The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a major decision about the future of their home stadium. The franchise will eventually have to choose between renovating Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri or building a new domed stadium just over the border in Kansas. There’s even a possibility that a roof could be added to the team’s current open-air venue.
“There are some interesting architectural improvements that could be made to Arrowhead, making it conducive to an all-weather protective environment without being a full dome,” Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe told the Associated Press on Tuesday. “I would say, look at some of the structures that are in Europe that may have some sort of fabric device that goes over it.”
A retractable roof at Arrowhead wouldn’t necessarily be used for Chiefs games. Instead, it could make the stadium more versatile, opening it up for a wider range of events year-round and boosting the facility’s revenue. Governor Kehoe noted, “Chiefs fans like the rough and tough and getting outside.” (Of course, that may not include the ones who suffered frostbite during the frigid playoff game against the Dolphins!)
“So I think the ownership group does realize that the fan base likes the environment they’re in and would love to continue with a legacy experience at Arrowhead,” Kehoe added.
The current push for domed stadiums, both in Missouri and Kansas, centers on financial opportunities. Hosting more concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment options during the winter months could be lucrative. The Chiefs and Missouri officials seem interested in threading the needle: preserving the classic outdoor football experience while also making the stadium a year-round destination.
Ultimately, the bigger issue for the Chiefs is striking the best possible deal. The franchise has positioned itself perfectly, with two neighboring communities in two different states vying for the honor—and economic benefits—of hosting the team for decades to come.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/missouri-governor-suggests-retractable-roof-for-arrowhead-stadium
