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Arrowhead Tours a Must for Fans of Kansas City Chiefs

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The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have to be on the field for you to have some fun at Arrowhead Stadium .

While Arrowhead is no doubt an awesome venue for watching a game (it’s known as the loudest stadium in the NFL), a stadium tour is an excellent way to get a dose of football year-round. Consider it a must-do if you’re a serious Chiefs fan.

Along with  dozens of works of art  found throughout the stadium – including a sculpture by Missouri’s own Thomas Hart Benton – tours at Arrowhead detail how Chiefs’ founder Lamar Hunt shaped and modernized the NFL that exists today.

The Chiefs organization actually began in 1960 as the Dallas Texans, members of the upstart American Football League (AFL) that Hunt founded after he was denied the opportunity to start an expansion team or purchase an existing NFL team.

The original AFL included seven other teams: the Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers, Los Angeles Chargers, Boston Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Titans and Oakland Raiders.

Interesting tidbit – the founding fathers of those teams collectively were called “The Foolish Club” because all were certain they’d lose a boatload of money and that the league would eventually falter. Today, “The Foolish Club” is the name of one of the indoor areas for grabbing a cold drink and relaxing with friends inside Arrowhead.

Another interesting tidbit – Hunt is credited with coining the term “Super Bowl.” In the early days of the AFL, before its merger with the NFL, the top teams from each league faced off in the AFL-NFL Championship Game. The cumbersome name wasn’t necessarily a hit with owners, fans or the media, and it was Hunt who first threw out the suggestion for calling the game the Super Bowl.

On the tour, you learn that Hunt likely derived the name from a Super Ball, the small, extremely bouncy rubber ball that was popular with his children. In fact, a Super Ball is one of the items on display in the Chiefs Hall of Honor, a highlight of the tour that pays tribute to the best of the best from Chiefs history.

You’ll also find several items related to the AFL and its teams in the Chiefs Hall of Honor – a truly rare example of one franchise honoring rival franchises.

Inside the Hall of Honor, busts depicting Chiefs legends – from quarterback Len Dawson to defensive end Derrick Thomas – are aligned in a locker-like setup. If you’re a big fan of football, you may need to ask for extra time to read and see everything that’s on display.

Among the signature pieces is the trophy from the 1970 AFL-NFL Championship Game, aka Super Bowl IV. The AFL’s Chiefs won, 23-7, over the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. What’s cool about the trophy – and what seems perfectly fitting, considering the Chiefs were the founding members of the AFL – is that it’s the last trophy to have an AFL logo on it, as the two leagues merged prior to the following season.

A bonus tidbit – It was Lamar Hunt’s idea to use Roman numerals when referring to Super Bowls, to lend a little touch of class to the event.

Tours of Arrowhead Stadium include an opportunity to see the press box and locker room and get close to the field – you can walk the track that surrounds the playing surface. Don’t plan on carrying along a football and running post patterns on the field all afternoon. That’s a no-no.

There are several tour options available . General public tours are held twice daily, on Fridays and Saturdays, year-round. Private tours can be arranged by appointment.

The next time you need a football fix, plan a tour at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s a fascinating look at one of the NFL’s most fascinating franchises.

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Arrowhead Stadium has been the home of the Kansas City Chiefs professional football team since it opened in 1972. It is adjacent to Kauffman Stadium , where the Kansas City Royals professional baseball team plays. (In fact, there is even a private underground service tunnel between the two.)

Football fans can tour the roughly 80,000-seat Arrowhead Stadium in a number of ways. Public, guided tours last 90 minutes and take visitors through the press box, the CommunityAmerica Club Level, the locker room, the field and the Chiefs Hall of Honor Presented by Spectrum. Public tours are offered on Fridays at 2 or 4 p.m. and on Saturdays at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m., and tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for kids. If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, consider a private guided tour (which visits the same areas of the stadium, but in a one-on-one setting) or a game day tour, which includes a 60-minute walk through the press box and the Chiefs Hall of Honor Presented by Spectrum, followed by 20 minutes on the sidelines of the field during the pregame activities. To schedule a tour, visit the Chiefs website .    

Whether they took a tour or simply attended a Kansas City Chiefs game, recent visitors of the stadium gave it mostly high praise. Some noted that children were especially thrilled to see behind-the-scenes areas of the stadium, but adults said they had a great time as well. If you plan to visit the stadium for a game, past patrons warn it is best to arrive early since parking fills up early and can become chaotic, and traffic getting into the stadium can get heavy. Those watching a game should also note that the stadium accepts only clear handbags and very small clutches, so be sure to take these restrictions into account before you head out.  

