The Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday that they will leave their longtime home at Arrowhead Stadium for a new, domed stadium that will be built across the Kansas-Missouri state line and be ready for the start of the 2031 season.
New Stadium and Funding
The announcement followed a unanimous vote by a council of Kansas lawmakers inside a packed room at the state Capitol. The vote approved STAR bonds that will cover up to 70% of the cost of the stadium and the surrounding mixed-use district. The bonds will be repaid through state sales and liquor tax revenues generated in a defined area around the new facility.
Owner’s Message
“The location of Chiefs games will change,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said, “but some things won’t change. Our fans will still be the loudest in the NFL, our games will still be the best place in the world to tailgate, and our players and coaches will be ready to compete for championships, because on the field or off the field, we are big dreamers, and we’re ready for the next chapter.”
Location and Nearby Development
The new stadium will be situated in Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and a retail and entertainment district known as The Legends. The area also houses Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City. The Chiefs will also build a new practice facility in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas.
State-Level Reactions
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the move was “truly historic” and “a little surreal.” She added that the announcement will touch the lives of Kansans for generations to come and that the state is a “total game-changer.” Kelly also noted that “We have always been Chiefs fans. Now we are Chiefs family.”
Missouri’s Response
The Chiefs’ relocation is a significant blow to Missouri lawmakers and Gov. Mike Kehoe, who had been working on a funding package to keep the Rams and the Chiefs within the state. Kehoe had backed a special legislative session in June to authorize bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.
Legacy of Arrowhead
Arrowhead Stadium has been the Chiefs’ home since 1972, when the team moved from Municipal Stadium. The venue has undergone numerous renovations but has seen limited economic development around it. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium roar and has hosted six World Cup matches this summer, including Round of 32 and quarterfinals.
Future Plans
The new domed stadium will allow the Chiefs to use the venue year-round, opening opportunities for concerts, college football bowl games, the Final Four, and potentially a Super Bowl. Hunt emphasized that the partnership with Missouri is not over and that the Chiefs look forward to working together in the years ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Chiefs will move to a new domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, ready for the 2031 season.
- STAR bonds will cover up to 70% of the cost, repaid by state sales and liquor taxes.
- The move follows unanimous support from Kansas lawmakers and strong statements from Gov. Laura Kelly.
- Missouri officials, including Gov. Mike Kehoe, see the relocation as a blow to state interests.
- The new stadium will enable year-round events and maintain the Chiefs’ legacy while expanding regional development.
The Chiefs’ decision marks a pivotal moment for the franchise and the region, promising new opportunities for fans, businesses, and the broader Kansas-Missouri community.
