The Chiefs wouldn’t be the only sports franchise that could be leaving Kansas City

KANSAS City Chiefs’ new domed stadium rendering plans have been revealed, which would move them away from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri.

The Chiefs have considered relocating across state lines to Kansas.

The Kansas City Chiefs, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, are on the cusp of a monumental decision that could reshape their future and the Kansas City sports landscape. Recently revealed rendering plans for a new $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas have sparked excitement and debate, as the proposed state-of-the-art facility could signal the end of the Chiefs’ tenure at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri. This ambitious project, designed by renowned sports architect David Manica, aims to position Kansas City as a hub for major sporting and entertainment events, including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and a variety of concerts and family shows.

A New Era for the Chiefs

Since 1972, Arrowhead Stadium has been the beating heart of Chiefs Kingdom, hosting generations of fans and witnessing the team’s rise to NFL dominance, including three Super Bowl victories in recent years. With a capacity of 76,416, Arrowhead is one of the league’s most iconic venues, steeped in history and tradition. However, the Chiefs’ lease at the Truman Sports Complex, where Arrowhead is located, is set to expire in January 2031, prompting the franchise to explore its options for the future.

The proposed domed stadium, to be located in Wyandotte County near The Legends shopping district and Kansas Speedway, represents a bold vision for the Chiefs. The state-of-the-art facility would include a fully enclosed stadium, a modern training facility with indoor and outdoor fields, an outdoor amphitheater, and ample parking for tailgating—a cherished tradition for Chiefs fans. The mixed-use development could also provide space for the Kansas City Royals, who are similarly contemplating their future beyond Kauffman Stadium.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has expressed enthusiasm for the potential of a domed stadium, noting that it would enable Kansas City to host marquee events like the Super Bowl, which Arrowhead’s open-air design cannot accommodate due to weather constraints. “I do think for the community, a dome would be a tremendous asset,” Hunt said at the NFL’s annual league meeting in March. “It would give the Kansas City region an opportunity to host significant events.”

The Case for Kansas

The push for a new stadium in Kansas has gained momentum following the state’s aggressive pursuit of the Chiefs and Royals. Kansas lawmakers have proposed a STAR bonds program, which would cover up to 70% of the stadium’s construction costs through future sales tax revenues. This financial incentive is part of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s vision to transform the state into a “professional sports powerhouse.” The proposed site near Interstates 435 and 70 in Kansas City, Kansas, already boasts infrastructure to support a major stadium, including proximity to Kansas Speedway, The Legends, and facilities for MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

David Manica, president of MANICA Architecture, emphasized the transformative potential of the project: “The design offers Kansas City the potential for an incredible new home for the Chiefs – and a modern stadium that brings Kansas City new opportunities to host a Super Bowl, NCAA Final Fours Championships, and a wider variety of concerts and family shows than ever before.” The renderings showcase a sleek, modern design that promises enhanced fan comfort and amenities, a significant upgrade from Arrowhead’s current offerings.

The Chiefs have until June 30, 2026, to finalize their decision, following an extension granted by Kansas lawmakers after the original deadline of June 30, 2025. Chiefs president Mark Donovan highlighted the complexity of the project, stating, “The complexity and scale of the project—and the importance of crafting a structure that works for all stakeholders—make it clear that more time is needed to bring the effort to full fruition.”

Missouri’s Counteroffer

While Kansas presents an enticing vision, Missouri is not standing idly by. The state recently approved a funding package to support renovations at Arrowhead Stadium, estimated at $800 million to $1.15 billion, or the construction of new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals. This comes after Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax extension in 2024 that would have funded an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead and a $2 billion ballpark district for the Royals. Missouri lawmakers, aware of the economic benefits of retaining both teams, are pushing to keep the Chiefs in their historic home.

Arrowhead’s last major renovation, completed 15 years ago at a cost of $375 million, modernized the stadium but did not address its limitations for hosting large-scale indoor events. A full-scale renovation remains a viable option, with improvements potentially including upgraded suites, video boards, and club lounges. However, the allure of a new domed stadium in Kansas, capable of hosting a Super Bowl and other high-profile events, is a significant draw for the Chiefs’ ownership.

The Stakes for Kansas City

The Chiefs’ decision will have far-reaching implications for the Kansas City region. A move to Kansas would keep the team within a short 3.3-mile drive from their current home, minimizing disruption for fans but potentially shifting economic benefits across state lines. Missouri officials, including Representative Jim Murphy, have warned that losing the Chiefs could cost the state millions in tax revenue and damage its reputation, particularly given the team’s recent success.

On the other hand, Kansas sees the project as a historic economic development opportunity. Chiefs president Mark Donovan described it as “the largest economic development initiative in the state’s history,” with the potential to create a vibrant entertainment district and attract major events. The competition between the two states has been described as a “border battle,” with both sides vying to present the best financial and political support for the Chiefs.

Looking Ahead

As the Chiefs weigh their options, the team remains focused on the field, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid aiming to rebound from their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The 2025 season, which kicks off against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 5, will see the Chiefs continue to play at Arrowhead, but the clock is ticking on their long-term future.

Whether the Chiefs choose to renovate Arrowhead or embrace a new domed stadium in Kansas, the decision will shape the franchise and the region for decades to come. Fans, accustomed to the electric atmosphere of Arrowhead, may find it difficult to imagine a future without it, but the promise of hosting a Super Bowl in Kansas City could herald a new chapter for Chiefs Kingdom. For now, the renderings of the $3 billion domed stadium offer a tantalizing glimpse of what could be—a modern, world-class venue ready to welcome the NFL’s biggest stage.