ARROWHEAD & KAUFFMAN STADIUMS NEED RENOVATION, UPGRADES

[KingPriest2]

ARROWHEAD & KAUFFMAN STADIUMS NEED RENOVATION, UPGRADES
Oct 11, 2004, 5:00:20 AM


“Conservative” Approach To Be Taken



Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums are 32-year-old facilities that need serious renovation if they are to continue to house Kansas City’s two major professional sports franchises. Bursting sewer pipes, crowded concourses, insufficient restrooms, and faulty electrical wiring at or beyond capacity are just a few examples of infrastructure problems facing the Truman Sports Complex, according to leaders of the Think BIG! campaign. (County Question 1 - Frequently Asked Questions)

Speaking at a press conference at Kauffman Stadium, Fred Logan, a member of the Johnson County (KS) Think BIG! Steering Committee, Rick Hughes, president of the Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Kansas City, and Jack Holland, advisor o the Jackson County Sports Authority, who represents county ownership of Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, cited the economic benefits of maintaining the stadiums as state of the art facilities.

“These are civic assets,” said Logan. “These are public assets. It’s just like if you had a house that was 32 years old. It’s going to need some maintenance and it’s going to need some upkeep. They are not state of the art anymore.”

County Question 1 on the upcoming November ballot proposes a quarter-cent sales tax, half of which would go toward the renovation of the two stadiums, the other half to fund arts and cultural activities and organizations and to assist in the construction of a new Performing Arts Center.

Renovating the two taxpayer-owned facilities represents a conservative approach to keeping Greater Kansas City major league. “This is an historic opportunity to get this done at a bargain price,” Logan said. At a time when Washington DC has committed $440 million for a new stadium for the Montreal Expos, who will move to the nation’s capitol next year, and new stadiums in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh were constructed for $738 and $540 million dollars respectively, voting yes on County Question 1 would upgrade the two existing stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex for a cost to local tax-payers of $360 million. Moreover, the Chiefs and Royals have committed to spending another $65 million toward the renovations and have agreed to cover any construction cost over-runs.

“This is an opportunity not to have to undertake crushing burdens that some cities have had to undertake by building two brand new stadiums,” Logan reiterated,. “We don’t want to allow these stadiums to just limp along until they’re past their useful life.”

The stadium facilities have fallen well below those that other newer stadiums can call state of the art, according to Jack Holland, while sports in the metro area continues to remain a primary engine for economic growth.

In 2001, the Mid-American Regional Council estimated the direct economic impact of the Chiefs and Royals on the local economy at $302 million a year, a figure Rick Hughes confirmed, adding the other events that are hosted at Arrowhead Stadium including the Billy Graham Crusade which begins today and runs through the weekend, play an increasingly large role in bringing dollars into the metro area. “It’s not about building buildings,” Rick Hughes said. “It’s about building relationships and this market. What is so important about the economic impact of tourism is that it is paying for a lot of the facilities we have here.” The four-day Billy Graham Crusade is expected to generate $15 million in economic benefits.

In return for a yes vote on County Question l, the Chiefs and Royals have agreed to commit to the metro area long-term by extending their leases to 2030.

“We lost a baseball team once in 1967,” Holland reminded listeners, “and with Ewing Kauffman’s vision and his confidence that Kansas City would build a sports facility for a major league team we wouldn’t have the Kansas City Royals today. It was that kind of vision at that time that keeps us major league even though today we’re the 32nd largest market in the country. We urge everyone to Think BIG! and make sure these sports teams remain here for the next 25 years

[KingPriest2]

County Question 1 - FAQ
Oct 11, 2004, 5:00:21 AM


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



1. What is County Question 1?

County Question 1 is a proposal to enact a 1/4 cent sales tax in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas and Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties in Missouri, for the purpose of funding the modernization of Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex, and for funding regional and local arts programs throughout the metropolitan area, as well as funding a portion of the cost of constructing a performing arts center downtown.

2. How long will the tax last?

It will expire when $360 million in bonds to modernize the stadiums are retired, estimated to be 12 to 15 years.

3. Are interest rates on the bonds included in the $360 million?

No. $360 million is the principal amount of the bonds. Depending on interest rates and rate of economic growth, interest on the bonds will range from $113 million to $245 million. The likely amount is $182 million.

