Chiefs Juggle Stadium Renovations, Royals’ Decision and World Cup Prep

Posted July 25, 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs will have a lot on their plate in the coming years as the franchise organizers dance between Arrowhead renovations, the Royals vote on a new stadium and the World Cup.

When asked what will the outcome look like if the Kansas City Royals decide to build a new sporting complex outside of Jackson County, Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the priority is on improving Arrowhead Stadium.

Royals To Announce New Stadium Location in September

“There are still three viable options on the table and we’ve got to do the due diligence on renovate/upgrade, build new on-site, or build new somewhere else,” Donovan said. “All three of those options are still part of our dialogue. We’ve learned a lot in this process. The good news is we think the building itself is actually, structurally, pretty sound. Which gives us the opportunity. Having said that, we’ve learned that it’s going to take a significant annual investment to keep that building structurally sound.

Additionally, Donovan said the organization plans to be ready for an April sales tax vote when Jackson County voters could decide whether they want to extend the three-eighths cent sales tax for improving Kauffman Stadium and GEHA Field.

While the Royals’ decision remains a more immediate development, the World Cup has the Chiefs preparing for a “3- or 4-year challenge” waiting ahead.

“But we’ve got a good plan. We’ve got good options. We’ve got some areas we can pivot. We’re working with FIFA very closely and obviously a great local organizing committee. They’re well aware of the challenges that come with that. But I think the more we’ve looked at it, the less I think there’s ways to really take too much advantage of it because of the timing.” Donovan said.