The Kansas City Chiefs will be leaving Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, and relocating to Wyandotte County in Kansas for the 2031 NFL season.
The announcement comes on the heels of Kansas state lawmakers approving a proposal to help fund a new $3B domed stadium for the team, along with a new team headquarters and training facility in Olathe, Kansas. Kansas City, which is essentially split by state lines between Kansas, and Missouri, will now see the team move to the west side of the river, bringing an end to the team’s 50+ year stay at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs,” Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world.”
The motion to use state funds (largely derived from state sales and liquor tax revenue) to cover up to 70% of the cost of the stadium was approved unanimously by legislators on Monday. The team’s lease at Arrowhead Stadium is set to expire in 2030, and will be the final season the team plays at the historic venue.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas shared his disappointment with the news in a public statement shortly after news of the impending move broke.
“Great cities hold great venues, which provide not only revenue benefits, but also employ thousands, expose residents and visitors alike to new areas and businesses, and provide brand and cultural benefit to key parts of our community.”
“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 ticket holder, and a lifelong Chiefs fan…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.”
According to projections, Wyandotte County anticipates the move to generate 20,000+ construction jobs, which will create a $4.4B economic impact on the area.
Photo: Master Sgt. Michael Crame. This image or file is a work of a U.S. Air Force Airman or employee, taken or made as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image or file is in the public domain in the United States.