4. Will the sales tax be subject to any municipal, county or state TIF, Super TIF, Modessa, or Star Bond financing?

The revenue raised by this sales tax will only be used for stadium improvements and the arts, except in Wyandotte County, where the revenue would be subject to Star Bond financing.

5. How much will this sales tax cost the average family?

Depending upon the county in which you reside, the average cost per household ranges between $4.50 and $8 per month.

6. What kind of accountability is built into this proposal?

There is more accountability in this proposal than any other local issue in recent history. A Metropolitan Stadium Improvements Board, comprised of citizens from both states, will oversee funding of the stadium improvements. Grant proposals for receiving arts funding will be reviewed by citizen’s advisory committees in the participating counties and a regional citizen’s advisory committee, made up of an equal amount of citizens from both states. The Kansas and Missouri Metropolitan Cultural District Commission, which is constituted under Missouri and Kansas laws, Will make the final funding decision for arts grants.

7. When does the sales tax become effective?

April 1, 2005

8. How much is the current sales tax?

It varies, depending on the state, county and municipality in which you reside.

9. Why don’t people who go to the Chiefs and Royals games pay for the improvements to the stadiums instead of taxpayers?

The Truman Sports Complex is a metropolitan asset that is publicly owned and like any other public facility, it is the responsibility of taxpayers to make major improvements. These structures are 32 years old and improvements need to be made to the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems. The concourses need to be expanded and additional restrooms and concession stands need to be added.

10. Will Jackson County residents still have priority in purchasing Chiefs tickets if this sales tax is approved by voters in other counties?

No.

11. Who will manage the improvements to the stadiums?

The Truman Sports Complex is owned by Jackson County. The Jackson County Sports Authority manages the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the stadiums. It is the “landlord.” Members of the Sports Authority are appointed by the Governor of Missouri and its current Chairman is Dick Berkley, former Mayor of Kansas City. A Metropolitan Stadium Improvements Board, comprised of citizens from both states, will oversee stadium improvements.

12. Will the revenue generated from this tax increase profits for the Chiefs and Royals in any way?

No. The teams will not receive any of the revenue from the tax directly, it will be dedicated to capital improvements at the stadiums.

13. Is there a list of arts organizations that can apply for regional arts funds?

No. Application to both the regional and county portions of the Metropolitan Cultural Fund will be a completely open process, with each organization determining the best fund for their grant request. If an organization can demonstrate that they serve residents from more than one participating county, they can apply for regional funds.

14. How will the County Capital Fund for arts be spent?

Each year, the Metropolitan Culture District Commission will allocate $5 million to the County Capital Fund. Half of this fund will pay for projects in Missouri, half in Kansas. The County Citizens Advisory Committees in state and the Regional Citizens Advisory Committee will review grant requests for the capital fund and make recommendations to the Metropolitan Culture District Commission for the use of the capital funds. The $2.5 million allocated to each state could be spent each year, or it could accumulate and be spent on larger capital projects after a couple of years. The timing of how the funds will be spent will be determined by the Metropolitan Culture District Commission.

15. How much money will my county government receive from the tax?

All money collected for the Metropolitan Culture District has to be spent by the Metropolitan Culture District Commission. The county governing bodies participate in the decision making for money and will not receive the county funds directly. Once the decision is made on what county organizations, activities or facilities will receive funding, the Metropolitan Culture District Commission will pay the funds directly to the recipient.

16. How was the Metropolitan Cultural Fund developed?

The Metropolitan Cultural Fund was designed by the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City through a four year, comprehensive process of gathering input from stakeholders, elected officials, civic leaders and the citizens of our region. The goals of the fund are what the citizens in our region said that they wanted.

17. Why competitive funding?

The arts community supports the concept of competitive grants. Competition demands the best and will provide the best arts and cultural programs and services for our residents. The Metropolitan Cultural Fund has no entitlements for any organization. It is fair to all applicants and it allows flexibility for new ideas and projects over time.

