In the wake of reports that the Kansas City Chiefs issued a request for proposals on the design of a potential stadium across the Mississippi in Kansas, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is proposing the renovation of the team’s current home with the addition of a retractable roof.
“There’s some interesting architectural improvements to make to Arrowhead that could be conducive to an all-weather protective environment without being a full dome,” said Kehoe in an interview with the Associated Press. “I would say, look at some of the structures that are in Europe that may have some sort of fabric device that goes over it.”
The team’s lease at its current home expires in 2031 and Jackson County defeated a local sales tax extension last year that would have funded an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead. The governor has not embraced the idea of building a new stadium in Missouri, but he stressed that a retractable roof would please Chiefs fans who “like the rough and tough and getting outside. So, I think the ownership group does realize that the fan base likes the environment they’re in and would love to continue with a legacy experience at Arrowhead.”
A team spokesman did not respond directly to Keheo’s proposal but instead referred to remarks by Chairman Clark Hunt from two weeks ago when he said the Chiefs were weighing the options of staying in Missouri or going to Kansas.
“I wouldn’t say we’re in limbo. Stadium projects move at their own pace,” Hunt said. “We’ve learned over the years that you can’t really force them to go faster, even if you want them to. And so, it’s just important for us to keep working on both options.”
