The Kansas City Chiefs have their team and plans for 2024 very well aligned, but the future of Arrowhead Stadium looks to be heading in a different direction.
In April of this year, Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt proposed a sales tax increase for the residents of Jackson County, Missouri, in order to finance the renovation of the Arrowhead Stadium infrastructure.
However, a poll showed that 60 per cent of voters opposed the proposal.
For this reason, KC president Mark Donovan openly stated that he was willing to listen to other offers from elsewhere in order to provide the best for the teams – the Royals of the MLB are also involved.
Putting into perspective when this potential change of stadium would take place
The Kansas City Chiefs’ contract with Arrowhead Stadium expires in January 2031.
Due to the 2026 World Cup, Donovan said that planning for the transition of the venue to another location would take place after that sporting event.
That’s because Arrowhead will host some World Cup matches.
Chiefs seem to be coming to an agreement to move their stadium from Missouri to Kansas
Considering the financial context, Kansas has shown interest in subsidising the team’s transition to its territory, pledging to cover 70% of the costs of building a new stadium and training facilities for the Chiefs and Royals.
It’s worth making a distinction that might confuse some people. There is a difference between Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) and Kansas City, Kansas (KCK).
According to NCESC Geographic, “The main difference is their location. KCMO is primarily located in Missouri, while KCK is primarily located in Kansas. They are two separate municipalities with their own local governments and services, but they share a metropolitan area.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the Kansas House of Representatives approved, by 84 votes to 38, the use of STAR bonds (Sales Tax and Revenue bonds).
As described by the Kansas Commerce Department, “Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds are a financing tool that allows Kansas municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development.”
The Kansas Senate also approved the measure, with 27 votes in favour and 8 against. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has already indicated that she will not veto the investment, saying that there are no apparent disadvantages for the state.
She noted: “Kansas now has the opportunity to become a professional sports powerhouse.”
A senator from Wyandotte County even mentioned that a stadium in Kansas could increase the chances of major events being held there, such as Taylor Swift concerts.