The Jackson County Sports Complex Authority was established in 1967 as a political subdivision of the State of Missouri to serve as the landlord between Jackson County and the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Construction began in the fall of 1970 on the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex, the nation's first ever side-by-side sports complex. For over four decades the Truman Sports Complex has been the iconic home of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs with millions of fans celebrating and being entertained each and every year.
On April 4, 2006, Jackson County voters approved a 0.375% sales tax increase to fund plans to renovate the Truman Sports Complex. The Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs continue to invest so the complex remains the nation's premiere sporting and entertainment venue.
Persistent reports have been circulating in local media outlets indicating that the Kansas City Royals are reviewing sites for a new downtown ballpark, potentially moving from Kauffman Stadium in 2026. Meanwhile, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has indicated he wants the team to stay put at Arrowhead Stadium, but has also said he cannot rule out going elsewhere. Equally alarming was the Kansas City Star report on August 31st, 2022, indicating Kansas City City Manager Brian Platt notified City Councilmembers he would hire an owners representative to oversee the effort to move the Royals downtown, as well as any upgrades in facilities needed for the 2026 World Cup.
The geographic location of the Truman Sports Complex has a positive economic impact on many industries located within Independence, including hoteliers, restaurants, grocers, retailers, and tourist sites. The debate over the stadiums is simply too important to exclude the City of Independence. As such, the Independence City Council encourages Mayor Quinton Lucas, City Manager Brian Platt, and other interested parties to fully disclose their plans, if any, for the sports franchises. to give thoughtful consideration to a redevelopment plan for the Truman Sports Complex so as to not abandon this area and promote blighted conditions to manifest themselves along the municipal boundary of Independence, and to foster frequent, clear, and meaningful dialogue with Kansas City and other interested parties regarding the future of the Truman Sports Complex.