Missouri Lawmaker’s Fury: Could Chiefs Be Forced Out of Arrowhead Early?
A heated dispute is brewing between the Kansas City Chiefs and the state of Missouri, sparked by the team’s planned relocation to a new stadium in Kansas by 2031. Missouri House Speaker Pro-Tem Chad Perkins is taking an aggressive stance, suggesting the Chiefs should leave their historic Arrowhead Stadium immediately.
License Plates and a Stadium Ultimatum
The conflict extends beyond mere disappointment. Perkins has sponsored a bill aiming to halt the production of Kansas City Chiefs-branded license plates in Missouri, arguing it’s illogical to continue selling them once the team is based in another state. But his frustration doesn’t stop there. He’s publicly stated that if he were in charge of the Jackson County Sports Authority, he would demand the Chiefs vacate Arrowhead Stadium “right now.”
“Go play football at a high school field in Overland Park,” Perkins reportedly told Missourinet. “I don’t care. Obtain out.” He even invited a lawsuit, expressing confidence a Missouri jury would side with him.
Arrowhead’s Legacy and the Move to Kansas
The Chiefs have called Arrowhead Stadium home since 1972. The stadium boasts a capacity of approximately 76,416 and is renowned for its passionate fanbase and deafening atmosphere, even earning recognition from Copa America as “one of the loudest stadiums in the world.” It is also slated to host games during the 2026 World Cup.
Though, the team has committed to a $3 billion state-of-the-art facility in Kansas, set to open in 2031. Team owner Clark Hunt has stated the move is intended to benefit Chiefs fans with a modern stadium for generations to come.
The Broader Trend: Stadium Funding and Team Relocations
This situation highlights a growing tension in professional sports: the financing of stadiums and the leverage teams hold over cities. Increasingly, teams are seeking public funding for new facilities and when those demands aren’t met, relocation becomes a viable option.
While outright forcing a team to leave before a lease expires is rare and likely to face legal challenges, Perkins’ actions demonstrate the lengths to which local officials may go when feeling spurned by a franchise. This case could set a precedent for future negotiations, potentially influencing how cities approach stadium deals.
Legal Hurdles and Ownership Rights
A key point of contention is stadium ownership. Perkins emphasizes that Arrowhead Stadium is owned by the Jackson County Sports Authority, not the Chiefs. This distinction is crucial, as it suggests the authority has the power to potentially terminate the team’s lease, though legal battles would almost certainly ensue.
FAQ
Q: When is the Chiefs’ new stadium expected to open?
A: 2031.
Q: Where is the new stadium being built?
A: Overland Park, Kansas.
Q: Who owns Arrowhead Stadium?
A: The Jackson County Sports Authority.
Q: What is Chad Perkins’ position in Missouri government?
A: Missouri House Speaker Pro-Tem.
Q: Will Chiefs license plates still be available in Missouri?
A: A bill has been proposed to end their production, but existing plates will remain valid until they expire.
Did you know? Arrowhead Stadium will be a host venue for the 2026 World Cup.
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