The Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to a new kingdom. City officials just approved a critical funding measure for a new domed stadium, a move that advances Clark Hunt’s $3 billion vision for the franchise. On February 5, the Unified Government commissioners voted on a STAR bond district tied to Hunt’s project, and it just cleared a major hurdle for the Chiefs’ long-term plans.

“BREAKING: The Unified Govt. Commission approves participation in STAR Bonds deal for new #Chiefs domed stadium by a vote of 7-3. Follows Olathe’s 7-0 vote to also participate in HQ & practice facility,” FOX4 journalist John Holt reported via X on February 5.

With the 7–3 vote now official, the county can collect sales and use taxes to help fund a 65,000-seat domed stadium in Kansas City, along with a surrounding entertainment district. As a result of this vote, the construction of the Chiefs’ new stadium is planned to start on a largely vacant site near 126th Street and State Avenue. 

Those who voted in favor of contributing local revenues toward Clark Hunt’s project in the Unified Government Commissioners meeting were Andrew Kump, Bill Burns, Carlos Pacheco, Evelyn Hill, Melissa Bynum, Jermaine Howard, and Christian Ramirez. Despite it not being unanimous approval, the Chiefs quickly signaled their enthusiasm for the support provided for their new project.

“We extend our appreciation to Mayor Christal Watson and the Wyandotte County Board of Commissioners for their support of the STAR bond initiative for the new Kansas City Chiefs stadium in Wyandotte County. We’re grateful for the process and remain very excited for the collaboration with Wyandotte County to build on this partnership,” the Chiefs wrote in a public statement on February 5.

Meanwhile, Chuck Stites, Philip Lopez, and Andrew Davis voted against Hunt’s proposal after listening to some public concerns about it. Just two days ago, in a public hearing on Clark Hunt’s project, many Wyandotte County residents spoke out against issuing STAR bonds to help pay for it.

Many Wyandotte County residents argued that they already face heavy tax burdens, while others said public money should support programs for the homeless instead of the Chiefs’ new stadium. Some of the Wyandotte County residents further questioned why taxpayer-backed incentives should benefit a billionaire like Clark Hunt. 

At the same time, the Chiefs have been clear about the projected economic benefits for the locals from building their new stadium. The Chiefs’ official website stated that their new stadium is projected to create more than 20,000 job opportunities and generate over $4.4 billion in economic impact during construction alone. Once the Chiefs’ new stadium is operational, its broader development is also expected to support more than 3,500 jobs and deliver over $1 billion in annual economic impact. 

The sale of STAR bonds, along with funding from the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas program, will reportedly cover roughly 60% of the total cost of Clark Hunt’s project. At the same time, Hunt’s family has also made it clear that they will provide $1 billion of their own money toward additional development expenses for the Chiefs’ new stadium. 

Under the approved plan by the Commissioners’ vote, all local sales and use taxes, along with up to 8% in transient guest tax revenue, generated across about 236 acres surrounding the Chiefs’ new stadium site, will be directed toward paying down the bond debt for Clark Hunt’s project for as long as 30 years. This approval also follows another recent update tied to the Chiefs’ headquarters plans.

Clark Hunt’s plan for the Chiefs’ headquarters gets approval

Clark Hunt cleared another early obstacle this week in his broader vision for the Chiefs, this time involving a new headquarters and training facility in Olathe, Johnson County. On February 3, the Olathe City Council unanimously approved a STAR bond district to help finance the Chiefs’ proposed headquarters and training facility. 

Under the ordinance, Olathe will also commit only new taxes created inside the STAR bond district, not existing city revenue, to repay the bonds for up to 30 years. That pledge applies only if the Chiefs build the headquarters and training facility within the district by December 31, 2030. So, these buildings are expected to become operational for the Chiefs in time for the start of the 2031 NFL season. 

Clark Hunt’s plan further centers on 165 acres of undeveloped land near Ridgeview Road and College Boulevard. As per the Chiefs’ official website, the area surrounding their new headquarters will also include a mixed-use development featuring entertainment, shopping, sports venues, hotels, dining, office space, and residential properties, all designed to drive long-term economic activity in the region. Local government officials have repeatedly stressed that the site’s lack of existing revenue makes Hunt’s proposal especially appealing.

Top Stories

Rob Gronkowski Demands Severe Punishment for Andy Reid After Bill Belichick Snub

Drake Maye Reveals Shoulder Injury Update as Patriots QB Announces News On Super Bowl Availability

NFL Sends Muted Warning to Bad Bunny Before Super Bowl Halftime Performance Amid ICE Controversy

Justin Jefferson Makes Final Decision on Joining Buffalo Bills After Further Damaging J.J. McCarthy Relationship

Moreover, as approvals continue to fall into place, Clark Hunt’s vision for the Chiefs’ future is steadily taking shape.