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Kansas City Chiefs made a major announcement Monday, announcing their move from Missouri and Arrowhead Stadium to a new domed stadium in Kansas.
The leaders, along with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced in a joint statement from owner and chairman Clark Hunt that the team would head to Kansas City, Kansas, after a meeting of the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council.
“Today we are pleased to take another important step for the future of the franchise,” Hunt said in a statement. “We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host a Chiefs football game beginning in the 2031 NFL season.
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A general view of an empty GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium prior to the start of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
“In the coming years, we look forward to designing and constructing a state-of-the-art dome stadium and mixed-use area in Wyandotte County, as well as a best-in-class training facility, team headquarters and mixed-use area in Olathe, totaling a minimum of $4 billion in development investments in the state of Kansas.”
Kelly added, “This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we are creating thousands of jobs, attracting tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we continue to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family. This is a game changer for Kansas and a signal to America and the world that the future is very bright for our state.”
The Chiefs will remain at Arrowhead Stadium, with a lease that runs through the 2030 season. But there will certainly be some bittersweet feelings given how long the Chiefs have played in their current home.
Since 1972, the Chiefs have played at Arrowhead Stadium, which the late Lamar Hunt was instrumental in building in Missouri. However, today it is the oldest stadium in the NFL.
But for football fans, the big question remains: Why are the Chiefs moving?
It's been an ongoing debate for some time, but ultimately it revolves around who will help the Chiefs more in building their home of the future. Kansas has outbid Missouri, and the former state's STAR (Sales and Revenue Tax) bonds will cover up to 70% of the cost of the new stadium.
Last summer, Missouri approved a plan that would pay up to half the cost of new stadiums not only for the Chiefs, but also for MLB players. Kansas City Royals Also.
General view prior to the AFC NFL Championship football game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
The Chiefs and Royals share the same space at the Truman Sports Complex, but the baseball organization hopes to build its own new home and make Kauffman Stadium a thing of the past. The royals were not involved in Monday's announcement.
Voters in Jackson County, the jurisdiction that owns the Truman Sports Complex, blocked an extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax that would have funded improvements to Arrowhead Stadium and also helped finance a new Royals stadium. Thus, both franchises were forced to look for other options, and the Chiefs made a big move here.
“The benefits to the entire region will be enormous,” Hunt continued in the statement. “A stadium of this caliber will allow Kansas City to compete in Super Bowls, Final Fours and other world-class events. A brand new training facility and headquarters will allow the Chiefs to continue to attract top talent. And the vision for the new mixed-use district will rival any sports project anywhere in the country.”
In addition to Hunt's statement above, the domed stadium will make the new Chiefs Stadium not only a possible Super Bowl venue, but also host many other sporting and cultural events in the future.
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Hunt acknowledged how difficult it will be to say goodbye to the city and place his father worked so hard to bring Missourians and so many others who have supported the Chiefs for decades.
“In a few years, it will be hard to say goodbye to Arrowhead Stadium.” Like many of you, Arrowhead reminds me of family memories and unforgettable moments. But the truth is, you are what makes Chiefs game days so special. The seats don't make noise, the concrete doesn't scare opponents, and there are no barbecues in parking lots. You do it.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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