Chiefs tease 16 Arrowhead upgrades coming to KC stadium if voters pass April 2 sales tax

With early voting already under way in Jackson County, the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday released a trove of renderings and new details on plans to upgrade Arrowhead Stadium if the April 2 ballot question passes. 

Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs; image courtesy of Flatland KC

“(Arrowhead) is among the most iconic stadiums in professional sports, and it has become a bucket list destination for NFL fans around the country,” said Clark Hunt, chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, during an announcement event Wednesday. “The stadium has weathered the test of time. We feel confident that with the right enhancements, GEHA field at Arrowhead Stadium will continue to be the landmark that it is today.”

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Unveiling a list of 16 upgrades that would come as part of a planned $800 million stadium renovation project if the April 2 tax question passes in the Chiefs’ favor, Hunt and Chiefs officials transparently campaigned for a yes vote. The 3/8-cent Jackson County sales tax would boost both the football team and the Kansas City Royals baseball club.

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The upgraded Chiefs’ campus at the Truman Sports Complex takes into account a future where the Royals have relocated to the East Crossroads, a proposal also heavily dependent on the success of the April 2 sales tax vote.

“We are planning improvements for every fan on every level,” said Hunt, teasing the Chiefs’ vision for upgrades at Arrowhead, which he said already is considered a “cultural landmark for Kansas City and the entire Midwest.”

Improvements will address everything from the ease of entry and exit to the comfort of concourses and bathrooms, to new premium spaces, enhanced video boards, and the pre-game tailgate experience, Hunt said.

“What’s important to note about these changes is that the spirit of Arrowhead will not change,” he added. “These upgrades will allow us to continue the tradition of providing one of the best game day experiences and all of professional sports, and to preserve and enhance the Arrowhead experience for a whole new generation of Chiefs fans.”

So what’s on the team’s list of Arrowhead enhancements?

 New turf-covered Activation Zone with tailgate areas and covered entertainment space built over the current site of Kauffman Stadium for game day activations and year-round community opportunities.

 A new Upper Concourse Connection Bridge will create 360-degree wrap-around connectivity for fans on the upper concourse as well as additional space for new food and beverage points of sale.

 Upper Concourse Canopy will provide weather protection for all fans on the upper-level concourse, in addition to infrared heaters and overhead fans increasing year-round comfort.

 New VIP Stadium Entry Points will lead to all-new spaces inside the stadium and will also decrease fan traffic and congestion at existing general admission gates.

 New Sideline Clubs will be constructed after excavating under the lower-level seating bowl to create new premium experiences for game days and special events.

 New Video Boards will be increased in size while keeping their iconic shape to complement the stadium’s unique curved end zones while new LED Ribbon Boards will also be installed.

 Upgraded TV, Wi-Fi, DAS (distributed antenna system) and Audio System Technology will be introduced throughout the stadium, enhancing fan connectivity as well as the clarity and quality of the game presentation in-stadium.

 New End Zone Clubs and Suites will introduce new viewing and hospitality experiences that are now common in newer NFL venues.

 New Concession Stands, Retail Spaces and Restrooms will result in improved access and reduced wait times around the building.

 A New Field Access Tunnel will provide a new field access point for visiting teams, closer access to new visiting team areas, as well as faster event turnover for major concerts and other special events.

 Full Suite and Club Lounge renovations and updates will deliver the latest in technology, fixtures and furniture for every existing suite.

 Traditional Concession Stands will be converted to modern Grab-n-Go Markets throughout general concourses, resulting in an anticipated increase in speed of service by 30-40% and transaction times will decrease with new point-of-sale technology systems.

 Three new Pedestrian Bridges will eliminate interruptions to vehicular traffic flow, resulting in improved safety and event experience.

 Dedicated Rideshare Zone promoting a more seamless rideshare experience for football games and concerts while reducing congestion.

 New Parking Deck on south side of the stadium and Expanded Parking on north side of the stadium at the current site of Kauffman Stadium increases the total number of paved parking spots, while Reoriented Parking Lots improve pedestrian flow and the tailgating experience.

 Lot O RV Parking Lot will be expanded, paved and permanently lit, with permanent restroom facilities being added for the user experience.

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