The Kansas City Chiefs have been left in limbo after a vote on a sales tax to fund renovations at Arrowhead Stadium was rejected, with the NFL team’s future now in doubt
The Chiefs have demanded renovations at Arrowhead Stadium. (Image: Getty Images)
The future of the Kansas City Chiefs is up in the air after locals voted against paying more tax for stadium upgrades. Even though the Chiefs are NFL champions two times running, they might have to say goodbye to their home city.
People living in Jackson County, Missouri, didn’t want a sales tax that would help fix up the Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and build a new one for the baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
Mark Donovan, who’s in charge of the Chiefs, had said the team could move away if the tax wasn’t agreed on.
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The Chiefs wanted to make their stadium better; it hasn’t had much work since the 1990s.
“We respect the process. We respect the decision of the Jackson County voters,” Donovan shared after the vote. “We’re disappointed. We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We were ready to extend the longstanding partnership that the teams have enjoyed with this county. This is important. We will do and look to do what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward..
John Sherman, the owner of the Royals, said: “We’re deeply disappointed as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is better with the Chiefs and the Royals. As someone whose roots run deep in this town, who has been a dedicated fan and season-ticket holder for both of these teams, and now leading a remarkable ownership group.”
The Royals are looking to be out of Kauffman Stadium by 2030, with them now needing to consider their options. (Image:
Christopher Smith for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Royals are aiming to move out from the Kauffman Stadium by 2030 when their lease ends. On the other hand, the Chiefs want to stick around past this date but they need to spruce up the stadium to keep the fans happy.
If the Chiefs can’t gather the money they need, some reckon they might scoot over to the neighbouring state of Kansas. If that happens, they’d likely change their name to the Kansas Chiefs joining four other NFL teams named after their states (Panthers, Cardinals, Titans and Vikings).
After hearing that the measure had fallen through, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas had his say on social media.
He posted on X saying: “Over the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Chiefs and the Royals to build a stronger, more open, and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come.”
