News
Date: October 3rd 2007 Project: Kauffman Stadium
Royals, Hunt/Walton and HOK Sport Break Ground on Renovation
Kansas City, MO - Paul Splittorff is set to take the field for the Royals today. The pitcher is coming out of retirement to throw out the ceremonial ‘last pitch’ at Kauffman Stadium as we know it today.
“One of the biggest thrills of my career occurred on April 10, 1973 — the day I had the opportunity to start the inaugural game in the newest, brightest ballpark in Major League Baseball,” said Splittorff. “Today, it is an honor for me to help welcome the newest chapter in Kansas City baseball history.”
Splittorff joins Royals Owner David Glass and Hall of Famer George Brett, along with representatives of Jackson County, the Jackson County Sports Authority, Hunt Construction Group, Walton Construction and HOK Sport in breaking ground on the Kauffman Stadium renovation.
“Players, coaches and fans from all over the country have said for years this is one of the best ballparks in Major League Baseball,” said Glass. “Today, as the shovels hit the ground, we intend to preserve this hallowed baseball ground as we move into a new era.”
On April 4, 2006, the residents of Jackson County voted to approve funding for renovations to Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums at the Truman Sports Complex via a 25-year, 3/8-cent sales tax. Because Jackson County voters approved funding for renovations, the teams are required to remain at the Truman Sports Complex for an additional 25 years.
“Today, we celebrate the support of my fellow citizens of Jackson County who have done their part to keep the Boys in Blue at the Beautiful K,” said Mike Sanders, Jackson County Executive. “Thanks to the Royals, Jackson County will remain a vibrant part of the Kansas City fabric for many years to come.”
The State of Missouri and both teams will contribute to the total cost of the project, and both teams are responsible for any project cost overruns. The cost of transforming Arrowhead and Kauffman into ‘like-new’ stadiums is estimated to be half the cost of designing and building new stadiums for both teams. The estimated economic impact of keeping the Chiefs and Royals at the Truman Sports Complex over this additional 25-year period is nearly $10 billion.
“This project is representative of a great partnership among many winning teams,” said Mike Smith, Chairman of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. “These groups came together to maintain the integrity and the beauty of Kauffman Stadium, and the entire complex, as the premier dual-sport complex in the country.”
Kauffman Stadium set the standard in professional ballpark design when it debuted in 1973, changing the shape of the multi-purpose, donut shaped buildings of the era. The stadium’s seating bowls and sight lines are bar none, still serving as industry models today. The Kauffman Stadium renovation will transform the fan’s experience, creating a new stadium environment while preserving these revered qualities. Kauffman’s sleek, modern renovation will complement the existing, sweeping curves of the complex’s original design.
“The New Kauffman Stadium will have all the bells and whistles of what professional baseball fans have come to expect in a new facility,” said Earl Santee, HOK Sport Senior Principal. “The beauty of the new K, though, is that we will be able to celebrate a new fan experience within the friendly confines of the place we have called home for the past 34 years.”
HOK Sport is completing the architectural design work on the project, and the joint venture of Hunt Construction Group and Walton Construction are serving as construction managers. The Hunt/Walton team will begin work immediately, and the ballpark’s renovation is scheduled to be completed by Opening Day of the 2010 season.
“We promise to deliver a new ballpark experience — on time and on budget,” said Ken Johnson, Hunt Construction Group Vice President. “We look forward to ‘recrowning’ Kauffman as the best ballpark in Major League Baseball.”
“We are appreciative of the opportunity to yet again create a wonderful, livable and vibrant Kansas City,” said Greg Phillips, Walton Construction Kansas City Division President. “We are committed to making this a great project.”
Construction completion will be phased over the next 30 months. Over that time, fans will experience a new outfield video board — the largest of its kind in the country; an expanded outfield plaza and walk of fame; wider concourses and new and upgraded concession and toilet amenities.
“This is a historic day for all of us associated with the Kansas City Royals,” said Glass. “We invite Royals fans of all ages to continue with us on our journey as we work to bring you the best team in professional baseball, in the best ballpark in professional baseball.”
For further information please contact
Gina Leo at HOK Sport (Kansas City)
Telephone: +1 816 221 1500
Facsimile: +1 816 221 1578
Email media@hoksve.com