hopefully that will be a part of this equation as well, Zach. Yeah, definitely appreciate the time. All right, appreciate the call. 9133 810 810 the phone number will take a break. Talk more about what is still to come. Kansas City Royals looking like they are in the final stages of getting what they want to put together a new stadium.

38:58There at the Washington Square Park Crown Center area. I will talk more about it. Take your phone calls 9133 810 810. Hit me up on the Twitter at Seren Petro. Curtis Ebold is live at Nick and Jake's where you've got all kinds of masters. Fair all kinds of sandwiches, food at masters prices. Enjoy that. Also, you can win a $15 gift card every single time. Somebody hits an eagle on 13 or 15. Kevin Tim is going to give you a $15 gift card. Everybody in the place. All three locations. The best place to watch them. Asters. It's Nick and Jake's. Find them online at nickinjakes.com. You'll listen to the program here on sports radio. 810 WHB Nick and Jake's the place to be. Royals look like they're staying in Kansas City, Missouri. Taking your phone calls at 9133 810 810. You can hit me up on the Twitter at Seren Petro. S-O-R-E-N-P-E-T-R-O. Curtis is at Nick and Jake's at 135th of the Metcalf. And I'm going to be clear. The $15 gift card is for food purchases. But every time there's an eagle, you get a $15 gift card.

40:00But you can use towards the to towards food. And we've got one, right? We do have one just a little while ago. Nikolai Hoygar, not to be confused with Rosmos Hoygar, who I assume is a relation, but possibly not. He had an eagle on 13 and sent Nick and Jake some good friends. Yeah, that's what happens. It is, it is an absolute party. If you're looking for the best place in town to watch the Masters, get to one of your local Nick and Jake's. Curtis is there at 135th and Metcalf. It is a great, great, great place to watch golf. Lots of golf fans there. Lots of green. People wearing their master's gear. The only place better to watch. The Masters is Augusta National. Get to your local Nick and Jake's. Right now, get you a Pimento cheese sandwich. Well, you buy 10 of them with a gift card. 10, but they're buck 50. So use your gift card. You buy 10 Pimento cheese sandwiches. Curtis, you've already eaten what? Seven. Is that what I was told?

41:02Kyle said I was down. So I took a big giant bite of the one I'm eating right now. Nice. Have an excellent one waiting for me though. I love it. I love it. You're busted. It is. They do a great job. It is Nick and Jake's the place to be for the Masters. We're taking your phone calls right now at 913-810-810. We go next to CJ. You're in the program. CJ, what's going on? Hey, sir. Thanks for taking my call. You bet. Yeah, I'm from Johnson County. So I think I'm probably like most of people. I'm really excited that they finally got this worked out. I think I heard you say something a couple of callers ago about how we were promised 20 years ago in the sprint center got built downtown about us game promise NBA NHL. And I think if the downtown stadium and the street car and everything works out, we could actually see a 30 or four team in Kansas City if everything works out with this project. That's pretty exciting. Well, why? Why do you think that that gets us something? It's going to be Vegas and Seattle for the NBA.

42:03I haven't heard anything about the NHL expanding. I don't think we'd get NBA. I think NHL is probably more realistic. OK, why do you think that this project will help that? If you have something downtown already that you have a system built that works, you've already got the sprint center, which is probably updated. But yeah, it could show that you could potentially get something. That's, you know, I do think is as we get more infrastructure that that does make it better. But I think you hit on something that nobody wants to hear. The team mobile center ain't new. Right? And in. Oh, no, they'd have to they'd have to rebuild something. Well, they'd have to rebuild it. And you'd have to do exactly what you're doing right now with the royals. Nobody is going to come here and just go into a building. Everybody wants. We talked about this when the Phoenix Coyotes were leaving that what they kept wanting out of Phoenix and what they ultimately got in Salt Lake City was to control acres and acres and acres of land around their building where they can generate a ton of money that has nothing to do with anyone going to watch hockey. And so if there's going to be an NHL team here,

43:04you're going to have to give up and you're going to put it where team mobile center is. You're going to give up blocks and blocks of land. I mean, maybe that's where ultimately the East Village comes into play. Maybe that's 18th and Vine on down the road. I mean, I would never say never. But I will bet you a lot of money. My fat ass ain't talking about sports on the radio. Whatever that happens. Oh, probably I'd say if this worked out maybe 20 years out, it could happen. I mean, I do think that would be great. I might actually still be here. It will never be a Manhattan and you're right. It will never be like a huge, but we are a central hub. And we've already got, we're in the central of the country. We've got North Central in South Central covered with Chicago and Dallas. So I think presumably Kansas City will grow into that bigger realm. I hope so. I hope that the owners, you know, expand the leagues because I think everybody, I think you should, I would like to see, you know, everybody have a fairly quick trip to be able to see professional sports, right?

