The Kansas City Stadium Dilemma: Chiefs’ Future Caught Between Two States

One of the most fiercely debated topics in the Kansas City metro area right now centers around the future home of two of the city’s beloved sports teams—the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and MLB’s Kansas City Royals.

In 2024, Jackson County voters rejected a proposed extension of the 3/8-cent sales tax, which was intended to fund major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Chiefs, and to finance the construction of a new downtown stadium for the Royals.

With the vote failing, both franchises are now entertaining proposals from both Missouri and Kansas. If the Chiefs choose to stay in Missouri, the plan would be to renovate the 53-year-old Arrowhead Stadium. If they move across state lines to Kansas, they would receive a brand-new, state-of-the-art stadium.

Patrick Mahomes Speaks Out

Amid rising speculation and passionate local debate, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes finally weighed in during an interview with CNBC:

“It’s really out of my control. But I think Arrowhead is a special place. It’s a special place that doesn’t come around a lot of times. It’s my favorite place to play in the NFL—not just because it’s my team, but you can feel the history of it when you play. I know Kansas has done a great bid as well and they would build us a great stadium and facility. I don’t really have a choice in the matter anyway, but I think either way we can’t go wrong because we have the fanbase of Chiefs Kingdom behind us and they’ll fill that stadium no matter if it’s in Missouri or Kansas. I’m just excited for the future of the Kansas City Chiefs.”

Mahomes’ comments strike a calm and thoughtful tone in what has otherwise been a heated local issue. His perspective emphasizes what truly matters: the team’s connection with its loyal fanbase and the shared excitement for the future—regardless of where the stadium ends up.

A Community Divided, But United in Passion

While some Kansas City residents have voiced strong opinions and frustrations over the situation, Mahomes’ remarks serve as a reminder that, whether the stadium ends up in Missouri or Kansas, what truly defines the Chiefs is not a building, but the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom.

There are clear pros and cons to both locations. Missouri offers continuity and history, while Kansas brings the potential of new facilities and economic development. Either way, one thing is certain: the heartbeat of the team is its fans, and they’ll continue to show up—wherever the Chiefs call home.