18. Who is eligible to apply for funding?

Arts and Cultural Organizations: 501c3 charitable cultural organizations dedicated to arts and cultural programming or services within metropolitan Kansas City. Arts and Cultural Activities: Other applicants who offer arts and cultural programming or services open to the public. Arts and Cultural Facilities: applicants can apply for funding for the operation or construction of cultural facilities.

19. How do we know the money in the Metropolitan Cultural District Fund will be properly spent?

The Metropolitan Cultural Fund is designed with high standards for public accountability. All decisions will be made in an open and public process, all funded organizations will be held accountable for their use of funds and annual reports will be required. All funded activities will identify the Metropolitan Cultural Fund as a funding source in their publications.

20. How will the Metropolitan Cultural Fund be governed and managed?

The Metropolitan Culture District state law, also called the enabling legislation or “the compact”, provides the structure. Elected officials will participate through the Metropolitan Culture District (Bistate) Commission. Area citizens will participate through regional and county citizens advisory committees. Professional administration will support the applicants, Metropolitan Culture District Commission and citizens advisory committees.

21. Who will make funding decisions?

The Regional and County Citizens Advisory Committees will make recommendations for funding after reviewing all proposals submitted. The Metropolitan Culture District Commission will make the final decisions.

22. Who will be on the Regional Citizens Advisory Committee?

The Metropolitan Culture District Commission will appoint Kansas and Missouri residents, one half from each state, who have a demonstrated interest, expertise, knowledge or experience in arts and cultural organizations or activities. All cities in the counties that pass the tax will participate by recommending members for the committee. Members from both states must agree on any funding recommendations.

23. Who will be on the County Citizens Advisory Committees?

The Metropolitan Culture District Commission will appoint residents who have expertise in arts and culture to serve on the County Citizens Advisory Committee in each county that passes the tax. All cities in the participating county will participate by recommending members for the committee.

24. What is the Metropolitan Culture District Commission?

Also known as the Bistate Commission, the Metropolitan Culture District Commission is made up of representatives from the counties in which the tax is approved. Each county appoints one member, each city within the county with a population over 50,000 appoints one member, and the governors of both Kansas and Missouri each appoint a member. Both states must agree on any funding decisions.

25. How will the Metropolitan Culture District Commission and Citizens Advisory Committees make decisions?

The criteria that will be used to decide which proposals will receive funding will be set by the Metropolitan Culture District Commission after the ballot initiative is passed by voters, based upon the state law and ballot language. The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City has described a set of recommendations for these criteria based upon its work in the Metropolitan area over the past four years. The goals of the Metropolitan Cultural Fund - arts excellence, arts programs for kids, and arts availability - as well as the proposal’s economic impact, cultural benefit to residents, contribution to quality of life of the region, contribution to geographical balance, breadth of popular appeal, and needs of the community - will be considered.

26. Who will pay for ongoing operations of the new performing arts center?

The Metropolitan Performing Arts Center, a 501c3 organization.

27. How will the arts funds be distributed?

The Metropolitan Cultural Fund is designed to provide fair and wide distribution of funding across the region. Organizations will not become dependent on these public funds - operational and program funding will be limited to 20% of an organization’s budget or program budget, and capital funding will require a 50% match, leveraging other sources of support. In addition, the design of the criteria for the Metropolitan Cultural Fund will ensure that funding is not taken up by one organization or one area of the region.

28. Why not use these funds to build a new baseball stadium downtown?

Modernization of Kauffman Stadium will cost $180 million, far less than $475 million to build a new stadium downtown. Additionally, it would leave an empty, deteriorating stadium at the Truman Sports Complex.

[ChiefsCountry]

It sounds good. Update the stadiums. What they need to do though is make the area around the sports complex a destination area, with hotels, resturants, shops, etc.

[KingPriest2]

I am still unsure. THey need it but might as well build new stadiums. We also need a soccer stadium as well.

I don't want a downtown K but in this case I would be for it.

I don't know how this would work but Let Lamar have both stadiums Maybe turn the K into a soccer stadium and redo Arrowhead OR tear down the K and Build a new Arrowhead. Then downscale the old Arrowhead into a soccer stadium.

[teedubya]

It sounds good. Update the stadiums. What they need to do though is make the area around the sports complex a destination area, with hotels, resturants, shops, etc.

