PALM BEACH, Fla. — It’s later than when the Chiefs first envisioned, but team owner Clark Hunt is now targeting this summer to decide whether to renovate Arrowhead Stadium or build a new facility.
The NFL team has been actively evaluating its options after Jackson County, Mo., voters last year strongly rejected a proposed sales tax measure to support renovations at Arrowhead Stadium, as well as a new ballpark for MLB’s Royals. The Chiefs originally had targeted early this year to make a final choice on the team’s stadium future.
“We’re having good conversations, and both options are still very much in play,” Hunt told Front Office Sports. “I’m hopeful that we’ll have some news to announce there by summer at the latest.”
The team’s deliberations have three facets, as beyond the potential of upgrading Arrowhead Stadium, there is interest from both Missouri and Kansas about building a new facility.
Two factors came up strongly in recent fan polling conducted by the team and research firm CSL International: a loud environment and the ability to tailgate. Both are already present at Arrowhead Stadium, which would seemingly support the renovation option, but Hunt said those factors would be strongly prioritized in a new stadium, too.
A dome on a new facility remains in active consideration as it would allow Kansas City to bid for major events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and the College Football Playoff.
The Chiefs’ current lease at Arrowhead Stadium expires in 2031.
America’s Team
The Chiefs are now the NFL’s top television draw, a status burnished by five Super Bowl trips and three titles since 2019, as well as the magnetism of stars such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. In toppling the Cowboys, the prior and longtime fan favorite, it’s a status that Hunt eagerly embraces.
“Our goal is to be the world’s team, and that starts with being one of the top teams here in the United States,” Hunt said. “It’s a credit to our players, some of the personalities that we have on the team, certainly the success we’ve had over the last six years. We also have some very special fans that help drive those numbers.”
No Redo for Mahomes
The NFL quarterback market is now in a rapid reconstruction, particularly regarding overall compensation and annual guarantees. One of the most successful and longest-tenured signal-callers, Mahomes would seemingly be in line for another renegotiation to escalate his contract. At one time, Mahomes held a North American pro sports record, but he is now tied as just the 13th-highest-paid quarterback.
Instead, Mahomes has restructured his deal, in part to help give the Chiefs more salary-cap room and retain other stars.
“A little over a year ago, we upgraded his deal within the confines of his original 10-year extension, and that really put in place a system that I don’t see changing for several years,” Hunt said.
Back to the White House
As the Chiefs are being invited to the White House to visit U.S. President Donald Trump, even after being trounced by the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, another invitation is coming their way. This time, it’s for the 2019 team that won Super LIV but then didn’t go to the White House due to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic soon thereafter.
Just six players, including Mahomes, who were on that prior team still play for the Chiefs. Nonetheless, efforts are underway to make the trip happen.
“We’re very honored that the president would think of us going back to the 2019 season,” Hunt said. “We certainly would like to figure out how to make that happen. There are obviously additional logistical challenges, but we’re working through those with the White House.”
