The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Monday that they will leave Arrowhead Stadium for a brand-new domed arena in Kansas City, Kansas, slated to open for the 2031 season.
A Bold Move Across the Border
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt explained the decision in a statement posted on the team’s Twitter feed. “The location of Chiefs games will change,” 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.”
Funding Through STAR Bonds
The announcement came after a unanimous vote by a council of Kansas lawmakers inside a packed state Capitol. They approved the issuance of STAR bonds that could cover up to 70% of the stadium’s cost. The bonds will be repaid from state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around the new complex.
Location and Surrounding Development
The new stadium is planned near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district called The Legends. That same area also houses Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City. In addition, the Chiefs will construct a new practice facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas.
Statewide Reactions
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly praised the move as historic. “Today’s announcement will touch the lives of Kansans for generations to come. It’s a total game-changer for our state,” Kelly said. She added, “We have always been Chiefs fans. Now we are Chiefs family.”
In contrast, Missouri lawmakers and Governor Mike Kehoe were disappointed. Kehoe had been working on a funding package to keep the franchise within Missouri, citing the Rams’ departure from St. Louis as a cautionary tale. The move is seen as a blow to efforts to prevent a third NFL franchise from leaving the state.
Past Plans and New Directions
Initially, the Chiefs had planned an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium in partnership with the Royals, who are also looking to build a new ballpark to replace Kauffman Stadium. Both teams’ leases with Jackson County, Missouri, expire in January 2031. Last year, Jackson County voters rejected a local sales tax extension that would have helped fund those renovations.
While the Royals were not discussed by Kansas lawmakers Monday, momentum appears to be building behind their own potential move across the state line. An affiliate of the club has already purchased the mortgage on a tract of land in Overland Park, Kansas.
Community Voices
Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, expressed disappointment. “While the Chiefs aren’t going far away and aren’t gone yet, today is a setback as a Kansas Citian, a former Chiefs season ticket-holder and lifelong Chiefs fan,” Lucas said. “Business decisions are a reality and we all understand that, but Arrowhead Stadium is more – it’s family, tradition and a part of Kansas City we will never leave.”
Arrowhead’s Legacy
Arrowhead Stadium, which opened in 1972, has long been revered for its tailgating scene and home-field advantage. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar. This summer, the stadium will host six World Cup matches, including Round of 32 and quarterfinals games.
A New Era of Facilities
A domed stadium will allow the Chiefs to use the venue year-round, opening opportunities to host concerts, college football bowl games, the Final Four, and potentially a Super Bowl. The new facility is expected to address limitations such as the number of luxury suites and the lack of a roof.
Historical Context
Lamar Hunt founded the Chiefs on August 14, 1959, after the team relocated from Dallas to Missouri at the behest of then-Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle. The franchise moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972 and has since undergone numerous renovations to stay relevant.
Key Takeaways
- Chiefs will relocate to a domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, ready for the 2031 season.
- Funding will come from STAR bonds covering up to 70% of costs, repaid by sales and liquor taxes.
- The new site sits near the Kansas Speedway, The Legends, and Children’s Mercy Park, with a practice facility planned in Olathe.
The Chiefs’ decision marks a significant shift for the franchise and the region, blending historic pride with a forward-looking vision for sports and community development.
