NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Missouri suffered another tough break Monday, deepening the state’s history of NFL franchise losses. In January 2016, Rams owner Stan Kroenke received enough votes from other owners to move the team from St. Louis to Inglewood, California.
This week, the Kansas City Chiefs announced plans to move from Arrowhead Stadium across state lines to a state-of-the-art, fixed-roof facility in Kansas City, Kansas, by 2031. Kansas lawmakers approved a bond package to help cover the cost of the new domed stadium.
The decision came after what Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas described as extensive but ultimately unsuccessful funding discussions.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas cheers during the Super Bowl LIV championship parade through downtown Kansas City on February 5, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Amy Kontras/USA TODAY Sports)
Lucas reflected on his deeply personal connection to the venue where the Chiefs have played home games for more than five decades.
“Years ago as a kid, my family was homeless for a while and we were staying in a motel not too far from the stadium,” Lucas said shortly after the team’s announcement. “I knew we were struggling, but I believed nothing was cooler than living within a stone’s throw of what I believed then and now is the greatest stadium in football.”
2025 NFL WEEK 16 BUZZ: PATRICK MAHOMES STARTS REHAB; ANDY REID IS NOT RETIREMENT?
“Like many parents in Chiefs Kingdom, my single mom scraped together some money to get me to Arrowhead for my first game — 300-level upper deck for a 30-7 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills in 1993. I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Missouri lawmakers had desperately tried to keep the Chiefs with their own funding package. They held a special legislative session in June backed by Gov. Mike Kehoe that approved bonds covering up to 50% of the cost of new or renovated stadiums, plus up to $50 million in tax credits for each stadium and unspecified aid from local governments.
A general view of an empty GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before the start of the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 5, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Lucas had also been working with local lawmakers in recent days on a counterproposal to keep the Chiefs in Missouri.
“We understand that our very fair but very responsible financial offer of taxpayer support was surpassed by an even more robust public funding package in Kansas,” he said. “The Chiefs have a business to run and have today made a business decision. We wish them the best of luck.”
The Chiefs have advanced to four of the past five Super Bowls, winning three. The team’s recent successes have only increased its longtime devout fan base. The team’s relocation plans created widespread reaction among supporters. A potential increase in ticket prices was a concern raised by fans, while others voiced possible traffic problems and the loss of a historic stadium.
Fans enter Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
“I don’t think it’s the best idea,” said Dustin Allen, who lives in Blue Springs, Missouri, and was visiting Union Station in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, on Monday. “I think where they have it is a very nice place. I will say the traffic over there is always fun. I think it’s nice to have them downtown in some way, shape or form.”
Mike Robinson, a season ticket holder from Kansas City, Kansas, visited a science museum inside the train station with his son.
“I’m pretty sure prices will go up,” he said. “That’s what I’m worried about. A brand new stadium. Season ticket holders might not be able to keep up with their tickets with the rising prices.”
Analaysia Miller, a Chiefs fan from Kansas City, Kansas, didn’t have a strong opinion about the move since the team isn’t leaving entirely. The new stadium will be about 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of the old one.
“That’s just what they want to do,” she said as she visited Union Station with her three children. “As long as they’re still in our city, representing our city. That’s all that matters to me.”
One of the prevailing questions now is whether the Kansas City Royals will follow the Chiefs across the Kansas-Missouri line.
The Royals insist they will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2031 season, and their preference has been to build a new ballpark downtown. But a sales tax extension that would have paid for an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium and a new home for the Royals was duly defeated last year by voters in Jackson County, Missouri, leaving both looking elsewhere.
For the first time in 11 seasons, the Chiefs will not compete in the NFL playoffs.
