Just last month, the Kansas City Chiefs made waves when they announced plans to build a new $3 billion stadium in Kansas City, Kansas. Kansas state legislators took a historic step when they voted unanimously in favor of issuing the STAR bonds. These bonds will pay for half the project’s cost. The promised new stadium would be located near the Kansas Speedway. It will be adjacent to the retail entertainment district called The Legends, forming a dynamic center for both sports and trade.
Clark Hunt, the owner of the Chiefs, made the announcement during an introductory press conference for the team’s new coach. He focused on what a difference this new regional facility will make. The announcement marks a radical departure for the 11-year franchise. For the past 64 years—since 1959—it has proudly made Arrowhead Stadium its home.
Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland celebrated the news that the state is committed to making $2.4 billion in bonded investments. This funding will make up 60% of the projected $4 billion overall cost for the stadium and accompanying mixed-use district. The STAR bonds will fund up to 70% of the stadium’s costs. This grant funding gives us the resources to make our ambitious vision a reality.
That dream began to dim when Hunt announced plans back then to renovate KC’s treasured Arrowhead Stadium. Unfortunately for this preference, relocation to a new venue is taking place right now. Arrowhead, famed for its rowdy fanbase and historic tradition of winning, has been a cornerstone of Chiefs’ spirit. Still yet, Hunt said that a new home would provide new opportunities.
“The location of Chiefs games will change,” – Clark Hunt
In 2006, the Chiefs looked at an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. They conceived this project in collaboration with the Kansas City Royals, who utilize the facility. Both teams signed non-relocation agreements with Jackson County, Missouri. That county’s leases will expire in January 2031. This sudden decision to build a new stadium illustrates a greater trend of changing sports landscapes and the increasing need for modern facilities.
Hunt’s father, Lamar Hunt, was one of the founders of the Kansas City Chiefs on August 14, 1959. The franchise started out in Dallas as the Texans before moving to Missouri. Clark Hunt noted the emotional connections to be made at Arrowhead Stadium and said he was thrilled for the future.
“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,” – Clark Hunt
Building their new stadium alone would directly create over 20,000 jobs. Further, we assume the project would take more than five years to finish. We’ll be bringing on an architect and contractor in the next few months to get the renovations started. The new facility will remain the home of Kansas City Chiefs games. It could be the home of great concerts, college football bowl games, and one day, maybe even a Super Bowl.
Beyond the new venue, Hunt talked about how the show will be the same in many ways despite the change of scenery.
“Our fans will still be the loudest in the [NFL], our games will still be the best place in the world to tailgate,” – Clark Hunt
The announcement has garnered widespread support, and local leaders are optimistic about the economic benefits it will bring to Kansas. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly celebrated the news as “historic” and “a complete game-changer for our state.”
“Today’s announcement will touch the lives of Kansans for generations to come,” – Laura Kelly
Critics have called out the idea of leaving Arrowhead Stadium, a venue that has a deep history and is special to many fans. Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe put his finger on this feeling recently.
“They thought new and shiny was better than old and reliable,” – Mike Kehoe
Arrowhead Stadium will be the site of six World Cup matches this summer. This means important competitive matches starting in the Round of 32 and continuing through the quarter-finals. This demonstrates Arrowhead’s continued relevance as a premier sports venue while highlighting the Chiefs’ ambition for future growth.
As the Chiefs prepare to fully enter this new era of hope and promise, Hunt is trying to balance optimism with reality.
“We have a lot of work to do. We’re still early in the process,” – Clark Hunt