Clark Hunt provides update on Chiefs stadium future
With the current lease at the Truman Sports complex up in 2031, Hunt would like a resolution sooner than later.
Updates on the future of Arrowhead Stadium can be a high-stakes topic, if not contentious to folks around the Kansas City Metro area, but Chiefs’ CEO Clark Hunt took the podium today to offer some insight into the current stage of the process.
Hunt discussed the recent investments in right guard Trey Smith and defensive end George Karlaftis, but as you can imagine, the future of the stadium became the main course of the conversation.
One thing does seem clear, and that is Hunt does feel an urgency to find a resolution.
“Yeah, I know Mark Donovan spoke to you all a week ago and shared that we've made a lot of progress,” Hunt said. “And that's absolutely true and that progress is on both sides of the state line. We're grateful to have two really good options. I don't want to get into how close we are to making a decision because I found over time with stadium situations that until they're done, they're not done.”
“There's a lot of work, a lot of moving parts and we're working through those. Certainly, I would say we feel an urgency to bringing the process to a conclusion. But that doesn't mean I can will it to happen in any specified period of time.”
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The main cause for urgency is that the Truman Sports Complex lease runs through the spring of 2031. Six football seasons may seem a long way off, but projects like these are not short-term.
Hunt says stadium projects like these take four to five years. Reading between the lines a bit will tell you that a conclusion would need to be made by 2027, if that holds true.
Hunt also went on to make it clear that the two primary options are either to renovate Arrowhead or build a new stadium in Kansas.
Last week, President Mark Donovan echoed similar sentiments and offered up that both sides of the stateline are putting their best foot forward.
On behalf of the Hunt family, Hunt stated they are not necessarily focused on the financial commitment, but “getting it right, picking the option that's best for our fans and one that's best for the community and best for the organization for the next several decades.”
Hunt understands the gravity of the situation, alluding to the fact that this decision will affect his family and Chiefs fans for decades to generations to come.
There is a lot of sentimental value to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, having seen 52 years' worth of crowds roaring, dozens of home playoff games and four Lamar Hunt trophies raised. Not to mention, every Chiefs fan knows what 142.2 decibels means to one another.
There is no doubt that politics, legislative packages, Kansas STAR bonds, Jackson County votes and a myriad of other things factor into this decision, but Hunt said the mystique of Arrowhead does factor into the calculus.
Another note Hunt made was the difference in the goals of each project. Renovating Arrowhead would focus on improvements inside the walls of Arrowhead and enhancing the tailgating experience further. Those responses are the results of fan surveys.
On the contrary, the Kansas project could see developments take place outside of the brand-new stadium.
He did not specifically mention a “ballpark village” type of concept, but developing around the Truman Sports Complex does not seem on the horizon, according to Hunt. Kansas may have more opportunities in that realm.
The appeal to a new stadium is obvious. It comes with a state-of-the-art facility, potential Super Bowl, year-round concerts, and collegiate sports opportunities galore.
Last week, Donovan deemed Hunt “maticulus,” and it appears that is how they are operating. In terms of what direction they go, it is anyone’s guess, but they appear to be asking themselves the right questions.
“What makes the most sense for our fans for the next generation, right?” Donovan asked. “There are a lot of really strong arguments on both sides, but we have to make that decision, what we believe makes the best impact on our fans for the next generation.”
ROTATION, TAKE II
Jawaan Taylor (knee) returned Sunday from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and reassumed his spot at right tackle, which was manned by Jaylon Moore the previous four practices.
The two rotated with the first-team offensive line and repeated the action on Monday.
Taylor went first, and then Moore rotated in.
Coach Andy Reid mentioned Sunday the rotation was by design, given Taylor’s missed time. But it wouldn’t surprise if the rotation stops at some point before the Chiefs’ first preseason game with Taylor atop the depth chart.
Moore, who signed a two-year deal during free agency, was expected to be the Chiefs’ left tackle before the team used a first-round pick on Josh Simmons.
Nevertheless, Moore’s presence on the roster ensures the Chiefs have a capable swing tackle.
IS THERE REALLY A BATTLE AT LEFT GUARD?
The Chiefs projected to have a battle at left guard, a spot vacated when Joe Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears during the offseason.
The two primary players competing for the spot were second-year pro Kingsley Suamataia and Mike Caliendo.
But the battle apparently hasn’t materialized through the first six practices.
Suamataia has strictly lined up at left guard since training camp practices began, while Caliendo has worked with the second-team offense, sometimes at center.
PARTICIPATION
Cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee, PUP list), rookie tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring) and cornerback Darius Rush (hamstring) did not practice.
KC Sports Network’s Herbie Teope contributed to this report.
