Chiefs fans are willing to lose body parts in sub-zero temperatures to support their team. But whether they’ll ever see their beloved team in Kansas City again depends on how much they pay in taxes.
As the celebrations for the Chiefs’ third Super Bowl win in the last five years wear off, Kansas City is getting back to business. Specifically, the question is whether Kansas City residents are willing to vote for new taxes to keep the Chiefs and Royals in town.
On April 2nd, residents will vote to keep the current tax bill in place. Or, introduce a new bill that would allocate funds that the Chiefs and Royals could use for stadium upgrades and maintenance.
Patrick Mahomes, No. 15 of the Kansas City Chiefs, runs onto the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Urit/Getty Images)
As Chiefs President Mark Donovan has said, the team would like to stay in KC, but there’s no guarantee they’ll do so.
“I just know that for us, the Chiefs, we have to look at all options,” he said.
When asked specifically about the possibility of the Chiefs relocating, Donovan was candid.
“I think [the options] That would have to include leaving Kansas City. But our goal here is we want to stay here. And we’re willing to accept a deal where staying here is actually good for the country. ”
A general view of the sunset during the Texas Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals game at Kauffman Stadium on June 10, 2008 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
according to fox news:
The Chiefs are aiming for an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium, while the Royals have announced plans to move from Arrowhead Stadium. kaufman stadium and relocate to the city’s downtown area by the 2031 season (as the current tax agreement expires and the current lease ends in 2030).
If voters vote to repeal the current tax and replace it with a new proposal that would last for 40 years, the Chiefs and Royals agreed to sign leases that would keep them in the city for the duration of the new tax law.
While Donovan stressed that the vote would not bring in “new taxes,” critics say the stadium renovations and plans to build Royals Stadium in particular could force local businesses to relocate or close. I am concerned that this is a possibility.