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Tours are at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and last around 90 minutes.

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Arrowhead Stadium Tour

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Do you love the game of football? If so, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is the place to visit. It is the home to the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Visitors of all ages enjoy visiting the stadium and watching a game during the season. The stadium turns into a sea of red when the chiefs are playing at home.

Arrowhead Stadium offers its visitors the opportunity to walk around and check out various areas of the venue. They offer a guided tour for visitors of all ages to experience. The tour is 90 minutes in length. In the course of the tour, guests will walk through areas such as the Scout Investments Club Level, the Press Box, the Locker Room, and the Chiefs Hall of Honor. These guided tours are offered from March to September.

Another tour offered at Arrowhead Stadium is the Game Day Tour. In the course of the program, you will get to have an exclusive behind the scenes look at the production team preparing for the broadcast. Guests will also have the opportunity to check out the Chiefs Hall of Honor. This tour also offers fans the unique opportunity to spend 15 minutes on the sidelines of the field during the pre-game activities. The experience is 60 minutes long.

The Chiefs Hall of Honor pays tribute to the American Football League. This is an area of the stadium where guests will learn about the story of the Chiefs franchise, its players, and its various accomplishments. There are interactive exhibits and video boards that are located throughout the area that bring back great memories and also set the foundation for future stars. There is a Ring of Honor with each player in the Chiefs Hall of Fame on display.

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Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium tour takes you close to the action

timtrudell Kansas City , Missouri 0

Len Dawson. Hank Stram. Lamar Hunt. Their names are there. High above the field at Arrowhead Stadium. They’re part of the Ring of Honor for former Kansas City Chiefs players, coaches and ownership. The Ring of Honor is one of the views visitors get when they take a tour of Arrowhead Stadium.

Two former Nebraska players have their name on the Ring – pro football Hall of Famer Will Shields and All-Pro Neil Smith.

We lucked out in getting to take a tour during the Chiefs’ off-week. Kansas City is fighting hard for a spot at the table come playoff time for The National Football League. But, their stadium is among the best in the 32-team league.

A statue memorializing the late Lamar Hunt stands outside the stadium. If it weren’t for men like Hunt, we may not have the NFL we do today. He, Bud Adams and a few others created the American Football league in the 1960s. The AFL became the only serious challenger to the NFL’s dominance of the game. The AFL was such a threat that the two leagues agreed to merge in 1970. The Chiefs became the last AFL team to win the Super Bowl (Super Bowl IV) before the merger.

Hunt was a brilliant football mind. He helped devise ways to improve the game. He created the name of the Super Bowl. It supposedly came about when one of his children was playing with a “Super Ball.” He also suggested the commissioner name the league title trophy after the late Vince Lombardi, who guided Green bay to the first two championships between the NFL and AFL.

Inside the stadium, fans are treated to impressive views. The field’s views are amazing from several locations. We checked out a few suites and party rooms. Looking at the stands, it doesn’t look like there’s a bad seat in the house.

The suites and party rooms (private or by invitation) were awesome. You can party like it’s 1970 (the Chiefs’ last NFL title).

If spending thousands of dollars a year isn’t in your budget, check out a co-op suite closer to the field. They’re decorated with murals of Chiefs players and coaches, as well as quotes or motivational words.

The tour offers a look at Game Day for the players. You can visit the locker room. Alex Smith (starting quarterback) has his locker decorated for our visit. The equipment inside isn’t his. It was put there for our tour. Who cares? His gear would be stored similarly.

People flocked to their favorite player’s locker for photo opportunities. I went with Erik Fisher, a lineman. That’s what I was when I played.

The locker room is impressive. As soon as you walk in, you know you’re in Chiefs’ territory.

The tunnel to the field has large photos of Chiefs’ history. Hank Stram and the team celebrating back in the day. Former Husker Will Shields setting up to block for his QB. Shields was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

I’m not sure many teams do better than the Chiefs’ Hall of Honor. It recognizes the history of the American Football League, the Chiefs and the National Football League.

The AFL history is highlighted with old gear, including the then-Boston Patriots (now known as New England). I always thought they had one of the best logos ever with the Patriot ready to snap the football.