44:06And so I hope that continues to grow. But I'm going to tell you and I'm going to let you go. I appreciate the call CJ. One of the things they don't want to do, why they don't want to expand. Because to me, listen, you should pay off the jets and giants owners and the Dodgers and angels owners. You should add two teams to LA. You should add four more teams in each league to New York. People ask me like, when I say, well, I think you need to go to 40 as soon as possible. Not overnight, but you can do it like, where would you put them? Have you had not seen how many teams play in London and the EPL and they're fine. Like New York is the most underserved sports market in America. And what they, what everybody should do if you were actually in it for the good of the game and growing the sport, just like we're going to do whatever it takes, you would shove four more teams down the throat in New York and divvy it up. And because they've got the, they've got the population, they've got the money, they could do it. It would, it would be an old brainer. And then strategically pick your other towns. I would, I'd be all for it.

45:06We'll get the city to get there one day. I hope so, but I'm not completely convinced that greed won't always win out. And that, nope, if we add teams, my franchise, even though I get a billion or, or you know what, each, each owner gets 250 million off an expansion fee or whatever it end up being 200 million, 100 million free money. Just for an expansion fee, they're all more thinking about what the cost is, what they're going to get when they sell the team. And fewer teams means it's a, it's a more hotly, unique commodity that drives the price up. Like it took a lot for me, well, one, I know this is different, but those race teams are, are spent a ton of money. And they've had 10 teams, 20 cars on the track that at one point, I don't even know if when you go back how many cars they had. And they did not want to expand because buying the teams, the price, there's only 10 of them. So the price was exorbitant. They finally expanded to an 11 team, but it took basically, general motors being a part of it, the Cadillac team coming in and doing it.

46:10And that's kind of the mindset where other people are. Now, for me, I think the NFL, if they want to play every night of the week, they need more, they need more commercial inventory. They need more games. You want to keep charging me for the Sunday ticket. I better have more than just, you know, three extra games in the 12 o'clock window because you're playing it every other time of the day on every holiday week. 913-3, 810-810, James, you're on the program. What's up, James? Hey, Petro, a long time listener, big fan. Thank you, sir. What's on your mind? Outside Kansas City, and I'm an old guy, but I had a couple, you hit a couple nerve spots with me that I wanted to throw out there. One, as a, just a small town fan, I watched the world baseball classic. And I saw the Royals players for different countries and got a lot of enjoyment out of that because I could actually watch them on TV. But it puzzles me that all our players who did so well in the world classic come back in our season starts, and all of a sudden they can't hit.

47:14And I'm thinking, what's the difference, you know? You know, the difference is, I don't have to get back to look, but some of the guys that they're hitting off of are not big leagueers. You know, when you, when you, you know, I thought the world classic was like the premier players. Well, it is the premier players, but teams like, you know, I know there were a lot of big leagueers on team Italy, but, but one guy was like, uh, when he, well, I can't remember what is the lead off guy was a Mariners prospect. Yeah, there's some minor leagueers, and there are also some guys that don't even play baseball here in America. But listen, when you played Venezuela, when you played Dominican Republic, when you played Puerto Rico, uh, even Canada, uh, you, yeah, yeah, I mean, and it is. It's frustrating, but that's baseball. Who the hell knows why guys can hit sometimes and not other times? And it related to that, you know, I'm a novice, but it seemed to me last year, the Royal's biggest problem was lack of offense, lack of hitting. And guess where we are, we're now starting a new season. And to me, it looks like they haven't

48:16anything about that. Well, they, they, they have that it hasn't resulted, you know, it hasn't created results. I'm going to let you go, James, because I'm coming up against the break. Your, your points are good. Well, listen, we, we've talked about this a lot this week. The guys who aren't producing the positions are D H shortstop in first base. D H is a collection of your best hitters taking a half day off. And short is Bobby with junior and first is Vinnie Pascontino. They're going to hit. We're also like if this were an NFL season, we'd be approaching the end of the third quarter of the first game. Would you panic if you were down six points going into the fourth quarter right now of the first game? Would you be ready to junk the season now? And we don't need to junk the royal season here either. Gary Perish talking college hoops next. I'm right among royals who qualify for the banning title, who had the fewest RBI in a 300 season in a non-strike year brought to you by Twin Peaks.