The Olathe Chamber of Commerce and the City of Olathe are proud to announce the Kansas City Chiefs’ intent to build their new team headquarters and training facility in Olathe, marking a transformational opportunity for the community and the region.
The announcement was made Monday afternoon at a press conference in Topeka featuring Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Lt. Governor David Toland, members of Kansas legislative leadership, Olathe Mayor John Bacon and Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Cristal Watson.
In addition to the proposed headquarters and training facilities in Olathe, the Chiefs also plan to build a new stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.
“Let’s be clear: This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region – and I plan to work closely with our city council to finalize this plan so we can move forward as soon as possible,” Olathe Mayor John Bacon said. “Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy – and a lot of fun for our families.”
Earlier Monday, the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council conducted a public hearing and adopted an ordinance pledging all local incremental general sales tax within the STAR Bond project area to the project. That action opened the door for the Chiefs’ proposed move.
“We’re so glad we were able to keep the Kansas City Chiefs in the region,” President and CEO of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Tim McKee said. “We’ve been working closely with the City of Olathe and Olathe Public Schools on this incredible opportunity. It has truly been a collaborative effort.”
McKee added that the potential impact of the project extends far beyond professional sports.
“We’re certainly excited about the potential of a project that could be revolutionary for the Chamber, the City and the school district,” he said.
Plans for the broader development area could include a stadium for Olathe Public Schools, office space, restaurants, retail, hotels and additional entertainment amenities. The project has the potential to become a major destination for both residents and visitors.
“We recognize the potential this move brings not only in terms of economic growth and community visibility, but also in the possibilities for meaningful partnerships that support student learning and community engagement,” Olathe Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager said.
“More than just the Chiefs facility, this project has tremendous potential for education and medical partnerships as well as a significant boost to travel and tourism in the area,” Olathe City Manager Michael Wilkes said. “We’re hoping to create a true entertainment destination.”
The project represents the culmination of years of vision and collaboration. What began as simple idea following a visit to the Dallas Cowboys’ facility and a conversation between McKee and Dr. Yeager more than two years ago, has grown into an unprecedented opportunity for the Olathe community.
“We’ve been working on this opportunity for a long time, and it’s exciting to see it come together,” McKee said. “The potential benefits for our entire community are truly remarkable.”
Both the City of Olathe and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce credit the support and collaboration of HDR Architects, former Kansas Senate Majority Leader Ron Ryckman, the Kansas City Chiefs and Hunt Midwest for helping bring the project to life.
Any development in the City of Olathe is subject to the standard City planning and development process. This process includes steps such as public meetings and hearings, permit reviews, site plans, etc. More information will be shared as it’s available.