The Denver Broncos classic horse jumping out of the D on the helmet was great, too.

We had a great time touring Arrowhead Stadium. And, by the way, their stadium is indeed loud. We had 25 people on our tour. We stood on the Chiefs’ sideline at the 50-yard marker and yelled “Chiefs.” The echo was deafening then. I can only imagine how loud Game Day truly is. We will have to find out one season and check out an actual game there.

The Kansas City Chiefs offer an impressive tour. We recommend checking it out or taking your football fan there.

For more information, please visit www.kcchiefs.com or www.visitkc.com .

Disclaimer : Thanks to the Kansas City visitors bureau for the complimentary tour tickets. However, all opinions and views are ours.

Tim Trudell

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'Spirit of Arrowhead' | Chiefs reveal plans, renderings for future of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs announced their vision for the future of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Wednesday morning.

Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt and Chiefs President Mark Donovan presented the club's vision, "Taking an icon into the future."

"We always wanted to stay here," Hunt said as part of his opening remarks. "The spirit of Arrowhead will not change."

If the Chiefs are able to move forward with their vision, renovations would not begin until 2027, after the stadium hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The project's completion would be planned for 2030 or 2031.

Hunt says the renovations are projected to cost $800 million, with the Hunt family contributing $300 million of the cost. Hunt says his family will cover “any cost overruns,” capping the state and taxpayers’ contributions to the renovation project.

According to Hunt, part of the vision is improving the in-stadium experience for fans at all levels.

Activation area

Outside the stadium, plans call for a new turf-covered "activation" area for games and year-round community events on the site of the current Kauffman Stadium.

The club plans to recycle the concrete from Kauffman.

Upper concourse improvements

A new upper concourse connection bridge is planned to create 360 degrees of connectivity around the stadium.

Donovan said the bridge will create more points of sale, more restrooms and more space to "spread out" the crowd.

The upper deck will also have a canopy that provides shelter from weather, large fans for hot days at the stadium and infrared heating to keep fans warm amid frigid conditions.

Accessible entry points

New VIP stadium entry points would create new spaces in the stadium and reduce crowding at the general admissions gates.

A new field access tunnel is planned to improve accessibility to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Donovan said that currently, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is one of the only major sports venues that only has one field access tunnel, and that a second tunnel would help the stadium draw more major events and concerts.

Video boards

The video boards at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium also have planned improvements; the video boards that on the east side would grow four times larger, while the board on the west side of the stadium would grow three times larger.

“Right now our iconic boards are in the bottom 25% of the league," Donovan shared.

He said the renovation would bring the video board sizes to around the average size found in the NFL and that it was a priority to maintain the "iconic shape" of the current video boards.

New ribbon boards and improved wireless internet is also planned throughout the stadium.

Clubs and suites

The Chiefs plan to excavate under the lower-level seating bowl to create new sideline clubs for gamedays and special events.

End zone clubs holding up to 1,000 people and 10 end zone suites are also planned for a renovated Arrowhead.

Every existing suite would also receive technology, fixture and furniture upgrades.

Parking lots

The Chiefs plan to add a parking lot on the south side of the stadium, while expanding parking options to the north side, where Kauffman Stadium currently sits.

Donovan said the parking lot would hold the same number of spaces, but would improve pedestrian flow, tailgating and would create a bottom deck area.

RV parking in Lot O will be expanded and permanently lit with restroom facilities. There are ongoing discussions on whether ports to allow RVs to plug in will be implemented.

Three new pedestrian bridges are also planned to improve safety and the flow of traffic, while a dedicated rideshare zone would create improvements not only for football games, but concerts and other events.

Additional details

Donovan says the team will complete any repair and maintenance work prior to starting renovations at the stadium, which would seat over 70,000 people.

The club has posted additional renovation information on its website .

The team believes the additions will bring the best of new stadiums to Chiefs fans.

RELATED | Royals announce vision for downtown ballpark.

Prior to detailing their vision, Hunt acknowledged the shooting at the conclusion of the Chiefs parade and rally on Feb. 14, offering his condolences to the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan and others who were injured during the incident.

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Kansas City Chiefs reveal an $800 million vision for the future of Arrowhead Stadium

The renderings were released as Jackson County residents prepare to vote on a proposed sales tax extension that would help fund stadium improvements at Truman Sports Complex, and a new stadium for the Royals in Kansas City's Crossroads neighborhood.