No man, you seen that Missouri Dept of Transportation HUB they got East of the Stadium? That is the foresight of Jackson County leaders... they used the PRIME fruckin real estate for housing large trucks and shit.

:cuss:

[Bearcat]

10. Will Jackson County residents still have priority in purchasing Chiefs tickets if this sales tax is approved by voters in other counties?

No.



Convenient that, even though it's been talked about for weeks, they just voted on this yesterday... I don't know how I feel about it now :p

[Kylo Ren]

It sounds good. Update the stadiums. What they need to do though is make the area around the sports complex a destination area, with hotels, resturants, shops, etc. :thumb: :clap:

[Kylo Ren]

I am still unsure. THey need it but might as well build new stadiums. We also need a soccer stadium as well.

I don't want a downtown K but in this case I would be for it.

I don't know how this would work but Let Lamar have both stadiums Maybe turn the K into a soccer stadium and redo Arrowhead OR tear down the K and Build a new Arrowhead. Then downscale the old Arrowhead into a soccer stadium.

1. Upgrade the current Arrowhead (it could become the next Lambeau field)
2. Upgrade the current Kauffman stadium
3. Make the Truman sports complex a year round destination with hotels, restaurants, entertainment and night life.
4. Build a huge hotel in between the two stadiums and link it to both stadiums.
5. Then put two Hall of Fames, one for each team, in the hotel.
6. Build a soccer stadium ANYWHERE and get those pansies out of OUR Arrowhead!!
7. Link the Truman sports complex to downtown and other areas of the KC metro with light rail.

[Lightning Rod]

10. Will Jackson County residents still have priority in purchasing Chiefs tickets if this sales tax is approved by voters in other counties?

No.


I could have sworn that this applied to “single” game tickets only, not Season tickets and or Playoff tickets.

Anyone know?


There are a lot of people in KS who are very leery about sending money to Missouri after the Science city thing.

[Bearcat]

I could have sworn that this applied to “single” game tickets only, not Season tickets and or Playoff tickets.

Anyone know?



Yes, it only applies to the single game tickets...

The current leases require the teams to create a fair plan to give Jackson County residents preference for single-game tickets. The preference does not apply to season tickets.

For example, after the Chiefs fill their season ticket quotas, Jackson County residents presenting identification and paid property tax receipts get first crack at buying the roughly 7,000 remaining tickets to individual games. The tickets are sold first come, first served.

Under the measure approved Tuesday, the leases would be changed to require the teams to devise systems to give preference to residents of any county that approves the bistate sales tax. Residents of those counties then could buy the remaining single-game tickets before residents of surrounding counties and other states.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/9902956.htm

[KingPriest2]

1. Upgrade the current Arrowhead (it could become the next Lambeau field)
2. Upgrade the current Kauffman stadium
3. Make the Truman sports complex a year round destination with hotels, restaurants, entertainment and night life.
4. Build a huge hotel in between the two stadiums and link it to both stadiums.
5. Then put two Hall of Fames, one for each team, in the hotel.
6. Build a soccer stadium ANYWHERE and get those pansies out of OUR Arrowhead!!
7. Link the Truman sports complex to downtown and other areas of the KC metro with light rail.


1. The next Lambeau field? can you explain this.
2. Why upgrade when you can build a new one. Also In 15 years it is going to be outdated again.
3. I agree but where are they going to go
4. I am not sure about that.
5. Nice idea Hall of Fames
6. I agree but put it on the complex
7. I agree. But people don't want too much change.

[Kylo Ren]

1. The next Lambeau field? can you explain this.
2. Why upgrade when you can build a new one. Also In 15 years it is going to be outdated again.
3. I agree but where are they going to go
4. I am not sure about that.
5. Nice idea Hall of Fames
6. I agree but put it on the complex
7. I agree. But people don't want too much change.

Lambeau is the oldest stadium in the NFL. It's also one of the best home field advantages and most respected stadiums in the NFL. It is considered "Mecca" for many football fans. Arrowhead is soon to be the 2nd oldest stadium in the NFL, but I don't think we need a new one. I think it could be regarded as Lambeau is regarded.

