Kansas City Chiefs Reveal Plans for Arrowhead Stadium Renovations

Posted February 28, 2024

Updated 3:32 p.m., February 28, 2024

During a press conference with the team’s leaders, the Kansas City Chiefs revealed their vision for the renovated Arrowhead Stadium.

At the conference Wednesday, Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt and President Mark Donovan unveiled a video showcasing renovations to the stadium if Jackson County voters choose to support the 3/8th-cent sales tax for Chiefs and Royals stadium projects on the April 2 ballot.

Hunt said the total cost of the renovation plan is expected to be $800 million and that $300 million of the total cost would be funded by the Hunt family. Additionally, the stadium project would commence construction sometime in 2027 to avoid conflict with the 2026 World Cup matches held at GEHA Feild.

The franchise hopes to complete the stadium project by 2030 and is prepared to further the timeline into 2031.

“What’s important about these changes is that the spirit of Arrowhead will not change,” Hunt said. “These upgrades will allow us to continue the vision of providing one of the best game day experiences in all of professional sports and to preserve, and enhance, the Arrowhead experience for a new generation of Chiefs fans.”

Before renovation begins, repairs to Arrowhead will be the top priority for the team, Donovan said.

“It will start with structurally securing these buildings, making sure we’ve repaired it and are maintaining it so we can have the ability to renovate it and enhance it,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs/Populous

Key renovation features to the stadium would introduce a new Activation Zone, an area designed for elevated tailgating experiences built over the current site of Kauffman Stadium. The space would allow for year-round community events. The Chiefs will reuse concrete from the demolished stadium as fill for the new project.

A rendering of the new upper concourse connection bridge and canopy.

A new upper concourse connection bridge would create 360-degree connectivity around the stadium. The upper concourse would also include a weather-controlled roof to allow for airflow on hot days and provide inferred heating in the cold.

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs/Populous

To reduce crowd traffic the Chiefs wish to implement VIP stadium entry points in addition to new Sideline Clubs and End Zone Clubs. The Sideline Club would located under the lower-level seating bowl while the End Zone Club would be located at each end of the field with new ways to view games.

A rendering illustrating the layout of the expanded parking and new activation zone location.

A new field access tunnel will be introduced to the stadium as well to allow for easier access for visiting teams and increase event turnover. New video boards will be increased in size while keeping the iconic oval-round shape. Additional renovations include pedestrian bridges, dedicated rideshare zones, a new south parking deck, expanded parking to the north, expanded Lot O RV parking and upgraded Wi-Fi and audio system technology.

There are no plans to add a roof or canopy to the stadium. The team likes to play in the elements and that gives us a nice home-field advantage, Hunt said.

Jackson County leader responds to renovations

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. issued a statement following the team’s announcement expressing his concerns about how the 3/8th-cent sales tax proposal has been rushed for the April ballot.

“My biggest concern is the new sales tax proposal, which will generate more than $50 million in its first year alone and surpass $2 billion over its lifetime. This significant financial commitment from our taxpayers demands a clear and beneficial return that goes beyond the confines of the stadium,” White said in his statement. 

The stadium location changes for the Chiefs and Royals highlight the importance of making common-sense decisions and being financially responsible, he said.