The Kansas City Chiefs released Wednesday renderings of their reimagined Arrowhead Stadium at the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex.

The renderings include what the Chiefs call a new “activation zone,” and more parking on the site where the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium presently stands.

The total cost of the proposed renovations is estimated at $800 million. Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt says the Hunt family would pay $300 million of that total. Jackson County taxpayers would be on the hook for the remainder, funded through the extension of a 3/8th-cent sales tax that is on the April 2 ballot.

While announcing their future plans in eastern Jackson County, the Chiefs pushed for a renewal of that tax.

“The 3/8th-cent sales tax is designed to do exactly what it’s done since 2006,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan during a press conference Wednesday. “It is going to pay for repair and maintenance of the building.”

If voters pass the sales tax extension, renovations at Arrowhead won’t start until after the 2026 World Cup, though stadium modifications for the World Cup are set to begin after the 2024 Chiefs home season.

Unlike the Royals, who last year cited structural concerns at Kauffman Stadium as one of the main reasons for building a new downtown facility, the Chiefs intend to stay in the same arena bowl over the long haul. Arrowhead opened in 1972, one year before Kauffman Stadium.

Donovan chalked the contrast up to construction differences.

“Believe it or not,” Donovan said, “one team got a good batch of concrete, one team didn’t.”

Donovan reiterated during the news conference that the Royals would pay for demolition of Kauffman Stadium, and “that the taxpayers and the county will not have any responsibility for that.”

In a statement released after the Chiefs' reveal, a community group opposing the Royals' departure from the Truman Complex urged residents to reject the sales tax extension.

"To demolish Kauffman Stadium and replace it with additional VIP suites, at the expense of affordable seating options for the average fan, is unacceptable," wrote Becky Nace, chair of the Committee Against New Royals Stadium Taxes. "The Chiefs are effectively pricing out dedicated fans from attending games. Further widening the gap between the privileged few and hardworking residents of Jackson County."

The group also called into question Donovan's assertion that the Royals' stadium was built with a bad batch of concrete.

“We stand firm in our opposition to the proposed $2 billion in additional sales tax over the next 40 years, which only serves to enrich billionaires at the expense of hardworking residents of Jackson County,” said Nace.

The Chiefs are working on renovation plans with the Populous architectural firm, the same company that the Royals are consulting for their future stadium plans and the state of their current facilities.

The reimagined Arrowhead does not include a roof, which former owner Lamar Hunt dreamed about.

Jackson County voters rejected a proposal in 2006 that would have funded a rolling roof for both stadiums at the Truman Complex, and Clark Hunt said future plans do not include the concept.

“Certainly I’d like to think that Kansas City has an opportunity to bring a Super Bowl,” said Hunt, referencing the NFL’s tendency to hold the championship games in indoor arenas, “but I also know that our football team likes playing in the elements.”

The Chiefs have also given up on the idea of retail development on the complex after the baseball stadium vanishes.

“Right now in this market, this is not a location that is worthy of developing,” said Donovan. “As harsh as that sounds, it’s just the reality from a business standpoint.”

Donovan added that the Chiefs organization is expecting an extension of the current lease with Jackson County in “the very near future,” he said. “We have a very good lease. We’ll extend that lease.”

But that extension is unlikely to happen without the continued financial support of the state of Missouri, Clark Hunt said.

“We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine the stadium,” he said.

Arrowhead Stadium

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Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium Pixabay Public Domain

Home to NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is the loudest, and perhaps proudest, stadium in the NFL world!

Arrowhead was completed in 1972, this open-air stadium not only hosting AFC's Kansas City Chiefs but also several major musical events each year. The stadium is located right off of I70 next to the Royal's Kauffman Stadium . There is a maximum capacity of right around 76,500 people here, making it the 6th largest stadium  in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs were founded in 1960 by Lamar Hunt, and have since seen 3 AFL Championship wins (1962, 1966, 1969), as well as a Superbowl win in 1970 against the Minnesota Vikings (Superbowl IV).

During your group visit to the stadium you will either take a stadium tour, all the different options listed below, or if you are lucky, enjoy an exciting game live!

