The Kansas City Chiefs have officially announced plans to relocate from Arrowhead Stadium to a new cutting-edge facility in 2031.
Having called Arrowhead Stadium home since 1972, the Chiefs shared this significant update during a press conference on Monday, revealing their return to Kansas.
Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt expressed enthusiasm in his statement, saying, “Today marks an exciting milestone for our franchise’s future. We have reached an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football starting in the 2031 NFL season.”
The ambitious project will unfold in two phases. The first involves constructing a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, scheduled to open in time for the 2031 NFL season.
In addition, the team will establish a new headquarters and training complex in Olathe, Kansas.
While further specifics about the stadium are forthcoming, the Chiefs have promised a “state-of-the-art domed stadium” to enhance the fan experience.
The Chiefs have revealed that they are set to leave Arrowhead for a new stadium in 2031
They will also build a brand new Chiefs headquarters and facility in Olathe, Kansas
The news was confirmed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt
According to the press release, the ambitious project is slated to deliver over 20,000 jobs to Kansas and will have an estimated economic impact at around $4.4 billion.
Both sites, according to their statement, will include mixed-use developments that could also see hotel, shopping and entertainment properties built as part of it.
‘The benefit to the entire region will be monumental,’ the statement continued. ‘A stadium of this caliber will put Kansas City in the running for Super Bowls, Final Fours, and other world-class events.
‘A brand new training facility and headquarters will allow the Chiefs to continue to attract top talent. And the vision for a new mixed-use district will rival that of any sports-anchored development anywhere in the country’.
The statement revealed that the project will be funded through a public-private partnership – with the public portion accounting for 60 percent of the funding.
Meanwhile, the Hunt family, owners of the franchise, have also committed to $1 billion in additional development.
On the ambitious move, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said: ‘This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans. ‘This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts’ generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America’s greatest fan bases.
‘The Chiefs’ new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it’s playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement.’
More details about the stadium itself are expected to be revealed later down the line but the Chiefs have insisted it will be a ‘state-of-the-art domed stadium’
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Gov. David Toland claimed it is ‘the largest economic win in Kansas history’ and added that ‘this win will also cement Kansas as a global destination for sports and entertainment’.
‘The Chiefs are a part of who we are as Kansans, and now, they’ll be such an important part of our future for years and generations to come.’
The decision will see the Chiefs bid farewell to Arrowhead Stadium, which is the third-oldest stadium in the league – behind only Soldier Field and Lambeau Field.
It marks the second time that the state of Missouri has seen an NFL franchise move away, after the St Louis Rams opted to relocate to Los Angeles back in 2016.
The announcement comes after a torrid season for the Chiefs, who missed out on the postseason for the first time in a decade after falling to 6-9 for the season.
More to follow…
