On a similar note, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for an equally thrilling sea change. They’ve recently released proposals to leave their traditional base at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri for a new, state of the art domed facility across the state line, in Kansas. Team owner Clark Hunt has indicated that the move is inevitable. It’s set to occur just before the 2031 NFL season, and it’s a critical juncture in the long and storied history of this franchise. Comparatively, the Chiefs are on the verge of spending more than $3 billion on a new training facility. This monumental edifice will soon line the Kansas-Missouri state line, mostly in Wyandotte County, Kansas.
This would be significant even before the Hunts announced that their family would spend an additional $1 billion on developing the area surrounding the new stadium. Their testimony highlighted possible incentives via STAR bonds. The plan includes $2.4 billion in estimated financial framework bonds. These bonds would be paid back with additional sales and liquor tax revenues produced by a defined district surrounding the stadium.
The new stadium’s location is still being determined. Shovels are about to hit ground as construction is expected to begin shortly, with an estimated three years to finish. Chiefs prepare to hire an architectural firm to design their new stadium. They hope the whole process will take no more than 18 months.
“This will give Chiefs kingdom a state-of-the-art facility for multiple generations, a building that can last for at least 50 or 60 years,” Hunt stated. We still think it’s the best thing for the region. Kansas City would have the opportunity to compete for big events. This goes hand-in-hand with big-time opportunities such as the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff and no less than the NCAA Final Four.
The transition to a new venue promises not only a modernized sports experience but substantial economic benefits for the region. The Chiefs are already on track to produce upwards of 20,000 new jobs. This initiative will create an immediate economic stimulus of over $4 billion in local economies.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas voiced his opposition to the announcement. He called it a big-time emotional connection as he talked about how most football fans feel about Arrowhead Stadium.
While the Chiefs aren’t going far away and aren’t gone yet, today is a setback as a Kansas Citian, a former Chiefs season ticketholder and lifelong Chiefs fan, Lucas said. “Business decisions are a reality, and we all understand that, but Arrowhead Stadium is more — it’s family, tradition and a part of Kansas City we will never leave.”
Hunt made clear that this was not an easy decision and they took into account the effects on their fans.
Our constituents deserve to know that it was a difficult decision. This is an emotional decision for all of us,” he stated. We know that we’re living in the emotional realm for our fans and we appreciate that. It’s going to take some time. Change is hard. We appreciate that. Ultimately, I believe in time, people will realize this was the right move for all of us, for our players and our fans.
Whatever the new stadium design ends up being, improving the fan experience will be of the utmost importance. Particularly, improving sonic quality and ambience will be a main priority. Donovan, who was integral to the planning process, emphasized establishing a distinct environment that speaks to fans.
Our supporters told us that — very clearly, from the very first meetings we’ve run — through the surveys, that right there. They want it to be controversial! Donovan stated. “We believe there are designed ways that can make [the new stadium] even louder [than Arrowhead].”
Hunt made clear that tailgating is a critical part of the game-day experience. This has been an important driver for the stadium’s design.
“It must take into account that tailgating is one of the most important parts of our entire experience,” Hunt explained. “It’s what we’re best at. It’s what we’re celebrated for, and it’s what our fans are proud of.”
As work on this monumental project begins in earnest, the positive energy surrounding it is contagious. Team officials and city leaders are understandably giddy about the good it’ll do for Kansas City and the greater region.
As a family, we knew this was the right opportunity for us. We truly think that it is the right path forward for the organization for a multitude of reasons. Hunt added.
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