It’s Kansas City Royals and Chiefs sales-tax surcharge referendum day in Jackson County, though thanks to early voting it’s already been election day for some weeks now. But lots of people still vote on voting day, so everyone is pulling out the stops in what’s expected to be a nailbiter:
- Opponents and proponents of the 0.375% sales tax surcharge extension, which would funnel $500 million or more worth of future tax money to the teams for stadium projects, held dueling rallies yesterday. Highlights included Jill Cockson, whose Crossroads bar would be displaced for a new Royals stadium, shouting, “They don’t get to disrespect the people who make them their millions and their billions,” and U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver shouting, “We ought to walk around like ‘Kansas City,’ and if you don’t like it, move to Omaha.” (Cleaver’s in favor of the tax hike, if that quote didn’t make it clear. He also said, “This is our city. Not black, not white, not brown, not green, not purple,” which doesn’t really help.)
- Chiefs owner Clark Hunt reiterated threats to leave town if the tax hike isn’t approved, saying, “If it doesn’t pass, we will have to consider our options.” Hunt said he didn’t consider this a threat, just that “we have a lease with seven years left on it” and “we have to figure out what the solution is,” though signing a new lease without tax subsidies is certainly within his power.
- Royals owner John Sherman chimed in with “We’re working really, really hard to keep this team in Jackson County and Kansas City,” as though a good strong gust of wind could otherwise take the Royals out of town against his wishes.
- Jackson County Executive Frank White said he wants to keep talking with team owners about them staying put, but that “we want the teams to be more equitable with the county and the taxpayers.”
- Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas came out in favor of the tax hike this weekend, after Royals execs agreed to modify their development plans to keep Oak Street open, somehow, TBD.
- News outlets emptied their pockets of unused sports puns, with KCTV5 and Fox4KC each declaring today that it was the “final pitch” for the referendum campaigns.
Whatever happens today, it’s definitely not the 9th inning or the end of regulation or whatever sports metaphor you want to use: Sherman is still seeking another $650-750 million in city and state money that would have to be worked out by the city council and state legislature if the tax measure passes; and if it fails, the two team owners will absolutely be back at the table seeking public money some other way, though it may involve knocking on the door of neighboring counties to see what they’d approve. Today’s vote is huge, though, if only because it could well be the only time voters get to have a say directly in how their tax money is used; I, for one, will be up late tonight to watch the results be tallied.
When it comes time to get state money, StL will have its ask for something sports related in hand.
St. Louisan here…absolutely
Similar to how when the Titans stadium was approved, TN also had to give some money/tax breaks to Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis.
Mizzou will probably have their hand out too.
I’m 120 miles east. Used to visit for a few Blues and several Cards games a year, now much less, chiefly due to life or some such. Had my first visit to Kiel since renovations in November. The Dome saga has fascinated me to point I frequently dream about the place despite only visiting right times, including four Crams games. Hitting it twice for Metallica in November totally stoked that dream fire: weird seeing all the unused, football-themed stands. Wish I got pics on concourses as I can’t find such on Net. (Of my eight visits, I never once have been on lower concourse.)
Hunt and Sherman remind me of the scene of the sheriff on the platform in Blazing Saddles.
I was hoping the Chiefs would make a ‘final pitch’ to the city (over how much taxpayer funding a business that turns tens of millions in profit every year will get) while the Royals would throw a “hail mary” to save themselves… from their own decision to consider leaving… at the very same time.
But that’s me.
“If you don’t like it move to Omaha” tee shirts are likely already being marketed in the KC & Jackson County districts as we speak.
I’ve missed out on another marketing bonanza…
With 14% of the vote in, the stadium sales tax is losing 60.8% to 39.2%. Still a long ways to go, and no indication of which precincts have reported first, but that’s definitely interesting.
It’s also possible they may have counted the early ballots first, which may skew things, though with both increased team spending and the community groups switching to urging “no” in the last week, that could go either way.
Neil- do you know of any research that speaks to how sports teams draw in visitors from outside the local area? I’m thinking about regional-ish teams like the Royals, Cardinals, Braves, and whether or not those teams have any claim to pull in meaningful revenues from out-of-state.
Yes, this is exactly the research that Victor Matheson presented at the sports econ conference last week. His paper hasn’t been published yet, but it should be soon.
ooohh please please please let’s cover that one!
WE DID IT!!
And it wasn’t particularly close
Thanks for all your help Neil!!
You opened my eyes many years ago so this is your victory too!!
Defeated 58-42%!
I’m not completely surprised that it lost, but I am impressed by that margin.
That has to be the biggest defeat by percentages ever regarding this type of sports stadium vote I would imagine. Hopefully other municipalities will see this and realize they don’t have to be run over by well financed sports teams. This vote brought together liberals, conservatives and Independents on a common goal. I couldn’t be more prouder. Obviously, the teams will come back with different proposals so the work is not totally done. But for one night, we sent a loud message to the rest of the country.
9th biggest margin of defeat since 1988:
https://twitter.com/gfpropheter/status/1775360718721692057
Nice work to all.
I would expect the teams will be back within a few months with a new improved (for them) deal, as you said.
Still, even a temporary win is a win. Enjoy it.
The Chicago Bears are on notice … you paid $200 million for Arlington Park, don’t go begging for a government-funded sportsball palace from the corrupt city of Chicago.
I am a Packers season ticket holder. We had a very hot referendum with regards to a county 0.5% sales tax to help cover Lambeau Field maintenance costs as a self funding item going forward. It won, but only by a 53 – 47 % margin. One of the issues was the long waiting list for tickets that people could not get access too, or at least without paying more than face value. Part of that win allowed people in Brown County, where the stadium is, to put their name in a lottery to get access to purchase game tickets because of the long waiting list. Good luck to you Chiefs fans. Owners have no problem spending a half a billion dollars on one player, but the fans have little negotiating. Hope you can stay where you are. You are great for the Midwest!