With three Super Bowls this decade and probably more to come under head coach Andy Reid and star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs have undoubtedly been the dominant force of the 2020s (so far).
But football also has a significant financial side, and that side is now working on some potentially significant upgrades to the team’s equipment, specifically the stadium.
Clark Hunt, the owner of the Chiefs, is keen to convert the infamous “Arrowhead” stadium into a domed space, according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic.
The goal is very clear: to host major national sporting and entertainment events. However, ownership is still divided over whether to refurbish and rebuild Arrowhead or construct a brand-new domed stadium in Kansas City.
“I do think for the community, a dome would be a tremendous asset,” Hunt stated in March, per Tayor. “It would provide the Kansas City area with a chance to host important events.”
In addition to hosting college football and musical events, Taylor wrote, “A domed stadium — similar to venues such as SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles Rams and Chargers), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), and U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings) would allow the Chiefs to host numerous events: the Final Four, a College Football Playoff game, the Big 12 football championship game, more concerts, college bowl games, and WWE events.”
Having a new domed stadium could also enable the Chiefs to do something they have never done in their entirety: host a Super Bowl.
However, the Hunts view the dome as a means of boosting team profits and creating long-lasting brand recognition, so the chance to host more regular and offseason events is more than just an opportunity in and of itself.
“That option [to add a domed stadium] has already led Hunt and team president Mark Donovan to answer the question of whether a dome in Kansas would guarantee higher profits for the Chiefs and lead to more lucrative, alluring opportunities for the region,” Taylor added.Donovan responded, “Yes,” at the league meeting. There is no doubt that it is discussed in Kansas. This is one of the reasons you do this.”
Taylor claims that although the Chiefs’ Kingdom has already shown little interest in the idea, especially considering the financial burden it would likely place on the state of Missouri, they might be more put off by the possibility that a dome would lessen their perceived playoff advantage.
The noise and wind at Arrowhead makes it practically impossible for opposing quarterbacks to hear play-calls — something that is significantly less of a concern when playing in an enclosed venue. Indeed for quarterbacks who suffer playing in the cold – like the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa – having a battle in KC where the wind is no longer blowing and the atmosphere is controlled is a significant assist.