Chiefs to Leave Arrowhead Stadium After 59 Years

Longtime star Travis Kelce says move is "heartbreaking" despite new stadium's benefits

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Kansas City Chiefs will be leaving Arrowhead Stadium, their home since 1972, and moving across the state border to Kansas City, Kansas for a new stadium in 2031. The news has drawn mixed reactions, with star tight end Travis Kelce describing the move as "heartbreaking" despite understanding the business reasons behind it.

Why it matters

Arrowhead Stadium has been the home of the Chiefs dynasty, hosting many iconic moments and memories for the team and its passionate fanbase. The move represents the end of an era and the loss of a beloved landmark, even as the team looks to the future with a state-of-the-art new facility.

The details

The Chiefs will be jumping across the state border from Missouri to Kansas for their new stadium, which is expected to cost a minimum of $4 billion and include additional mixed-use development. Team owner Clark Hunt cited the inability to make desired upgrades to aging Arrowhead as a key factor in the decision.

  • The Chiefs will play their final season at Arrowhead Stadium in 2030.
  • The team will move to their new Kansas stadium for the 2031 NFL season.

The players

Travis Kelce

A star tight end for the Chiefs who has spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the team so far. Kelce says he will not still be playing when the team moves in 2031.

Clark Hunt

The owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, who announced the team's plans to build a new stadium and training facility in Kansas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you look at that deal in terms of an owner, that's one of the greatest opportunities you could ever get as an owner. I think it's going to be unbelievable once it's finally set it stone, but it is going to be kind of heartbreaking knowing that the Chiefs are going to move away from Arrowhead and that side of the Missouri side in Kansas City.”

— Travis Kelce (New Heights podcast)

“In the years ahead, we look forward to designing and building a state-of-the-art domed stadium and mixed-use district in Wyandotte County, and a best-in-class training facility, team headquarters, and mixed-use district in Olathe, totaling a minimum of $4 billion of development in the state of Kansas.”

— Clark Hunt, Chiefs Owner (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Chiefs will play their final season at Arrowhead Stadium in 2030 before moving to their new Kansas home in 2031.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' move from their iconic Arrowhead Stadium home of nearly 60 years represents the end of an era, but also an opportunity for the franchise to build a state-of-the-art new stadium and facilities that will keep them competitive for decades to come, even if it comes at the cost of leaving behind cherished memories.