• Public/Private Guided Tour - 90 minutes jam-packed full of KC Chief's sights including the press box, club level, locker room, field, and Hall of Honor. This tour departs from the Stadium Pro Shop.
• Game Day Tour - 60 minutes including the press box, Hall of Honor, and 20 minutes on the sidelines during pre-game activities.
• Art Collection Tour - Spend 60 minutes exploring the world-class art collection on the club level, the spread featuring 37 pieces by regional artists. There are educational programs to look into with this tour/the collection in general.
• Boy/Girl Scout Tour - Tour the stadium and Chiefs Sports Lab, the center of NFL's Play 60 Initiative here in Kansas City. There are educational opportunities abound, as well as chances to earn patches.

During a game or game day visit your group can grab a bite to eat at any of the many onsite eateries, most featuring legendary KC BBQ, such as BBQ Alley, Plowboys Barbeque (our personal favorite choice), Smoke Brewing, Mac Shack, Gridiron Grill, and local favorite Sheridan's Frozen Custard (plus many more options). You can also shop for team gear and souvenirs at any of the Chiefs Pro Shop locations onsite.

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KC Chiefs' Future at Arrowhead Stadium in Question After Jackson County Votes Against Tax

After Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax to benefit renovations for the Kansas City Chiefs and a new stadium for the KC Royals, the future of both teams became murky.

• Author: Joshua Brisco

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On April 2, voters in Jackson County, Missouri, rejected a ballot question that would have replaced an existing three-eighths of a cent sales tax with a new three-eighths of a cent sales tax that would have extended for the next 40 years. The existing tax has been used on the Truman Sports Complex, the home of the Kansas City Royals' Kauffman Stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. The extended tax would have contributed to renovations for Arrowhead and a new downtown stadium for the Royals in Kansas City's Crossroads district.

The current lease for both teams runs through Jan. 31, 2031, but now the Chiefs and Royals will both explore their potential options as the teams reassess their future homes.

After "no" won with more than 58% of the vote, Chiefs president Mark Donovan spoke on behalf of the Chiefs and said the team "will look to do what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward."

“We’ve been talking a lot about the democratic process. We respect the process,” Donovan said . “We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We’re ready to extend the longstanding partnership the teams have enjoyed with this county.”

Dave Skretta of The Associated Press wrote about what those plans could entail for the Chiefs:

"That could mean many things: The Chiefs could try again with a reworked plan more agreeable to voters, change their entire funding approach to include more private investment, or they could even listen to offers from competing cities and states — such as Kansas, just across the state line to the west — that would provide the public funding they desire," Skretta wrote.

After the voting results were in, Nate Taylor of The Athletic shared a quote from Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt from a conversation held the week prior:

"Our belief is that the voters are going to approve the extension of the sales tax," Hunt said. "We’re not focused on what happens if it doesn’t pass. But certainly, we’ll have to consider all of our alternatives."

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Will Messi play at Chiefs' stadium? Here's what we know before Inter Miami vs. Sporting KC

It’s not often Patrick Mahomes isn’t the biggest star gracing GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.­

Soccer great Lionel Messi will eclipse Mahomes on Saturday night.

Messi’s Inter Miami will face Sporting Kansas City at the home of the four-time Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. More than 70,000 fans are expected to attend for a glimpse of Messi, the 2022 World Cup champion regarded as the greatest to play his sport.

From NFL plays to college sports scores, all the top sports news you need to know every day.

“You don’t see the things that he does – either never or not very often, that’s for sure,” longtime Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes said Thursday before the game.

Added Sporting KC defender Andreu Fontàs, who has played with and against Messi in La Liga: “It is better for sure to be his teammate than his rival. Will be special to play against him again. We’ll try to do our best to not let him have his game because we know that he needs very few chances to punish you.”

But how much will Messi play in Kansas City?

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Sporting Kansas City live stream

The match begins at 8:30 p.m. ET, and broadcast via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

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How much will Messi play vs. Sporting Kansas City?

Inter Miami assistant coach Javi Morales said Friday that Messi will be available to play against Sporting KC. But it’s important to note: Messi could be limited in action. 

“[Messi] will be present. We will see how long he will play because he played in 90 minutes the previous game. But he is available,”Morales said during a Zoom press conference. “He finished the game without any discomfort, without any problem. Depending on how he feels will be the minutes he will have on the field, but I think he will want to play.”

Messi is coming off his first start in nearly a month and a 90-minute performance Wednesday in Mexico. Inter Miami was eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup , following a 3-1 loss and 5-2 aggregate score , to LIGA MX powerhouse Monterrey.

Messi appears fully healthy after a right hamstring injury kept him out of action from March 13 until his return last Saturday against Colorado .

