As the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball look towards new stadiums, a neighboring state has made a significant move in trying to land both franchises via relocation.
The Kansas City Chiefs have played in Arrowhead Stadium since 1972, making it the third-oldest active NFL venue. Only Soldier Field (Chicago Bears) and Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers) are older, having opened in 1924 and 1957, respectively. As for the Chiefs, they’ve been playing at Kauffman Stadium since 1968.
And if both franchises are unable to secure new stadiums? There’s a chance that the state of Kansas will become the new home of both the Chiefs and Royals.
According to John Hanna of the Associated Press, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bill that allows the state to fund new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals.
“Kansas’ governor signed legislation Friday enabling the state to lure the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Major League Baseball’s Royals away from neighboring Missouri by helping the teams pay for new stadiums.
Missouri officials have argued that discussions about building new stadiums are still in the early stages. They said construction of a new one typically takes about three years, and pointed out that the lease on the existing complex that includes the teams’ side-by-side stadiums doesn’t end until January 2031.
The measure Kelly signed takes effect July 1 and will allow bonds to cover 70% of a new stadium’s cost. The state would have 30 years to pay them off with revenues from sports betting, state lottery ticket sales, and new sales and alcohol taxes generated in the area around each proposed stadium.”
The leases for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals both expire in 2031. But professional sports clubs must have homes secured long-term, so the clock is slowly ticking on both clubs securing funds to build new stadiums.
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The last team to relocate in Major League Baseball was the Montreal Expos, who moved to Washington to become the Nationals in 2005. The Oakland Athletics are moving to Las Vegas within the next few years, likely no earlier than 2028.
Kansas City Chiefs Moving During Dynastic Run? It’s Possible
When a professional sports club relocates, it’s usually due to low attendance and revenue which is brought on by years of losing. But the Chiefs have always been a hot ticket in town, and revenue is not a problem for a team with three Super Bowl championships in the last five years.
It’s hard to imagine the idea of the Chiefs relocating during the midst of a dynastic run with Patrick Mahomes Andy Reid. But it’s a possibility that can’t be ruled out unless Kansas City secures a new stadium.
