KANSAS CITY CHIEFS have made a shock request to Missouri lawmakers that hints at leaving Arrowhead Stadium.
The franchise is considering a move out of their home of more than five decades.
Kansas City Chiefs could leave Arrowhead Stadium[/caption]
Franchise bosses have requested a deadline to an important decision[/caption]
They could even move state to Kansas, a prospect which now looks more likely after they requested an extension to a proposal from Missouri lawmakers.
A deadline was set for the end of June with regard to a financial package that was passed by Missouri Senate legislators.
Lawmakers are keen for the Chiefs to remain in Kansas City, so approved a $1.5billlion package aimed at renovating Arrowhead Stadium.
The legislation passed with a resounding majority of 19-13.
But Chiefs are now requesting an extension to the deadline, with president Mark Donovan penning a letter to Kansas Seante president Ty Masterson.
Donovan wrote: “Together we have the opportunity to bring the National Football League to Kansas, anchored by a world-class domed stadium, new team headquarters, a state-of-the-art practice facility, and a vibrant mixed-use and entertainment district.”
The Chiefs boss also explained significant progress has been made on plans for a new stadium – but stated more time is needed.
The Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council will meet on July 7 to consider extending the deadline.
Masterson said in a statement: “The letter from Mark Donovan indicates that the drive to bring this historic project to Kansas is moving down the field.
“Now that we are in the red zone, this extension will provide stakeholders sufficient time to ensure the ball crosses the goal line.”
Arrowhead last underwent a renovation costing $375m just 15 years ago.
And it boasts a massive capacity of 76,416.
However, the Chiefs are now looking to expand on their recent Super Bowl successes by going even bigger.
That could mean a move to a new $3bn stadium.
Owner Clark Hunt confirmed earlier this year that there were plenty of things that needed to be considered before a final decision.
He said: “We’re having good conversations and both options are very much still in play.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll have some news to announce by summer at the latest.”
