Stadium plans approach time of ‘urgency’ for Chiefs. Same can be said for Royals
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs and Royals face stadium decisions as 2031 lease expirations approach.
- Chiefs weigh $1.15B Arrowhead renovation versus $3B new Kansas stadium build.
- Kansas and Missouri offer competing bond packages to host future team stadiums.
The calendar is becoming less friendly for the Chiefs — and Royals — when it comes stadium planning.
Both teams are contemplating their plans, and potentially building new stadiums, as their lease expiration approaches at the Truman Sports Complex.
“They’re not short-term projects,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said Monday after watching his team’s sweltering workout at training camp on the Missouri Western campus.
By Hunt’s estimation, stadium projects take 4 1/2-5 years to complete, and the Truman Sports Complex lease for GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium expires on Jan. 31, 2031.
That leaves the Chiefs and Royals precious little time to reach decisions about their future homes.
“The urgency for us comes with the timeframe,” Hunt said. “It’s important for us to be able to make a decision somewhat in the near-term to be on schedule to have the renovated or new building open in ‘31.”
The Chiefs are deciding between renovating Arrowhead, their home since 1972, or building a new structure in Kansas, likely in Wyandotte County near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 435. Hunt did not identify a time frame for reaching a decision.
The price tag for an Arrowhead makeover: $1.15 billion. If the Chiefs build a new stadium, the costs could reach $3 billion. Lawmakers in Kansas have authorized bonds for up to 70% of the cost of a new stadium for the Chiefs and Royals in their state.
Missouri authorized bonds covering 50% of the cost of a new or renovated stadium, plus up to $50 million in tax credits and aid from local governments.
Political figures from both states joined Hunt in watching Monday’s Chiefs practice. On hand were Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas).
Both states are also in play for the Royals. Team majority owner John Sherman has said the Royals will leave Kauffman Stadium, and he and his ownership group are considering multiple options.
“Kansas City always stays in a good space with both of our professional teams, and with the Chiefs we’ve had ongoing and strong conversations,” Lucas said Monday. “I’m almost certain that we’re close to making a decision.
“I believe the end of the calendar year becomes a thing.”
This story was originally published July 28, 2025 at 3:07 PM.