[KingPriest2]

Lambeau is the oldest stadium in the NFL. It's also one of the best home field advantages and most respected stadiums in the NFL. It is considered "Mecca" for many football fans. Arrowhead is soon to be the 2nd oldest stadium in the NFL, but I don't think we need a new one. I think it could be regarded as Lambeau is regarded.


Ok I get you now. I knew all that about Lambeau but I was not sure on where you were going with it.

[KCN]

Kansas side wants something... let 'em have the soccer stadium. Lamar would probably bankroll that 100%. Hell, he did for Columbus.

Totally agree. Soccer fields belong in suburbs. Maybe if we build something out there they'll quit complaining every time a Bi-state issue comes up ;)

I would love a downtown K. Right now going to a Royals game isn't much of an experience other than the game itself. It'd be awesome to have a stadium situated in the middle of busy streetscapes for pre- and post-game activities.

Now Arrowhead, the best pre/post-game experiences are all had in the parking lot. It is just fine where it is and just needs some sprucing up.

[KingPriest2]

Totally agree. Soccer fields belong in suburbs. Maybe if we build something out there they'll quit complaining every time a Bi-state issue comes up ;)

I would love a downtown K. Right now going to a Royals game isn't much of an experience other than the game itself. It'd be awesome to have a stadium situated in the middle of busy streetscapes for pre- and post-game activities.

Now Arrowhead, the best pre/post-game experiences are all had in the parking lot. It is just fine where it is and just needs some sprucing up.


Ever been to the Ballpark at Arlington. It is not in a downtown setting but it is a great place to watch a game.

The thing is the stadium does not have to be a downtown setting. The stadium itself sells itself but have things around it hotels bars, restr., shopping etc.

[KCN]

Yes I have actually. Nice area.

Only thing is that downtown already has the hotels, bars, shops, restaurants, etc etc going up. Not sure KC is big enough for yet another touristy district like that. By 07 we'll already have the plaza, westport and the P&L/arena district. Would be nice to consolidate our attractions.

[KingPriest2]

Yes I have actually. Nice area.

Only thing is that downtown already has the hotels, bars, shops, restaurants, etc etc going up. Not sure KC is big enough for yet another touristy district like that. By 07 we'll already have the plaza, westport and the P&L/arena district. Would be nice to consolidate our attractions.


Good point.

[BigChiefFan]

I would like to hear what their actually intentions are for "sprucing" up Arrowhead and the K. The Chiefs and Royals need to spell out EXACTLY what renovations will take place before we should have to make a decision on this. That's a shitload of money without knowing exactly how it will be spent. Hey, Carl how about a blueprint? :p

[Logical]

I would like to hear what their actually intentions are for "sprucing" up Arrowhead and the K. The Chiefs and Royals need to spell out EXACTLY what renovations will take place before we should have to make a decision on this. That's a shitload of money without knowing exactly how it will be spent. Hey, Carl how about a blueprint? :p

I hear he has a five year plan.

[Sig Kauffman]

1. Upgrade the current Arrowhead (it could become the next Lambeau field)
2. Upgrade the current Kauffman stadium
3. Make the Truman sports complex a year round destination with hotels, restaurants, entertainment and night life.
4. Build a huge hotel in between the two stadiums and link it to both stadiums.
5. Then put two Hall of Fames, one for each team, in the hotel.
6. Build a soccer stadium ANYWHERE and get those pansies out of OUR Arrowhead!!
7. Link the Truman sports complex to downtown and other areas of the KC metro with light rail.

All great ideas...I don't know that management at Drury Inn or Clarion would be thrilled about having a hotel between the 2 stadiums, but it would open up more rooms for fans in the area.

Check out what they are doing to the sports complex in the Meadowlands...

www.meadowlandsmills.com

[KingPriest2]

All great ideas...I don't know that management at Drury Inn or Clarion would be thrilled about having a hotel between the 2 stadiums, but it would open up more rooms for fans in the area.

Check out what they are doing to the sports complex in the Meadowlands...

www.meadowlandsmills.com

I don't know if there is room for a hotel

[whoman69]

Arrowhead and Kaufman Field are great stadiums. To simply build a new one would probably end up with another sterile shopping mall type stadium like Invesco or the Redskins stadium. We would lose our homefield advantage in such a soulless environment.