Mayor Quinton Lucas stands firm: Chiefs and Royals to remain in Kansas City

Mayor Lucas advocates for retention

Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.LAPRESSE

After over five decades in Arrowhead, it seems like the Chiefs might be considering a relocation. The recent rejection of a sales tax proposal by Jackson County, Missouri residents, aimed at funding upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium and a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals, has certainly raised some eyebrows. However, Mayor Quinton Lucas is not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

With the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals approaching the end of their leases at Truman Sports Complex in 2031, talks about potential relocations have been heating up, especially for the Chiefs. The approval of the tax proposal could have put an end to these speculations, but things have taken an unexpected turn. Even the mayor of Dallas has expressed interest in luring the Chiefs to Texas.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, on the other hand, is determined to keep the teams in Kansas City. In response to the relocation rumors, he stated, “I hear rumors, including even from the Mayor of Dallas. Don’t believe the noise. We are committed to retention of our teams with vastly lower expenses-think needed infrastructure build out-than even an intra-metro move. Both teams will be in KCMO in 2040 and long after.”

The mayor is advocating for a revised proposal that would garner support from the citizens of Jackson County. Meanwhile, Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has made it clear that without proper financing for stadium renovations, they would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years.

Chiefs and Royals lease expiry looms

Now, the ball is in the Chiefs’ court. They could consider revising their proposal and seeking approval once more, as Mayor Lucas suggests. On the other hand, they may also entertain offers from other cities. However, any potential relocation is still a long way off, given that their lease doesn’t expire until 2030. Even if a move were to happen, it’s unlikely that they would end up in Dallas. It’s more plausible that they would relocate to a location closer to home.

In conclusion, while the future of the Chiefs’ home remains uncertain, Mayor Lucas is determined to find a solution that will keep both the Chiefs and the Royals in Kansas City. As he works towards this goal, the fate of Arrowhead Stadium and the teams’ future in Kansas City hangs in the balance.