Chiefs announce they are abandoning Arrowhead and moving to new stadium in 2031
Published: | Updated:
The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that they will be leaving Arrowhead and moving to a brand new stadium in another state in 2031.
The Chiefs, who moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972, confirmed the news at a press conference on Monday and revealed that they will be heading across the Missouri River to Kansas.
In a statement, Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said: 'Today we are excited to take another momentous step for the future of the franchise. We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football beginning with the 2031 NFL season'.
The Chiefs revealed that the project will be split into two aspects. The first being a $3 billion stadium in Olathe, Kansas, which is set to open for the 2031 NFL season.
They will also build a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the Wyandotte County town.
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'.
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.'
Renderings of a proposed stadium for the Chiefs were released back in May 2024
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
The new site will include mixed-use developments that could also see hotel, shopping and entertainment properties built
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.
Ironically, many fans are unaware that the Chiefs have never previously played in Kansas - including US president Donald Trump.
Back in 2020, after the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIV triumph, Trump mistakenly congratulated the franchise as well as the 'Great State of Kansas'.
'Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs on a great game and a fantastic comeback under immense pressure. We are proud of you and the Great State of Kansas and, in fact, the entire USA, so very well. Our Country is PROUD OF YOU!' he wrote.
Just 12 minutes later, Trump altered his tweet to correctly read the 'Great State of Missouri.'
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.
Daily Mail
