The Kansas City Chiefs announced today that they will leave their long-time Missouri home at the Truman Sports Complex and head for the Sunflower State. Kansas governor Laura Kelly made the announcement this afternoon.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said the move will help the Chiefs continue to have a fan-first approach.
He also spoke on the future partnership with Kansas.
The Chiefs opened Arrowhead Stadium in 1972 and will leave for a $3 billion domed stadium thanks to the deal with Kansas that will allow for STAR bonds to cover 70% of the cost of the stadium and a planned mixed-use district around the arena. State leaders voted to approve the package at a meeting this afternoon. The development will also include a new practice facility and with a new team headquarters in Olathe. Officials say they intend to build the stadium near Kansas Speedway, located near The Legends in Kansas City, Kansas which also is home to Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS team Sporting Kansas City.
The Kansas bid won out after a last-ditch effort by Missouri to keep the club. Jackson County voters resoundingly rejected a local sales tax measure on the ballot last year that would have helped pay for renovations for Arrowhead and help fund a new ballpark for the Royals downtown. The Hunt family had long indicated their preference was to stay and renovate Arrowhead, but that a new domed stadium would open up additional options for the club to host year-round events and, most likely, a Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ lease at Arrowhead Stadium runs through the 2030 NFL season.
