Kansas City, Mo. ? The Kansas City Royals broke ground Wednesday on a $250 million renovation of Kauffman Stadium, which will include a new scoreboard, widened concourses and a team hall of fame.

Owner David Glass, team president Dan Glass and Royals legend George Brett joined other team and local officials to launch the renovation, turning over shovels of dirt near home plate while a few fans watched from the seats in the lower bowl.

“What a great day this is,” said David Glass, who will put $25 million toward the project. “We’ve waited a long time to get here.”

The majority of the renovation, which also will feature new restaurants and a plaza beyond the famous outfield fountains, will be financed through a sales tax approved by Jackson County voters in April 2006.

On Wednesday, the Royals explained specifics of the new high-definition scoreboard. It will be about four times bigger than the present scoreboard.