This year’s NFL Christmas Day lineup is missing some serious holiday magic
Christmas Day 2025 is already looking like a disaster for the NFL, with injuries and teams already out of playoff contention.
- The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to receive approval to build a new stadium in Kansas.
- The new stadium will be located in Wyandotte County and is expected to be completed by the 2031 season.
- Plans for the new venue include a roof that will allow for annual events such as the Super Bowl and Final Four.
The Kansas City leaders are expected to cross the state line from Missouri into Kansas (for the next 10 years), with an official announcement scheduled for late Dec. 22, after key legislative committee meetings.
The eight-member Legislative Coordination Council (LCC) passed the bill needed for the green light on December 22 with bipartisan support. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also hinted at a “special announcement” early on December 22nd.
The Chiefs continue to negotiate with the governments of Missouri and Kansas regarding their future home. Kansas City has played its home games at Arrowhead Stadium, located outside Kansas City, Missouri, since 1972.
Chiefs’ new stadium to be completed for 2031 NFL season
The exact location of the new stadium is unknown, but the site is not far from Kansas Speedway and is in Wyandotte County, home of Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC. The team’s current lease at Arrowhead Stadium expires after 2030, so the new stadium will be ready for the 2031 season.
Prior to the official announcement, Kelly and Chiefs owner Clark Hunt were seen wearing Chiefs jerseys, No. 31.
“Today is a special day in Kansas City Chiefs history,” Hunt said in a statement. “We are excited to partner with the state of Kansas and bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and fan-first spirit that began with our father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility and surrounding development will benefit the entire region and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the nation and the world.”
The venue will have a roof and will be a year-round venue, and the stadium will be designed to host sports’ biggest events, such as the Final Four and the Super Bowl. Chiefs President Mark Donovan said the new stadium will have a seating capacity of about 65,000 to 68,000 people.
“The benefits to the entire region will be immeasurable,” Hunt said in a letter to Chief Kingdom.
He continued, “Of course, it will be hard to say goodbye to Arrowhead Stadium in a few years. Like many of you, Arrowhead brings back family memories and unforgettable moments. But the truth is, you are what makes Chiefs game days special. The seats don’t make noise, the concrete doesn’t intimidate opponents, and you don’t have barbecues in the parking lot. You do it.”
The state will provide up to 70% of the stadium’s funding, with public-private partnerships officially at 60% to 40%, and the Hunt family contributing $1 billion that can be promoted through special bonds, according to the Kansas City Star. The project has an estimated total cost of $3 billion. The governor’s office said the construction will not impose new taxes on Kansan residents. Estimates indicate that the new stadium would involve approximately $1.8 million in public investment and generate an economic impact of approximately $4.4 billion.
Kansas Governor Kelly said, “This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we are creating thousands of jobs, attracting tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we continue to make Kansas the best place to raise a family in America.” “This is a game-changer for Kansas and shows America and the world that the future of our state is very bright.”
The Chiefs also plan to move their training facility to another Kansas City suburb, Olathe, Kansas. That project currently has no timeline.
