The KC Area becomes minor leauge

Is the latest trend in KC sports to turn away from overpaid and under-performing athletes in favor of minor league competition where a smaller group of fans can not only afford ticket prices but also take a look at people playing for the love of the game and not just in order to stay in a higher tax bracket? That may or may not be true but cities surrounding KC proper are looking toward the minor leagues to generate revenue.

Currently, Independence appears to have joined Cass County in seeking a minor league entry. The Star reports that "a plan that called for a Belton arena to be in use 96 nights a year, draw 351,000 in attendance and generate taxable revenue of $11.47 million. The project also calls for 179,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and hotel space that would generate an additional $40.7 million."

Additionally, Lee's Summit is considering bringing another minor league team to the metro area as well.

Sadly, any talk of new sports teams or arenas brings about the inevitable discussion of taxpayer subsidies but it's worth noting that a lot of people in the smaller towns around KC may be quickly getting tired of cheering for teams that are either on a hopeless losing streak like the Royals or in the case of the Chiefs are simply too pricey for most people to see in person.