In a monumental shift for one of the NFL's most successful franchises, the Kansas City Chiefs have announced plans to depart their iconic Arrowhead Stadium for a new, state-of-the-art domed stadium across the state line in Kansas. The move, targeting the start of the 2031 season, follows a landmark vote by Kansas lawmakers to fund the project.
A Historic Vote and a New Home
The decision was solidified on Monday when a council of top Kansas lawmakers voted unanimously to authorize the state to issue more than $2.4 billion in bonds. This public financing will cover approximately 60% of the cost for a sprawling new sports complex. The project includes the new stadium, a fresh training facility, and retail and entertainment spaces. The bonds will be repaid using state sales and liquor tax revenues generated within a designated zone around the development.
"Today's announcement is truly historic. Actually, it's a little surreal," said Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. "Today's announcement will touch the lives of Kansans for generations to come... We have always been Chiefs fans. Now we are Chiefs family."
Details of the Chiefs' $3 Billion Vision
The Chiefs' ambitious plan centres on a $3 billion stadium project to be built in Kansas City, Kansas, near the Kansas Speedway and The Legends retail district. This area is already a sports hub, housing Children’s Mercy Park (home of MLS's Sporting Kansas City) and Legends Field (home of the minor league baseball Kansas City Monarchs).
While the final site is pending, Chiefs president Mark Donovan indicated the new venue will seat about 65,000 fans—roughly 10,000 fewer than Arrowhead. This reflects a league-wide trend toward stadiums with fewer overall seats but more premium amenities and luxury spaces. Additionally, the team plans to build a $300 million practice facility in Olathe, Kansas, and has committed to at least $700 million in other ancillary development.
Missouri's Reaction and What Comes Next
The announcement deals a significant blow to Missouri, which loses a major economic and cultural asset. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe revealed that discussions about keeping the Chiefs at a renovated or rebuilt Arrowhead Stadium were ongoing as recently as last week. He had backed a special legislative session to offer competitive funding.
"They thought new and shiny was better than old and reliable," Kehoe stated, vowing to continue exploring a "Missouri Show-Me solution." The departure marks the second NFL franchise to leave Missouri in a decade, following the Rams' move from St. Louis to Los Angeles.
For the Chiefs, the work is just beginning. "We have a lot of work to do. We're still early in the process," said team owner Clark Hunt. He outlined a timeline to hire an architect and contractor, kicking off a five-plus-year construction period aiming for a 2031 opening. Hunt sought to reassure the team's legendary fanbase, promising that while the location changes, the core game-day experience and championship aspirations will not.
State officials predict the project will create over 20,000 new construction jobs, providing a substantial economic boost to the Kansas side of the metropolitan area as the Chiefs chart their new course.
