Potential Royals move to Kansas sparks mixed reaction in Overland Park
FOX4 has learned the Royals are now eyeing the former Sprint campus—now known as Aspiria—as a possible site for a new stadium. The by a business affiliate connected to the team.
Kansas City gearing up to host six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
But while some fans are excited by the idea, not everyone is ready to crown this location as a home run.
Jesse Rodriguez, who works at Guitar Center, is chief among the skeptics, but for good reason.
'Taking away land from businesses and the lack of notice,' he said.
Rodriguez also works in the Crossroads District and says he saw firsthand how the Royals' previous .
'We're kind of in the middle of Johnson County, so that can be hard to manage traffic flow, movement, people getting there, hotels that they'll need. I think we need to incentivize stadiums in our cities or our states, but I don't think we need to be walked over,' he said.
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Former Overland Park councilman and current mayoral candidate Dr. Faris Farassati says many residents he's heard from are not on board.
'The area's design was never intended to accommodate such development,' Farassati said. 'It's noteworthy that while the city is gathering feedback on a new logo, there appears to be no attempt to gauge public interest in placing a stadium in this corridor.'
Another current council member echoed that concern, telling FOX4 the city would need major infrastructure improvements in and around the area—including traffic systems and housing support—before anything could move forward.
Cherrie Duensing, owner of Best Regards Bakery, located across the street from Aspiria, said she'd love to see the Royals make the move—when there is a clear plan.
'We're big Kansas City fans,' she said. 'But if they could be as clear as possible—what kind of timeline we're looking at, letting us know about possible detours or construction—that would help.'
FOX4 reached out to the City of Overland Park with several questions. In response, Mayor Curt Skoog said 'Overland Park is supportive of our hometown teams. We know the Chiefs and Royals belong in the Kansas City region and will do everything in our power to keep them here.'
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Stay with FOX4 for continuing coverage as this story develops—on air and online.
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