Chiefs would like to make decision soon on future with Arrowhead Stadium

The Chiefs are keen on making a swift decision regarding the future of Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri. The plan could involve either renovating their famed home or constructing a completely new stadium in Kansas or Missouri.

Earlier this year, voters in Jackson County, Missouri, rejected a joint ballot initiative with the Royals, which was meant to fund facilities by extending a sales tax. Following this, the teams decided to proceed with individual plans. They are now waiting for the leaders from both states that make up the Kansas City metro to present their most compelling pitches.

Legislators in Kansas approved a plan last month that would finance up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums for pro sports franchises with an eye on luring the Chiefs across the state line. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson responded a week later by saying he expects his state to put together an aid plan by the end of the year to keep the teams on its side of the metro.

“This decision will have a generational impact. It will affect the future of this franchise for generations to come,” said Chiefs president Mark Donovan on Friday, the day veterans reported to the Missouri Western training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri.

“Donovan stated, “We must ensure this is done correctly. We are committed to thorough due-diligence. We’re going to take our time and do it right. However, we must acknowledge the time constraints. There’s only so much time you can take to perfect something. And that timeframe is beginning to narrow down.”

For over fifty years, the Truman Sports Complex has been the home of the Chiefs and Royals, with a lease agreement stipulating the use of a sales tax for maintenance purposes. Although Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium are still favorites among fans, they are gradually becoming obsolete. Even after another round of renovations, their longevity is uncertain.

John Sherman, owner of the Royals, has stated that his team will cease playing at Kauffman after the 2030 season, with plans to construct a new downtown ballpark. Initially, the Chiefs had plans to refurbish Arrowhead, but are now increasingly considering building something new.

Clark Hunt, the owner of the Chiefs, has always wanted to host a Super Bowl, a possibility that could be more likely with a new stadium. The inclusion of a retractable roof in the stadium’s design could also attract high-profit events like the Final Four and college football playoff games.

Missouri’s unpredictable political landscape is a hindrance, with Parson ineligible for reelection due to term limits. Consequently, the Chiefs must hold off until later this year to find out their future collaborators.

Donovan mentioned that there isn’t a set date for making a decision. However, with the new facility needing to be fully operational in the future, the urgency is growing. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have more clarity in six months’ time.

Donovan stated, “The deadline really is about being operational in a new or renovated facility by the 2031 season. When dealing with an existing structure, which we have extensive experience with, the lead time is slightly reduced. However, if it’s a new project, the lead time extends by a year and a half. We believe we are currently in a position to finalize something within the next six months. This is the timeline we are adhering to.”

Donovan stated that another element influencing the decision is quite straightforward: real estate.

Should the Chiefs decide to construct anew, they would require land sufficient for 20,000 parking spaces to maintain their renowned tailgating tradition. They would also need to determine if a new training facility, which is increasingly necessary as their current one near Arrowhead Stadium is becoming outdated, should be built in proximity to a potential new stadium or situated independently elsewhere.

Donovan explained, “We plan to host Chiefs football home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead up until 2031. However, it’s crucial to figure out where we will play our games for the ’31 season. This leads to questions about the timeline for construction if renovation is needed and how to manage this over multiple seasons while still using the field. There are many variables to consider. We need to have well-defined options in order to make an informed decision.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.