Wall Street Journal: Kansas City taxpayers paying top dollar for sports stadiums

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City is making headlines in sports today, but not for any of the city’s sports team's accomplishments.

Kansas City is ranked as the 10th city in the country for the amount taxpayers are coughing up to keep stadiums in top condition. The Wall Street Journal’s study says between Kaufmann Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium and Sprint Center, Kansas City is among the most expensive cities in the U.S. for taxpayers to keep their sports teams in town.

According to the study, by 2010, Kansas City had spent more than $700 million in public funds on renovating Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Royals attendance are among the worst in the NFL and MLB

The royals fill less than 60 percent of their seats, setting a three-year low record in the MLB.

Adding to our city's troubles is the Sprint Center. In 2007, the Sprint Center opened with the hopes of attracting a professional basketball or hockey team. Five years later, the stadium still doesn't have a permanent team.

Both the NHL and NBA leagues have indicated moving or expanding here is unlikely, according to a report by the Kansas City Star. Across the country, the study found the price tag of major sports stadiums has rocketed.

Of course, if you're city is lucky enough to host a super bowl, you win the jackpot. Last year Indianapolis raked in $278 million in profit.

Other cities to make the list of most expensive sports teams: Nashville (#9), New Orleans (#8), Pittsburgh (#7), Denver (#6), Milwaukee (#5), Cleveland (#4), Cincinnati (#3), Indianapolis (#2) and Green Bay (#1).