Chiefs’ $4 billion stadium falls short of NFL requirement for Super Bowl hosts as fans find flaw

The Kansas City Chiefs are relocating with an eye on hosting major events in the future.

Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly unveiled a landmark agreement that paves the way for the Chiefs to build a brand-new $3 billion domed stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, marking the team’s departure from Missouri after more than 50 years at Arrowhead Stadium.

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Following the stadium announcement, Hunt addressed questions about attracting major events to the new stadium and its surrounding mixed-use development. The facility is slated for completion ahead of the 2031 season.

The Arrowhead Stadium lease expires in 2030.

“It was important to the state of Kansas that we build a dome. As we look to the future, I think that makes the most sense,” Hunt said.

“Building a facility that can host big events, Kansas will say that they can now do that. One of the first things that we do when we get going with the project is to talk to the NFL about a Super Bowl.”

However, a potential snag could complicate Hunt’s ambitious plans to host a Super Bowl in the new venue.

Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the planned domed stadium is projected to seat between 65,000 and 68,000 fans, with some complaining that fewer people will be able to score tickets. The other issue with a venue of that size is that it falls short of the NFL’s minimum requirement to host a Super Bowl.

The NFL requires a minimum of 70,000 fixed seats for Super Bowl hosts, with approved temporary seating allowed to meet additional demand.

While the initial capacity of the new domed stadium would fall short of that threshold, the Chiefs should be able to add temporary seating if selected to host.

After all the work being put into the project, it’s unlikely capacity alone would be the reason they miss out on hosting a Super Bowl.

The good news for the Hunt family and greater Kansas City area is that newly built stadiums have consistently been rewarded with Super Bowl hosting duties.

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Since 2006, every stadium selected to host the game has done so within four years of opening. If that trend holds, Kansas City would be on track to host a Super Bowl by 2036 if they open on time in 2031.

Under the terms of the agreement, the state of Kansas is committing roughly $3 billion in public support through stadium financing, mixed-use development funding, and tax incentives.

In exchange, the Chiefs retain control of virtually all stadium-generated revenue, including ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships, naming rights, personal seat licenses, and income from non-NFL events such as concerts and basketball games.

While the state will technically own the stadium, the Chiefs will pay $7 million annually in rent. It is a fee that is earmarked for a team-controlled fund used for maintenance, renovations, and operating costs.

That structure allows the organization to effectively reinvest its rent payments into stadium operations, including staffing for security, parking, and concessions throughout the year.

The entire relocation and development of new facilities, beyond just the stadium, is expected to cost $4 billion.

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