The Chiefs are aiming to make significant progress in deciding where they will play after their lease at Arrowhead Stadium ends in January 2031. Club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt emphasized that staying in the Kansas City metropolitan area is their top priority.
“We have a strong bond with the community and the Chiefs kingdom. Our main focus is finding a solution here in the metropolitan area,” Hunt stated during his annual training camp press conference at Missouri Western State University.
In April, Jackson County voters turned down extending a sales tax that would have funded renovations to Arrowhead Stadium and a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals.
As a result, the Chiefs are now exploring options beyond their current home of 52 seasons, including the possibility of relocating to the Kansas side of the state line. The Kansas legislature has approved a bond proposal that could cover up to 70% of the costs for a new Chiefs stadium.
However, Hunt emphasized that they have not ruled out staying in Missouri or at Arrowhead Stadium.
“We appreciate the options available to us, particularly the support from the Kansas legislature with the star bond bill amendment. This could provide an opportunity for us to consider a stadium on that side,” Hunt explained.
“We are committed to working hard in the coming months and years to find a solution that works for our organization, the team, and importantly, the community. We approach this with an open mind and look forward to discussions with leaders from both sides of the state line.”
The plan that voters rejected in April would have bound the Chiefs to Arrowhead Stadium for 25 years, which Clark Hunt mentioned is roughly how much longer the facility is expected to last.
Back in 2006, voters also said no to adding a retractable roof that would have been shared with neighboring Kauffman Stadium, but Hunt indicated they might reconsider that option.
“I believe we’ll revisit that idea,” Hunt stated. “I mentioned the potential for a new stadium, possibly on the Missouri side. If we choose that route, a dome would likely be necessary. A dome allows us to host various events, which could be beneficial for the community.”
Arrowhead Stadium isn’t the only facility needing upgrades. Hunt acknowledges that their team headquarters and training complex are also in need of modernization. The Chiefs received low marks in a report card from the NFL Players Association in March for their commitment to investing in facilities.
Hunt points out that every NFL team has grown in terms of personnel, including players and coaches, a trend he expects to continue. Since moving into their current headquarters nearly 15 years ago, the organization has more than doubled in size to over 300 staff members, not including players.
“We’re considering either a major renovation of our current training facility or building a new one that can accommodate not just our current size, but also our expected growth over the next few decades,” Hunt explained.
Hunt addresses his team at the start of every training camp, emphasizing consistent messages.
“I want them to understand the club’s culture, our mission statement, and our ultimate goal, which is to reach New Orleans and compete for another Lombardi Trophy,” Hunt said.
He cautioned his team about the challenges ahead, particularly the distractions of aiming for a three-peat championship. “We need to focus on each game and not get sidetracked by the talk of going back-to-back-to-back,” Hunt stressed.
Hunt reminded the team that as defending champions, every opponent will bring their best effort. “Teams will circle games against us as a chance to beat the reigning champions,” Hunt added.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo echoed similar sentiments, particularly emphasizing the upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener.
“My focus is solely on the Baltimore Ravens right now,” Spagnuolo emphasized. “They’re a talented team, and we know they’ll be highly motivated for that game.”
