public funding of sports facilities

The Unified Government's STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team.

Olathe council members voted unanimously to commit some sales and hotel guest taxes revenues as part of the Chiefs deal that will bring a new training facility and HQ to the city. Many residents at a public hearing spoke against the plan over a lack of transparency.

A spokesperson for the Kansas City Royals said the much-watched Aspiria site at 119th and Nall does not meet "our criteria for a stadium." Kansas City leaders are still pushing a downtown location, but the team has yet to make its decision.

Four economists say the state relied on exaggerated numbers to make the Kansas City Chiefs deal, the largest public subsidy of a stadium in American history, look better. State officials say football teams bring in real value as millions flock to the stadium projects.

The sheer size, scope and total projected dollar amount of the Chiefs' stadium project — which includes a new stadium in Wyandotte County and a new headquarters in Johnson County — dwarfs existing incentive districts in Overland Park and Olathe.

Stadium deals in Kansas and Washington — both involving relocations within the same metropolitan area — have set separate records for taxpayer subsidies to sports teams. That's despite decades of research suggesting stadiums are a wasteful use of limited tax dollars.

Mayor Christal Watson said no decisions have been made on whether Wyandotte County will help pay for a new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs. Some Kansas City, Kansas, residents worry local governments haven't been good stewards of their money.

The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly considering land near the Kansas Speedway to build a new stadium and entertainment district, with the state still offering to finance up to 70% of the project. They've put out a request for proposals from firms to design it.

The Kansas City Council moved forward with a plan to build a modular jail with about 100 beds. Officials say the temporary facility is necessary, as plans to build a permanent municipal jail will take years.

Verifiable numbers are hard to come by in the bidding war for the Royals and Chiefs. Last year, the two teams generated nearly $70 million in city, county and state taxes, but it would take decades to generate enough revenue to make up the price tag of new stadiums.