KC Chiefs president says team is exploring possible sites for stadium in Kansas: report
Could the Chiefs set up shop in Kansas?
A tweet Tuesday morning from Kevin Clark, who covers the NFL for The Ringer, seemed to indicate the Chiefs are exploring the idea of building a new stadium in the Sunflower State.
The idea came from Chiefs president Mark Donovan. The NFL is holding owners meetings this week in Palm Beach, Florida, and Donovan made the comment there.
“Chiefs prez Mark Donovan, when asked this AM about potential new stadium options, said the team has considered options in state of Kansas. They like Arrowhead and legacy of Lamar Hunt’s stadium, but have been pitched by Kansas developers on a bunch of options. Something to watch.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas responded to the tweet with one of his own.
“Kansas City has proudly hosted the Chiefs since the early 1960s. We look forward to working with the Chiefs, our state of Missouri partners, and local officials to ensure the Chiefs remain home in Kansas City and Missouri for generations to come.”
The idea of the Chiefs leaving Arrowhead Stadium, their home since 1972 at the Truman Sports Complex just east of downtown Kansas City, has never gained much traction. The team’s current lease at the Truman Sports Complex expires in 2031.
The neighboring Royals have expressed interest in building a downtown ballpark, which would affect the Chiefs. In November, Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said his organization would be watching those developments with great interest.
“We’re going to watch as they go through the process, and at some point here in the next year or so, start thinking about what’s next for the Chiefs from a stadium standpoint,” Hunt said.
Hunt called Arrowhead “one of the finest stadiums in the league” because of renovations that occurred a decade ago. If the Royals receive tax dollars for a new downtown stadium, it’s believed the Chiefs also would also want financial considerations.
In a statement, Jackson County executive Frank White said he’ll work to keep both of the teams that call the Truman Sports Complex home within the county.
“Jackson County has been the proud home of Arrowhead Stadium since 1972. And to this day, Arrowhead Stadium continues to be the best and loudest football stadium in world, providing the greatest fan experience in the NFL thanks in large part to the significant investments made by Jackson County residents.
“The Chiefs and the Royals are under contract until at least 2031. The County looks forward to working with all involved to ensure both teams remain in Jackson County for decades to come.”
Options in Kansas could involve the Legends area in Kansas City, Kan., where Kansas Speedway and Children’s Mercy Park are located.
Remaining at the Truman Sports Complex even if the Royals were to move would also be a possibility for the Chiefs, who could suddenly find themselves with additional space in which to create a year-round retail and entertainment district adjacent to Arrowhead Stadium.
That’s happened in, among other locales, Green Bay, Wisc., where the Titletown District near Lambeau Field includes restaurants and bars and outdoor spaces.
One Chiefs player expressed his feelings about a potential move west in an amusing way Tuesday afternoon. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who recently finished up his second season with the Chiefs after starring for Mississippi State (he’s a native of Starkville, Miss.), asked for any move to be delayed — ostensibly until he’s retired and no longer with the team.
“Give it about 8 more years before moving the stadium to Kansas,” Gay tweeted. “I’m a Missouri boy.”
This story was originally published March 29, 2022 at 11:09 AM with the headline "KC Chiefs president says team is exploring possible sites for stadium in Kansas: report."