The Kansas City Royals have selected the Mortenson|McCownGordon joint venture as Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the team’s new open-air ballpark at Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
The approximately 1.25-million-square-foot venue will serve as the future home of Royals baseball and anchor a broader 85-acre mixed-use development — securing the franchise in Missouri for generations while catalyzing new investment, jobs, and community connection across the district.
“We’re proud to bring these outstanding construction companies together to build a world-class ballpark that will be seamlessly integrated with a best-in-class mixed-use development,” said Brooks Sherman, Royals President of Real Estate Development. “We have always said this is about more than a ballpark, and this combination of national pedigree with incomparable local expertise will produce the best possible entertainment destination for our hometown.”
The new ballpark and infrastructure represent a $1.9 billion investment within a broader $3 billion redevelopment that includes the surrounding mixed-use district. Designed to deliver a state-of-the-art fan experience, the open-air venue will feature approximately 34,000 fixed seats including multiple premium experience levels within a compact urban footprint that connects seamlessly with the surrounding district. The project is expected to be completed in time for opening day 2030 and will serve as a long-term catalyst for investment in downtown Kansas City.
Mortenson | McCownGordon brings together two industry leaders — pairing the nation’s deepest MLB ballpark bench with one of Kansas City’s most established construction partners. The team will also partner with Parson + Associates, a Kansas City-based community engagement firm serving the region since 2007. Together, the team combines national sports expertise with deep local relationships and a shared commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Kansas City businesses, trade partners and workers – ensuring the impact of the project extends well beyond the ballpark itself.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to help build the new home for the Royals and be part of a transformational project that will have a lasting impact on Kansas City,” said Logan Gerken, Vice President and General Manager, Mortenson Sports + Entertainment. “Together with McCownGordon, we bring deep sports construction experience and capacity, forming a partnership with longstanding roots and relationships in this community. We are committed to building on our Kansas City experience of T-Mobile Center and Science City at Union Depot, combined with industry-leading performance that’s been proven while building some of the country’s most significant sports venues. Our team will collaborate closely with the Royals and local partners to create a landmark Kansas City can be proud of for generations.”
“We are grateful and excited to be part of creating a new home for the Royals and know their commitment to Kansas City will have a lasting economic and cultural impact on our region,” said Ramin Cherafat, Chairman and CEO, McCownGordon Construction. “As a Kansas City-founded company, this opportunity is especially meaningful to us. We are honored to partner with Mortenson while working alongside civic leaders, local businesses, trade partners, and community stakeholders to deliver a venue that will strengthen our region for generations. Beyond creating an exceptional destination, we are honored to help build something that reflects the spirit and pride of the people who call this region home.”
“Engaging communities is what we do, and our commitment is to ensure all voices feel represented in this historic, transformative project,” said Jason Parson, president and CEO of Parson + Associates. “Generations to come will create lifelong memories through their experiences and we’re honored to play a role in that.”
