Since Patrick Mahomes was drafted by Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, the franchise has skyrocketed in popularity and success, not only because of his talent but also due to the team’s achievements with him as quarterback, Travis Kelce as his best partner and of course Andy Reid as coach. Winning three Super Bowls in six years, the Chiefs are now in a position to make history as the eighth franchise aiming for an NFL first: a three-peat in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
This sporting success has brought significant economic benefits to the team owners, enabling them to consider opportunities previously out of reach. Despite Arrowhead Stadium’s storied history of over 50 years as the third-oldest stadium in the NFL, the Chiefs are contemplating a monumental decision. Team president Mark Donovan announced at a news conference last Friday that the franchise plans to decide within six months whether to remain at Arrowhead or relocate to a new stadium, potentially in Missouri or Kansas. “This is a generational decision. This is going to impact the future of this franchise for generations. We’ve got to get it right. We are going to take our time to do it right.”
Why Make This Decision Now?
Arrowhead Stadium, a chosen host site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will see its current lease expire on January 31, 2031. While major renovations are planned for the 52-year-old building, the Chiefs are weighing the option to build a new stadium in Missouri or Kansas. This consideration comes just three months after Jackson County, Mo., voters overwhelmingly rejected an extension of the three-eighths-cent sales tax designed to ensure the Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals remain in the county for at least the next 25 years. The initiative was defeated with 58% voting no and 42% voting yes.
“Given the results of the vote, we have a much more measured response, which is we want to look at our options.” Last month, Kansas legislators, with bipartisan backing, approved state bonds to help fund new stadiums and practice facilities for both teams the Royals and the Chiefs. “Kansas now has the chance to become a professional sports powerhouse,” Governor Laura Kelly stated at the time.
Should the Chiefs relocate to Kansas, these state bonds could cover up to 70 percent of the expenses for constructing a new stadium. The bonds would be repaid over 30 years using revenue from sports betting, state lottery ticket sales and alcohol taxes collected from an entertainment district surrounding the stadium.
What’s Next for Arrowhead?
Projected renovations for Arrowhead are expected to cost $800 million. Chiefs’ owner Clark Hunt has committed $300 million to the project. In late February, the Chiefs revealed renderings of the proposed renovations, which include enhancements to suites, video boards, and club lounges.
These updates are potentially slated for completion before the 2026 World Cup. If the Chiefs clinch another Super Bowl, the additional revenue might expedite the project, though a definitive timeline has yet to be established. The decision is further complicated by Arrowhead’s deep history and the team’s legacy within the stadium.
This juncture represents a critical moment for the Kansas City Chiefs, balancing tradition with the need for modernization to sustain their newfound success. The next six months will be pivotal in shaping the future of the franchise and its loyal fanbase.
