Could time be ticking for the Chiefs in Kansas City?

During a recent interview with KSHB 41 in Kansas City, Chiefs president Mark Donovan was asked what the team’s plan might be going forward if the sales tax fails, and he said a relocation would certainly be on the table. 

“I think they would have to include leaving Kansas City,” Donovan said of the team’s options if the vote fails.

Despite that, Donovan did make it clear that the Chiefs would like to stay in the city where they’ve played the past 61 years. “Our goal here is, we want to stay here. And we’re willing to accept a deal for the county to actually stay here,” Donovan said. 

The team’s owner estimated that the total cost of the renovation project is $800 million and that the Hunt family would invest $300 million toward that total amount.

The 3/8th county tax would fund the repair and maintenance of the stadium. The remainder of the $800 million for the proposed renovations would be raised from other city, state or private contributions.

Donovan said that at the soonest, the project would begin 2027, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the hopes of completion by 2030. If more time is needed, it’d be pushed back to 2031.

Their visions for the future stadium include:

– New turf-covered Activation Zone with tailgate areas and covered entertainment space built over where The K was

– New Upper Concourse Connection Bridge creating 360 access and more concessions for the upper deck

– An Upper Concourse Canopy providing weather protection, including infrared heaters and overhead fans for the upper deck

– New VIP Stadium Entry Points will make it easier for all fans’ traffic

– New Sideline Clubs at the lower level

– New Video Boards, likely to get in the ballpark of Dallas, LA and Las Vegas… keeping the oval shape.

– Upgraded TVs and Wi-Fi throughout the stadium

– New End Zone Clubs and Suites (think that ground-floor party area in Las Vegas)

– New Concession Stands, Retail Spaces and Restrooms

– A New Field Access Tunnel will provide a new field access point for visiting teams

– Traditional Concession Stands will be converted to modern Grab-n-Go Markets throughout general concourses, resulting in an anticipated increase in speed of service by 30-40%

– Three new Pedestrian Bridges will eliminate interruptions to vehicular traffic flow

– Better Rideshare experiences

– New Parking Deck on South side of the stadium and Expanded Parking on North side of the stadium at the current site of The K increases the total number of paved parking spots

– Lot O RV Parking Lot will be expanded, paved and permanently lit, with permanent restroom facilities added

Definitely high class upgrade.

But before they can do any of that, they will need voters to agree to tax themselves for 40 years (yes, 40 years) to subsidize the Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jackson County voters will see a lengthy item on the April 2 ballot asking to repeal and replace a sales tax that would otherwise evaporate in 2031. Essentially, passage would use the 3/8-cents sales tax revenue for a new Royals stadium and improvements for Arrowhead Stadium.

(Photo Credit: Fox News)