What will happen to the Chiefs and Royals stadiums when they leave? Jackson County is making a plan

March 27, 2026 - 06:05

With the stadium leases for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals set to expire in 2031, Jackson County officials are proactively planning for the future of the Truman Sports Complex. The county will soon assemble a special committee to reimagine the vast area should the professional sports franchises decide to relocate.

This new group will be composed of local business leaders, real estate developers, and community stakeholders. Their primary charge will be to develop a comprehensive vision for the site, focusing on economic development and community benefit. The planning initiative underscores the county's intention to control the narrative and ensure preparedness, regardless of the ultimate decisions made by the teams.

The current leases at the complex, which houses GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium, run through January 2031. Both teams have been publicly evaluating their stadium options, including potential new downtown ballpark districts or cross-state moves, creating significant uncertainty. This committee aims to transform that uncertainty into a strategic plan, exploring potential new uses for the land that could include mixed-use developments, entertainment districts, or other civic projects to drive future growth for the county.