Will they become the Kansas State Chiefs?
The Chiefs have agreed to move from Missouri to the Sunflower State in 2031, when they are expected to play in a new domed stadium in Wyandotte County, owner Clark Hunt announced in a letter to fans on Monday.
“Today we are excited to take another momentous step for the future of the franchise,” he wrote. “We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football beginning with the 2031 NFL season. In the years ahead, we look forward to designing and building a state-of-the-art domed stadium and mixed-use district in Wyandotte County, and a best-in-class training facility, team headquarters, and mixed-use district in Olathe, totaling a minimum of $4 billion of development in the State of Kansas.”
The move out of their longtime home at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City was secured after top Kansas lawmakers approved a proposal to help fund the stadium on Monday.
They’ll now be headed for a domed stadium in Kansas as part of the agreement to build a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility, and mixed-use development in Kansas as part of a proposal approved by lawmakers that will allow for STAR bonds to be issued to cover up to 70% of costs.
Missouri lawmakers had authorized bonds covering up to 50% of costs to renovate or build a new stadium plus $50 million in tax credits .
“This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “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.”
The Chiefs have played at Arrowhead Stadium since 1972 and in recent years have blossomed into a dynasty — which took a detour this season, with Kansas City () missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
“This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family,” Kansas governor Laura Kelly said. “This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it’s a signal to America and the world that our state’s future is very bright.”
Videos from reporters inside the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka showed Chiefs flags draped all over in preparation for the announcement.
Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas was also set to hold a news conference.
The Chiefs leaving would be a gut-punch to Missouri, which has offered a package of its own and watched the Rams leave St. Louis for Los Angeles in 2016.
Hunt acknowledged the tough truth that now looms for Chiefs fans.
“Of course, it will be difficult to bid farewell to Arrowhead Stadium in a few years,” Hunt wrote. “Like so many of you, Arrowhead reminds me of family memories and unforgettable moments. But the truth is, what makes Chiefs gamedays so special is you. Seats don’t make noise, concrete doesn’t intimidate opponents, parking lots don’t cook barbecue. You do.
“From the day the Chiefs came to Kansas City, you have energized this team, and this team has elevated the profile of the city and the region. It’s the reason kids from coast to coast wear red and gold t-shirts, and sports fans around the world will watch soccer games from our backyard this summer. This next step will further elevate the entire region in the eyes of the country and the world.”