“Apparently the injury is behind [him], that's the most important thing,” Inter Miami coach Tata Martino said of Messi’s health before the Monterrey game.

Inter Miami has 10 matches remaining until Copa America 2024, during which Messi is expected to captain Argentina perhaps for the final time in a major international tournament during his illustrious career.

So, Messi could be limited to maintain his health considering his Copa America commitments in June.

Messi and Mahomes could meet at Inter Miami, Sporting KC game

Messi and Mahomes are two of the greatest players in the history of their sports, and two of the best athletes playing in the United States. They could be in for a historic meeting together on Saturday night.

A Chiefs spokesman told USA TODAY Sports if Patrick Mahomes is in town, he will be there.

Messi is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as the sport’s best player, and captivated soccer fans worldwide by leading Argentina to the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022 after capping a standout career with Barcelona.

Messi has also taken an interest in the NFL since joining Inter Miami last summer.

Mahomes is the reigning, three-time Super Bowl MVP and star quarterback for the Chiefs. He’s the best and most entertaining quarterback in the NFL without argument, and chasing Tom Brady’s seven Super Bowl rings.

Mahomes is one of six principal owners of Sporting KC , and has already posted about Messi’s arrival on expired Instagram stories earlier this week.

Mahomes was also tuned in for Messi’s Inter Miami debut, which saw Messi score the game-winning goal in the final minute.

Why is Messi game so important for Kansas City?

The Kansas City Star says Messi’s arrival will be one of the great sporting moments in the city’s history.

Sporting KC made the wise decision to host the match at Arrowhead Stadium, which houses more than 70,000 fans, compared to the club’s Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, which seats 21,500 fans.

It will be Sporting KC’s first game at Arrowhead since the club hosted English Premier League club Manchester United on July 25, 2010 in front of 52,342 fans, according to the KC Star.

“I’ve watched the guy play since he’s been very young. I don’t anybody, any team, any coach that has devised a game plan that’s nullified his unbelievable and unique qualities,” Vermes said of Messi. “You hope that on the day, he has a bad day. You hope if he gets a chance, he misses. That’s what you do.”

What is Inter Miami’s upcoming schedule?

Here are the next five Inter Miami matches after the Kansas City match:

April 20: Inter Miami vs.  Nashville SC , 7:30 p.m. ET 

April 27: Inter Miami at  New England Revolution , 7:30 p.m. ET

May 4: Inter Miami vs.  New York Red Bulls , 7:30 p.m. ET

May 11: Inter Miami at  CF Montreal , 7:30 p.m. ET

May 15: Inter Miami at Orlando City , 7:30 p.m. ET

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Messi play at Chiefs' stadium? Here's what we know before Inter Miami vs. Sporting KC

Voters reject Jackson County stadium measure for Kansas City Chiefs, Royals

One of the biggest ballot items in the Missouri general municipal election is the Jackson County stadium sales tax.

The voters voted no on Jackson County Question 1, according to the Kansas City Star and multiple local television stations .

Jackson County residents rejected a 3/8th-cent sales tax for Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals stadium projects as polls closed Tuesday at 7 p.m. local time. The increased sales tax would've helped fund a new downtown Kansas City ballpark for the Royals, and renovations to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs.

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the home site of the Chiefs, is the third oldest active NFL stadium. It opened Aug. 12, 1972, and has been renovated multiple times.

Kauffman Stadium, where the Royals reside, is the sixth oldest active MLB stadium. The stadium’s first game was on April 10, 1973.

NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.

Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were featured in an ad asking Jackson County voters to approve the measure.

“There’s no better place in a world to play than Arrowhead Stadium,” Mahomes said in the ad.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told USA TODAY Sports at the NFL annual league meeting that he expected the measure to pass. That came after Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the franchise’s goal is to stay in Kansas City but would consider “all options” if the measure failed. The Chiefs’ lease at Arrowhead Stadium expires in 2031.

"The people of Kansas City and Jackson County love the Chiefs and the Royals. Today, they rejected plans and processes they found inadequate," Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas said on social media . "Over the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Chiefs and Royals to build a stronger, more open, and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come."

OPINION: Chiefs show they're not above using scare tactics on fans for stadium tax vote

KSHB 41-TV, the NBC affiliate in Kansas City, cited polling before Tuesday from the Remington Research Group that had 47% of respondents in favor and 46% against.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X  @TheTylerDragon .

