The Kansas City Chiefs have set a six-month deadline to make a decision about the future of Arrowhead Stadium. This decision could involve either renovating the current stadium or building a new one in Kansas or Missouri. This comes after a joint proposal by the Chiefs and the Royals to extend a sales tax to fund facilities was rejected by voters in Jackson County earlier this year.
Legislators in Kansas have approved a plan to finance up to 70% of the cost of new stadiums for professional sports teams, with hopes of attracting the Chiefs to move across the state line. Missouri Governor Mike Parson has also stated that the state is working on a plan to keep the teams in Missouri.
Chiefs president Mark Donovan emphasized the importance of this decision, stating that it will impact the future of the franchise for generations to come. The Chiefs and the Royals have been playing at the Truman Sports Complex for over fifty years, but both stadiums are in need of updates and renovations.
While the Chiefs initially considered renovating Arrowhead Stadium, there is now a possibility of building a new stadium. Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has expressed interest in hosting a Super Bowl, which would be more feasible with a new stadium. A new stadium with a retractable roof could also attract lucrative events like the Final Four and college football playoff games.
One challenge facing Missouri is its uncertain political landscape, as Governor Parson is unable to run for reelection due to term limits. This means that the Chiefs will have to wait to see who they will be working with in the future.
In terms of timing, Donovan mentioned that the goal is to have a new or renovated facility up and running by the 2031 season. Real estate is another important factor in the decision-making process, as the Chiefs would need enough space for parking and potentially a new training facility.
Ultimately, the Chiefs are focused on ensuring that they have a plan in place for the future of Arrowhead Stadium within the next six months. This decision will have long-lasting implications for the franchise and its fans.