The past few years have been a challenge for many sports teams opening training camps in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it be in regards to fan attendance, team regulations, and much more.

The uncertainty prompted the decision to be cautious at training camp, making locations adjust for safety. That was the case at Missouri Western State University for the Kansas City Chiefs, who canceled things like post-practice autograph sessions last season due to the virus.

The Chiefs will report for their 12th training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri at the Missouri Western State campus starting later this week. In preparation for this year’s camp, the Griffons’ new Director of Athletics, Andrew Carter, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with News-Press NOW. He addressed the campus atmosphere heading into camp and expects it to return to pre-pandemic conditions.

“I think what I hear the most is the return to normal,” said Carter. “I think it’s going to look like what I’ve been told 2019 looked like, and that’s pretty good buzz.”

The return to normalcy is a massive step in the right direction for the University in regards to its relationship with the Chiefs.

Both sides have had a great relationship over the past few years, and they look to continue it that way.

“Its exposure and connection is difficult to buy,” said Carter. “I mean, I don’t know if you could put a dollar amount on it. The chance to not only expose our athletic facilities, but to expose our campus and our people, and hopefully they come away with just a tremendous sense of community, and that’s part of one of our core values.”

Kansas City has two option years remaining on its contract with the school and could seek to extend for more years. As it stands, Chiefs are one of seven NFL teams to travel away from their home facilities for training camp.

By the sound of it, Carter would prefer it to stay that way and keep the Chiefs’ training facilities right where they are.