Kansas City Chiefs to Leave Arrowhead Stadium for Kansas/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Kansas City Chiefs announced plans to relocate from Arrowhead Stadium to a new $3 billion domed facility in Kansas by 2031. The move comes after Missouri failed to secure funding and Kansas lawmakers approved over $2.4 billion in public bonds. The Chiefs’ future home will be near the Kansas Speedway and include a new training complex and entertainment district.
Chiefs Stadium Relocation Quick Looks
- Chiefs will leave Arrowhead Stadium by 2031 for Kansas
- New domed stadium part of $3 billion development plan
- Kansas to fund 60% via $2.4 billion in state bonds
- Stadium to be built near Kansas Speedway and The Legends
- New practice facility to open in Olathe, Kansas
- Chiefs say move enhances fan experience and revenue potential
- Missouri officials express disappointment, having worked on funding package
- Arrowhead’s renovation plans failed in public vote last year
- New stadium to seat 65,000, down from Arrowhead’s 76,000
- Chiefs seek year-round use for new venue, including Super Bowl hosting
Deep Look: Kansas City Chiefs to Relocate from Arrowhead to Kansas in New Stadium Development
TOPEKA, Kan. — In a historic decision that reshapes the region’s sports landscape, the Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday they will leave Arrowhead Stadium and move into a new $3 billion domed stadium to be built across the Kansas-Missouri border by the 2031 NFL season.
The announcement came on the heels of a unanimous vote by Kansas lawmakers, who approved over $2.4 billion in bonds to help fund the stadium, a new training facility, and a large entertainment district. The bonds, representing roughly 60% of the project’s total costwill be repaid using sales and liquor tax revenues generated in the designated area around the stadium.
“The location of Chiefs games will change,” said team owner Clark Hunt“but our fans, our traditions, and our pursuit of championships remain the same.”
The stadium is expected to be built near the Kansas Speedway and The Legends retail district in Kansas City, Kansas. The surrounding area includes venues like Children’s Mercy Park (home of Sporting Kansas City) and Legends Field (home of the Kansas City Monarchs). The new practice facility, costing $300 millionwill be constructed in Olathea Kansas City suburb. An additional $700 million will go toward other development initiatives in the region.
“This is truly a game-changer,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. “We’ve always been Chiefs fans. Now, we’re Chiefs family.”
While the exact site is still being finalized, Chiefs President Mark Donovan said the stadium would seat approximately 65,000 fansfewer than the current 76,000-seat Arrowhead Stadium. The design follows a modern trend in professional sports, favoring fewer seats with more luxury features and amenities.
“We’re still early in the process,” Hunt noted. “We’ll hire architects and contractors soon. We’re looking at a five-plus-year timeline to build the new stadium.”
A Major Loss for Missouri
The decision to relocate is a devastating blow to Missouri lawmakers and Governor Mike Kehoewho had worked to keep the team in the state. Kehoe had supported a plan involving state bonds and tax credits to help fund stadium renovations or replacement options for both the Chiefs and Kansas City Royalswho also play at the Truman Sports Complex in Jackson County.
Kehoe expressed frustration following the Chiefs’ decision, saying, “They thought new and shiny was better than old and reliable.” He emphasized that negotiations had continued as recently as the previous week and indicated Missouri isn’t giving up. “We’ll look for cracks in the armor and find a Missouri Show-Me solution.”
Hunt and Donovan, however, noted a critical factor in choosing Kansas: they only had to negotiate with state-level officialsunlike the more complicated structure involving state and local agencies in Missouri.
Failed Renovation Plans and Voter Rejection
Originally, the Chiefs had planned to renovate Arrowhead Stadium in coordination with the Royals. That proposal required a sales tax extensionwhich voters in Jackson County overwhelmingly rejected in 2024. The defeat derailed the joint stadium plan and opened the door for Kansas to court both franchises.
The Royals, though not part of Monday’s announcement, are reportedly making progress on their own move. A team-affiliated entity has already purchased a land mortgage in Overland Park, Kansassignaling possible relocation efforts.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas lamented the decision. “Arrowhead is more than a stadium. It’s family, tradition, a part of Kansas City that we will never leave,” he said.
Arrowhead Stadium’s Legacy
Opened in 1972Arrowhead Stadium has long been considered a crown jewel in the NFL, renowned for its electric game-day atmospherehistoric tailgating cultureand record-breaking noise levels. It currently holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium.
The stadium is also scheduled to host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cupincluding knockout-stage games, before the team departs.
Despite Arrowhead’s legacy, Hunt acknowledged that a new facility would better serve long-term goals. A modern venue with a fixed or retractable roof would allow the Chiefs to host concerts, major events, college football bowl gamesand potentially fulfill Lamar Hunt’s vision of bringing a Super Bowl to Kansas City.
From Dallas to Arrowhead — and Now to Kansas
The Chiefs were originally founded in 1959 by Lamar Hunt as the Dallas Texans before moving to Kansas City in 1963. Hunt was persuaded by then-Mayor H. Roe Bartle with the promise of tripled ticket sales and an upgraded stadium.
Arrowhead has served as the team’s home for over five decadesundergoing multiple renovations to keep pace with the modern NFL. However, limited development around the stadium and a lack of space for additional suites or revenue-enhancing amenities contributed to the push for a move.
Donovan said the Hunt family believes Lamar would have supported the relocation if it meant improving the fan experience and expanding the team’s potential.
Clark Hunt echoed that sentiment. “Chiefs fans on both sides of the state line have elevated the identity of Kansas City. When people across the world hear ‘Kansas City,’ they think of the Chiefs.”
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