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Chiefs, Royals face uncertain future in Kansas City after stadium tax defeat

Kansas City’s most prominent professional sports franchises face an uncertain future in the region after Jackson County, Mo., voters rejected a sales-tax measure Tuesday that would have provided public funding to partially pay for renovations to Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs and the construction of a new downtown stadium for the Royals.

The defeat was decisive: Just over 58 percent of voters declined to support an initiative that would have provided about $2 billion in stadium funding for the two teams by replacing an existing tax with a similar sales tax of three-eighths of a cent for 40 years.

“We’ve been talking a lot about the democratic process,” Mark Donovan, the president of the Chiefs, said in public remarks late Tuesday to supporters of the measure. “We respect the process. We respect the decision of the Jackson County voters today. We’re disappointed. We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We are ready to extend the long-standing partnership that the teams have enjoyed with this county.”

The Chiefs will attempt to become the first NFL team to win three straight Super Bowl titles next season. But even their on-field success did not influence voters to approve the measure.

Chiefs President Mark Donovan speaks following today’s ’No’ result on the Stadium Sales Tax vote. pic.twitter.com/v16Z8CqQ5P — Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) April 3, 2024

“We will do and will look to do what is in the best interests of our fans and our organization as we move forward,” Donovan said.

The teams play side by side at the Truman Sports Complex, with a lease through January 2031. The Royals are seeking a new ballpark as an alternative to Kauffman Stadium.

“We respect the voters of Jackson County and the results of the election today. … We will take some time to reflect on and process the outcome and find a path forward that works for the Royals and our fans,” John Sherman, the team’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement posted to social media .

Mayor Quinton Lucas (D) said the deliberations will continue in an attempt to find stadium-funding solutions that would keep the teams in Kansas City.

“The people of Kansas City and Jackson County love the Chiefs and the Royals,” Lucas said in a statement Tuesday. “Today, they rejected plans and processes they found inadequate. Over the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Chiefs and Royals to build a stronger, more open, and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come.”

The Chiefs had committed $300 million toward a proposed $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium, the NFL’s third-oldest stadium. The Royals would pay at least $1 billion toward a new stadium projected to cost around $2 billion. Kauffman Stadium is Major League Baseball’s sixth-oldest ballpark. The failure of the funding initiative prompted speculation that the Royals could be a candidate to relocate to another city and the Chiefs could seek a stadium elsewhere in the region.

Opponents of the measure celebrated its defeat.

“The people took on the billionaires,” KC Tenants, a tenants rights and housing advocacy group, wrote in a statement . “The people won. Nothing is inevitable if we organize.”

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After voters reject tax measure, Chiefs and Royals look toward future, whether in KC or elsewhere

The Royals reacted to voters in Jackson County, Missouri rejecting a sales tax increase for a new downtown ballpark. (AP video by Nick Ingram)

Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman address the crowd during an election watch party after voters rejected the extension of a sales tax to provide funding for a new baseball stadium for the Royals and renovations for the Kansas City Chiefs’ football stadium Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan address the crowd during an election watch party after voters rejected the extension of a sales tax to provide funding for a new baseball stadium for the Kansas City Royals and renovations for the Chiefs’ football stadium Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan address the crowd while Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman , right, looks on during an election watch party after voters rejected the extension of a sales tax to provide funding for a new baseball stadium for the Royals and stadium renovations for the Chiefs’ football stadium Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Katherine Castle votes Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Yellow Rock Barn in Kansas City, Mo. Voters are being asked to decide whether to extend a sales tax to fund a new baseball stadium for the Kansas City Royals and football stadium improvements for the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

A man votes Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Yellow Rock Barn in Kansas City, Mo. Voters are being asked to decide whether to extend a sales tax to fund a new baseball stadium for the Kansas City Royals and football stadium improvements for the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, left, and Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman talk before a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson County voters will decide on a ballot question to extend a sales tax to fund a new stadium for the Royals and stadium improvements for the Chiefs in an election held Tuesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Jeff Gaeth votes Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Yellow Rock Barn in Kansas City, Mo. Voters are being asked to decide whether to extend a sales tax to fund a new baseball stadium for the Kansas City Royals and football stadium improvements for the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman address the media during a news conference about a plan to extend a sales tax to provide funding to build a new stadium for the Royals and stadium improvement for the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson County, Mo. residents will vote on the question Tuesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman, left, looks on while Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas endorses a plan to extend an existing sales tax to provide funding for a new baseball stadium for the Royals and stadium improvements for the Kansas City Chiefs Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson County, Mo. residents will vote on the question Tuesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Kansas City Royals owner John Sherman, left, address the media while Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan looks on during a news conference about a plan to extend a sales tax to provide funding to build a new stadium for the Royals and stadium improvement for the Chiefs Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Jackson County, Mo. residents will vote on the question Tuesday, April 2. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman and Chiefs president Mark Donovan stood on a small stage in the second-floor lounge of the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery in Kansas City on Tuesday night, acknowledging the will of voters who had rejected a sales tax initiative that would have helped pay for a new downtown ballpark and renovations to Arrowhead Stadium.

