Kansas City Chiefs Announce Relocation to Kansas with $4 Billion Domed Stadium by 2031
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a landmark decision that marks a new chapter for one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, the Kansas City Chiefs announced on Monday that they will relocate from Missouri to Kansas by the 2031 NFL season. The move includes the construction of a cutting-edge $4 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County, along with a new training facility and team headquarters in Olathe.
Owner and chairman Clark Hunt revealed the decision following a meeting with the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council, emphasizing the franchise’s commitment to growth and modernization. “Today we are excited to take another momentous step for the future of the franchise,” Hunt said in a joint statement alongside Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football beginning with the 2031 NFL season.”
The Chiefs have called Arrowhead Stadium home since 1972, a venue built under the guidance of the late Lamar Hunt, a founding figure in the franchise’s history. Despite its rich legacy, Arrowhead is now the third-oldest stadium in the NFL, surpassed only by Soldier Field in Chicago and Lambeau Field in Green Bay. The aging infrastructure has long fueled discussions about the need for a modern facility to keep pace with evolving fan expectations and league standards.
Governor Kelly hailed the announcement as a transformative moment for Kansas, highlighting the economic and social benefits anticipated from the project. “This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level,” Kelly said. “With this new stadium, we’re creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we’re continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family.”
The planned domed stadium will be part of a larger mixed-use district designed to invigorate Wyandotte County, while the new training and administrative facilities in Olathe will further anchor the team’s presence in the state. The entire development is expected to exceed $4 billion in investment, underscoring the scale and ambition of the Chiefs’ relocation strategy.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new facilities, the Chiefs will honor their existing lease at Arrowhead Stadium through the 2030 season, ensuring fans in Missouri can continue to enjoy games at the iconic venue for several more years. The move nonetheless signals a bittersweet farewell to a stadium that has witnessed decades of memorable moments and championship triumphs.
The announcement also reflects broader trends in the NFL, where franchises are increasingly seeking modern stadiums with advanced amenities to enhance fan experience and generate revenue. The NFL’s collaboration with state governments and local authorities has become a critical factor in these projects, often involving public-private partnerships and significant infrastructure investments.
For more on NFL stadium developments and franchise relocations, see the NFL’s official stadium page and the Sports Economics Association. Kansas’s economic development initiatives related to the stadium project are detailed through the Kansas Department of Commerce, which highlights job creation and tourism impacts. Additionally, the Kansas Historical Society provides context on the region’s sports heritage and community engagement.
As the Chiefs prepare for this significant transition, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how the new facilities shape the team’s future on and off the field. The move to Kansas promises to redefine the Chiefs’ identity while preserving the legacy built over nearly six decades in Missouri.
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