A New Chapter for the Chiefs
In a landmark announcement, the Kansas City Chiefs declared that they will leave Arrowhead Stadium for a new domed stadium across the Kansas-Missouri line, slated to open for the 2031 season.
The Decision
The Chiefs’ decision, announced on Monday, followed a unanimous vote by a council of Kansas lawmakers inside a packed Capitol room to authorize STAR bonds that could cover up to 70 % of the stadium’s cost and the mixed-use district that will accompany it. The bonds will be paid off with state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around the site.
Quotes from Chiefs Leadership
“The location of Chiefs games will change,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said, “but some things won’t change. Our fans will still be the loudest in the NFL, our games will still be the best place in the world to tailgate, and our players and coaches will be ready to compete for championships, because on the field or off the field, we are big dreamers, and we’re ready for the next chapter.”
“We’re excited to take another momentous step with you, Chiefs Kingdom.”
Political Reactions
Gov. Laura Kelly praised the move, saying, “Today’s announcement will touch the lives of Kansans for generations to come. Today’s announcement is a total game-changer for our state.” She added, “We have always been Chiefs fans. Now we are Chiefs family.”
The announcement has been a blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on a funding package to keep NFL teams in the state. Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50 % of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million of tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.
Location and Facilities
The new stadium will sit in Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area also houses Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City. A new practice facility will be built in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas.
Legacy of Arrowhead
The Chiefs originally planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in a joint effort with the Royals, who are similarly planning to build a new facility to replace Kauffman Stadium. The facilities are a few hundred yards apart, and both teams hold leases with Jackson County, Missouri, that expire in January 2031.
Last year, Jackson County voters defeated a local sales tax extension that would have helped pay for those renovations while funding a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, but momentum appears to be building behind their own move across the state line. An affiliate of the club already purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.
Arrowhead’s Role in the World
Arrowhead Stadium will host six World Cup matches, including Round of 32 and quarterfinal games. The stadium holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar and has been a venue for college football bowl games, concerts, and the Final Four.
History of the Chiefs
Lamar Hunt founded the Chiefs on August 14, 1959. The team began in Dallas as the Texans before relocating to Missouri at the urging of then-Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle, who promised to triple season-ticket sales and expand seating. In 1972, the Chiefs moved into Arrowhead Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex just east of downtown Kansas City.
Future Outlook
Clark Hunt noted, “For more than 50 years, we’ve had tremendous partnerships in Jefferson City, Jackson County and Kansas City, Missouri. That partnership is not over and we look forward to working together in the years ahead.”
He also said, “Chiefs fans on both sides of the state line can tell you that the success we’ve enjoyed together has elevated the profile of the entire region. Sports are women into the fabric of this community. If you travel and go to New York or Los Angeles or Europe or South America, you don’t have to tell people which side of the state line you’re from. You tell them you’re from Kansas City, and there’s a pretty good chance their response might have something to do with the Chiefs.”
Key Takeaways
- The Chiefs will relocate to a domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, opening for the 2031 season.
- STAR bonds covering up to 70 % of the cost will be funded by state sales and liquor taxes.
- The move follows political opposition in Missouri and marks a new era for the franchise.
The Chiefs’ decision signals a significant shift in the region’s sports landscape, with new opportunities for year-round events and continued fan engagement across state lines.