“Won a baseball game tonight,” said Sherman, whose Royals had beaten the Orioles , “but we didn’t win this.”

The ballot measure didn’t just lose, though. It lost decisively.

More than 58% of voters in Jackson County, Missouri, rejected the three-eighths of a cent sales tax. The Royals, who had promised $1 billion in private funding, wanted to use their share of the tax revenue to build a new ballpark as the centerpiece of a $2 billion-plus downtown district in a thriving arts neighborhood known as the Crossroads. The Chiefs, who had committed $300 million from their ownership, wanted to use their share for an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium .

“We will look to do what is in the best interest of our fans and organization as we move forward,” Donovan said Tuesday night.

Sherman and Donovan then walked off the stage and out a back door, leaving what had been an upbeat and festive watch party without taking questions, yet leaving many questions to be answered in the days and months ahead.

AP AUDIO: After voters reject tax measure, Chiefs and Royals look toward future, whether in KC or elsewhere

A failed ballot measure in Kansas City has clouded the future of the city’s top two professional sports teams. Correspondent Gethin Coolbaugh has the story.

WHY DID THE TAX FAIL?

There was no single reason the tax failed; rather an accumulation of factors soured voters. Among them were the location of the downtown ballpark, the messaging from the franchises and the very nature of their construction plans.

Last fall, the Royals floated ballpark concepts east of downtown and in neighboring Clay County, Missouri, and said they would decide by September on one of the sites. But that self-imposed deadline passed, and it wasn’t until February that the club said it would move instead to the Crossroads, leaving less than two months to sway voters on the location.

Yet the Royals experienced serious pushback from business owners in the area, some of whom would have had to sell their property and relocate. Compounding the problem was the lack of concrete plans — the Royals could not even produce a current ballpark rendering by Tuesday night after agreeing last week to keep open a street in the stadium footprint.

That was just the start of messaging problems that plagued the campaign.

Along with lacking transparency, the Royals and Chiefs shifted their approach at the insistence of political strategists running a committee to keep the teams in Jackson County. Their once-positive and collaborative messages were replaced by veiled threats that they would leave if the tax failed, and the “vote yes-or-else” message turned many voters away.

Then there was the plans themselves. In the case of the Chiefs, the renovation would have upgraded concourses, video boards and the parking at Arrowhead Stadium. But the everyday fan, who in many cases already has been priced out of games, balked at helping to pay for exclusive endzone clubs, renovated suits, sideline clubs and VIP entry points.

WHAT IS NEXT?

The Chiefs and Royals have said they would explore all options if the tax failed. And while they could still agree to a revised deal with Jackson County, they also could be courted by locales offering tax breaks and other financial benefits.

Officials in Kansas have not been shy about trying to woo the Chiefs across the state line, possibly to an area that includes Kansas Speedway and Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City. Meanwhile, cities such as Nashville that desire a big league ballclub could promise the Royals the funding they desire.

The two teams are deeply woven into the fabric of Kansas City, though. Sherman said one of the reasons the late David Glass sold him the Royals in 2019 is that he entrusted the Kansas City businessman with keeping the baseball team in town, where fans have supported it through far more losing seasons than winning ones.

The most likely scenario is the Chiefs and Royals try again in Jackson County, though rather than work together, each could seek its own deal. Jackson County executive Frank White, a member of the Royals’ Hall of Fame, had been a vocal critic of the tax yet said Tuesday night he was hopeful the teams would “come back to the table.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, who endorsed the tax initiative only late last week.

“The people of Kansas City and Jackson County love the Chiefs and the Royals. They rejected plans and processes they found inadequate,” Lucas said. “I look forward to working with the Chiefs and Royals to build a stronger, more open and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come.”

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