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Fresh off receiving some of the worst marks on the NFLPA report card, the Kansas City Chiefs unveiled their plans for a “reimagined” Arrowhead Stadium that has the team’s fans less than enthused.
“A Kansas City Icon, Reimagined for the Next Generation,” reads the special web page on the Chiefs’ site.
“For more than 50 years, Arrowhead Stadium has stood as an architectural masterpiece, serving as the epicenter of Chiefs Kingdom, the heartbeat of an entire fanbase. When it was built in 1972, the aesthetic footprint of mid-America was elevated with its construction. Its tradition of design and ingenuity have made it a cultural icon in the region and a destination for sports and entertainment fans worldwide.
“It underwent a massive renovation in 2010 while many of its decades-old stadium counterparts were being deemed obsolete. The revitalization not only maintained the beautiful architectural styling of the original design, but also introduced new opportunities and avenues for the organization to offer programs that engage the community year-round.”
The team then, finally, gets to the point: a special election on April 2 where Jackson County voters can choose to give the Chiefs some of their money to pay for the upgrades to Arrowhead Stadium.
“Starting with the grounds of the Truman Sports Complex, renovations will help elevate Kansas City’s unique tailgating culture with improved parking and activation areas, while inside the stadium, there will be improvements across all three levels, offering an enhanced experience for every fan that walks into the stadium,” the team claims.
The key words in that last statement appear to be: grounds, tailgating, parking, activation areas, and walks.
Because most of the improvements the team wants to make to Arrowhead Stadium appear to come in the form of more parking. Lots and lots of parking.
Arrowhead Stadium is the iconic heartbeat of Chiefs Kingdom – full of history, amazing memories, and so many more good times to come. Our vision is to elevate our unrivaled fan experience for the next generation of fans with improvements across all levels inside, new activation… pic.twitter.com/9gHLJ8MDBv
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) February 28, 2024
Needless to say, many Kansas City Chiefs fans were less than impressed.
A billion $ to plant some trees and expand a parking lot? No thanks.
— Tim O'Donnell (@odonnelltw) February 28, 2024
“Are y’all really getting rid of [Kauffman Stadium] just to add a larger parking lot lmfao???” read another comment.
“Y’all want $50mn a year for 40 years to build a bridge over the highway, luxury suites that nobody will be able to afford, and a tailgate experience?” another angry Chiefs fan wrote. “I thought you’d be activating the Kauffman site with like bars and hotels and stuff. What is this? Not even a streetcar link?”
I can't wait to tear down a baseball stadium and put in some more parking spots! (oh and a small grass patch that will definitely happen) https://t.co/GMy7cRDoya pic.twitter.com/XRprDYTzo2
— Peter Spexarth (@peterspexarth) February 28, 2024
“So more parking lots and some fields… You waited two years to show this?” another upset Chiefs fan replied.
“On the heels of NFLPA ratings. Absolute embrassment for the Chiefs. Take care of your PLAYERS and their families. Don’t forget about us the FANS,” read another comment.
Huge fan of having my face used as a billboard for the Chiefs’ voter campaign just to be told the team wants to bulldoze my family’s 30-year season ticket location in favor of end zone suites that push the real fans further from the field. pic.twitter.com/h8emo2OYJ2
— Laura Bredemeier (@BredemeierLaura) February 28, 2024
“For the love of god just build some bars within walking distance,” another Chiefs fan begged.