It’s Not Just Tailgating We’ll Lose

From the Mayor on down it seems our history, our legacy, is only important if it suits their needs. There has been very little talk of the “K” or even of the Truman Sports Complex. In current discussions, you hear Royals Stadium or the baseball stadium, but the true name, Kauffman Stadium, is rarely spoken. Is that intentional? Is that designed to make it less personal?

Ewing Kauffman and his wife Muriel returned major league baseball to Kansas City, promising to bring a World Series championship here as well. They guided the Royals organization through its first 25 years, during which time the club did, in deed win six division titles, two American League pennants and a World Series crown.

Sadly, it seems the success of a previous era is no longer reason to continue to honer the man who did so much for KC and for baseball. When asked post blank what the new stadium would be called, the response was that no name had been identified yet. Sad – and irreverent.

A Google search for the Truman Sports Complex expresses my thoughts more poignantly than I ever could:

“Nestled at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and Interstate 435, the Truman Sports Complex stands as a testament to the visionary spirit of Kansas City and the indomitable love for sports that course through its veins. Home to the iconic Arrowhead & Kauffman sports venues, this complex isn’t just concrete, tailgating, and plastic sears; it’s a living chronicle of the city’s passion, innovation, and unity.”

Additionally:

“Kauffman isn’t just where baseball is played; it’s where dreams come to life. It’s where George Brett’s legendary career unfolded, where the Royals clinched their first Wold Series title in 1985, and where countless fans have cheered for their favorite players. The stadium’s aura transcends its physical structure; It’s a repository of cherished memories and shared passion.

[When] you step into Kauffman, …. you’re not just entering a venue; you’re stepping into a time capsule of Kansas City’s passion, innovation, and undying love for the game that unites us all.”

For a city that prides itself on its history, we’re sadly now being asked to forget it. Why? So we can be like so many other cities that have a downtown stadium, so we can join the crowd.
We’re being asked to forget our uniqueness, what made us stand out in the baseball world, and join the growing crowd of cities with a downtown stadium.

Why?