By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Renovate or build new?
That is the decision before the Kansas City Chiefs as executives with the Chiefs consider proposals from both Missouri and Kansas to offset the cost of either renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building a new stadium.
Chiefs CEO, Clark Hunt, says the team has made a lot of progress evaluating two really good options.
“I don't want to get into how close we are making a decision, because I've found over time with stadium situations, that until they're done, they're not done,” Hunt tells reporters during his visit to Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph. “There's a lot of work, a lot of moving parts, and we're working through those. Certainly, I would say we feel an urgency to bringing the process to a conclusion. But that doesn't mean I can will it to happen in any specified period of time.”
Hunt calls the two offers from the two states two very good options.
Hunt says the Kansas offer would provide financing needed to build a new stadium.
“And our priority on the Missouri side has been a renovation of GEHA Field at Arrowhead,” Hunt says. “So, those are the two primary options.”
Hunt acknowledges there is an emotional pull toward Arrowhead.
“I think anybody who’s been coming to Chiefs games for decades understands what a special stadium GEHA Field at Arrowhead is,” Hunt says. “And you know, it's fun being here at training camp and getting to interact with our fans. And I certainly hear from them in terms of their thoughts. And many of them have grown up going to games with their dad, their mother, their family, and so it's a very special place for them. So that'll be part of the calculus for sure.”
Hunt says the team has a sense of urgency, because the Arrowhead lease expires in the Spring of 2031 and it takes 4 ½ to 5 years to complete a stadium project.
“So, it's important for us to be able to make a decision somewhat in the in the near term to be able to be on schedule to have the renovated or new building open in ’31.”
Still, Hunt says the Chiefs must make a decision that is best for the team’s fans and the organization’s future. Hunt says the team is intent on getting it right.