Chiefs unveil renderings for $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Kansas City sports fans have seen what the future designs for a baseball stadium are and now the attention turns to the football side of things.

The Kansas City Chiefs presented renovation concepts for GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday morning.

“The Royals have a very exciting project for the city and the county and the state and we think our plans for Arrowhead are equally exciting we know what it means to our fans and we would love to be able to continue that for another 25 years,” said Chiefs Owner, Clark Hunt.

Team President, Mark Donovan announced that the renovations will include new video boards, end zone clubs, expanded parking on the current site of Kauffman Stadium, and new pedestrian bridges, among others.

“Knowing that it is a safe experience and just that connectivity to other fans getting into the stadium and exiting I love that it makes it smoother, quicker for people,” said Kansas City Sports Commission President/CEO, Kathy Nelson.

When the organization first started deciding on the plans, they reviewed Arrowhead’s structural integrity, due to it being over 50 years old.

“The stadium has weathered the test of time,” said Hunt.

Donovan added that the earliest start to the project would be 2027 with the hopes of completion by 2030. And potentially “2031 if we need to,” he said.

Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt said the total cost of the renovation project is $800 million, and that the Hunt family would invest $300 million as a part of that.

When asked if the team would pursue the project if it did not receive funding from the state of Missouri, Hunt said: “We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine this stadium. The financial puzzle is very important to us in making sure we have enough funds to do everything that we have outlined today.”

Governor Mike Parson’s office released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon regarding the issue of the state helping fund the project.

The seating capacity, according to Hunt, will remain above 70,000.

“Not only are we bringing the best of the newest buildings in the NFL we are putting it in the iconic Arrowhead Stadium,” said Chiefs President, Mark Donovan.

Inside the stadium, the Chiefs plan to add End Zone clubs and suites. They will also construct sideline clubs under the lower level of the seating bowl.

“After excavating underneath the entire lower bolt create not only seating but also more activities and more access,” said Donovan. He added, “Every single add is a net add-in efficiency.”

An upper concourse canopy will provide infrared heaters and overhead fans, as well as weather protection.

The team unveiled its design for an “Activation Zone” that would also take place at the site of Kauffman Stadium to be used for gameday activities. A dedicated rideshare zone will be featured outside the stadium, and an RV lot will be expanded while also having permanent restroom facilities.

“Outdoor stage shows both on gameday and not on gameday you see the canopy there that partially covers the location it is available year-round as an activation point for community events,” said Donovan.

Even though a roof conceivably could help Kansas City play host to the Super Bowl, Hunt said Wednesday it was never seriously considered for this round of renovations — and in fact, the team prefers to play outdoors in the elements.

“We certainly feel like it’s a competitive advantage for us,” said Hunt.

The Chiefs also considered a mixed-use development around Arrowhead, where there are few restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. But studies found that such an investment would not provide a positive financial return.

“This is not a location that is worthy of developing,” Donovan said, “as harsh as that sounds.”

“Unfortunately it has been something that has just not worked and that will actually become more difficult as the Royals move downtown because of the number of dates that they have that is really important from a hotel standpoint,” said Hunt.

The Royals made their intentions clear of building a new stadium partially because the concrete of Kauffman Stadium was aging. Donovan was asked why the Arrowhead Stadium structure could be sound when there were questions about the ballparks across the parking lot.

“There is a very simple answer. Believe it or not: bad batch,” he said. “One team got a good batch of concrete, and one team didn’t. You’ve heard about concrete cancer and all those things. It’s real...there’s some real issues with their (the Royals’) concrete.”

Two weeks ago, the Kansas City Royals unveiled renderings of their proposed stadium site and ballpark district in the Crossroads District.

The two organizations have declared they will remain in Jackson County and build a downtown stadium if taxpayers a 40-year extension to the 3/8-cent sales tax to fund stadium development and improvement.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt has maintained that the future of Kansas City home football games is at Arrowhead Stadium and that he preferred a renovation/improvement model over a new stadium or dome.

Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. issued his statement after the unveiling, citing concerns about new tax proposals.

“Today, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture as the Kansas City Chiefs unveil their renovation plans for our county-owned Arrowhead Stadium. While the proposed improvements promise to enhance the stadium’s charm with state-of-the-art facilities, VIP perks and exclusive amenities, we must critically assess the consequences of these plans on our community and public finances.

My biggest concern is the new sales tax proposal, which will generate more than $50 million in its first year alone and sur $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.

Recent decisions, including today’s announcement by the Chiefs and the Royals’ site location change, highlight a big problem – rushing proposals to the ballot without securing the best agreement for Jackson County and its residents. These changes highlight the importance of making common-sense decisions and being financially responsible.

I am committed to ensuring that investments in public infrastructure and facilities provide real advantages for Jackson County. The disparity between the proposed stadium renovations and the critical needs of our residents, like healthcare services and accessible community amenities, is glaring. Allocating significant taxpayer funds to stadium renovations without a clear public benefit or a fair share of generated revenues is unacceptable.

Given these factors, it is clear that placing this issue on the ballot without a mutually beneficial agreement was not in the best interests of our residents. Our community deserved a thoughtful, fair and transparent approach to public investments — one that prioritized the overall well-being and fiscal health of Jackson County, and unfortunately, that did not happen.”

Arrowhead already is due to have minor renovations beginning in 2025 for the World Cup the following year. While some of those figure to be cosmetic upgrades, the majority have to do with seating arrangements in the corners of the stadium, where more space will be needed to fit an international soccer pitch.

Hunt added he is confident voters will approve the 3/8 cent sales tax in April to make these plans a reality.

“We don’t have a plan B we feel very confident that we are going to be able to make this plan happen,” said Hunt.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.