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Arrowhead Stadium is a stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri, and home to the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs. The stadium was the former home of the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer from 1996 to 2007. It is part of the city’s Truman Sports Complex (together with Kauffman Stadium). Fans occasionally refer to the stadium as The Red Sea or simply Arrowhead. The stadium is commonly referred to as the “Home of the CHIEFS” at the beginning of every home game during the singing of the national anthem.

	Capacity		79,451
	Opened		August 12,1972
	Owner		Jackson County Sports Complex Authority
	Cost		$43 million
	Architect		Kivett and Myers

Arrowhead has long held a reputation for being one of the loudest outdoor stadiums in the NFL due to the exuberance of the Chiefs’ fans. Fan generated noise was once measured at 116 decibels by the Acoustical Design Group of Mission, KS. This contributes to the unique “atmosphere” of the stadium, which Sports Illustrated quoted as the reason they gave Arrowhead Stadium the title of being the “Toughest Place to Play” for opposing teams. They explained, “When the Chiefs are having a bad season, they’re tough to beat at Arrowhead. When they’re having a good season, they’re unbeatable. With the scent of barbecue in the air and a sea of red in the stands, Kansas City is the best football atmosphere in the country.”

As of the end of the 2007 NFL season, Arrowhead Stadium has a consecutive sell-out record of 149 games (17 full seasons) dating back to the home opener on September 1, 1991 (14–3 victory vs. Atlanta). The Chiefs have a 104–40 home record at Arrowhead stadium since 1990, the best in the NFL. It is the third largest NFL Stadium in seating capacity; being only beaten by Giants Stadium and FedExField. It is also the 23rd largest stadium in North America.

On April 4, 2006, Jackson County voters approved a tax increase for $850 million for renovations to Arrowhead and nearby Kauffman Stadium. However the voters rejected a tax increase for $170 million to place a rolling roof on the stadium. Before the election the NFL awarded the 49th Super Bowl in 2015 to Kansas City provided it have a climate controlled stadium. With the passing of the stadium bill, the Chiefs new lease became effective. With the new lease, the Chiefs will remain at Arrowhead until at least 2031.

Question 1 sought a three-eighths-cent sales tax to raise an estimated $850 million during 25 years to finance $425 million in construction costs, with the remainder spent on interest and future major stadium repairs.

Voters approved of the first question on the ballot (a 3/8 cent sales tax to help renovate Kauffman & Arrowhead Stadiums) by 53%.

Question 2 was on the ballot to raise $140 million for a rolling roof that could be used over both Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums. A county use tax was to have been imposed that was equal to the county sales tax. The rolling roof plan did not pass, by a margin of 52% to 48% and Kansas City chose to withdraw its request to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.

Both questions were placed on the ballot with the agreement that ticket prices would be raised to increase the county’s revenue from the Chiefs. The NFL blocked the ticket price increase and parking prices were raised instead to live up to the Chiefs’ side of the agreement. Reconstruction for the stadiums started on October 3, 2007 with refurbishment of nearby Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team, and the stadiums will be done by the year 2010.

The renovations were originally going to force the Wizards to find a temporary home following the 2006 season, but delays have allowed them to return for 2007. The Wizards will move to CommunityAmerica Ballpark in 2008 while they consider other locations in Greater Kansas City for their soccer specific stadium.

On August 15, 2007, the Chiefs announced final plans for the renovated Arrowhead Stadium, which will cost $375 million. The cost was increased by $50 million due to an additional payment by the Hunt Family, whom were originally intending to donate just $75 million. The renovated stadium will feature the Chiefs Hall of Honor, currently known as the Chiefs Hall of Fame, a tribute to Lamar Hunt, and “horizon level” seating in which Luxury suite owners will be sitting outdoors. The stadium and new player and coaches facilities are still on schedule to be completed by the beginning of the 2011 NFL season. Though the stadium is referred to as “New Arrowhead Stadium,” the building as of this time will not be renamed.

On August 28th, 2008 the Chiefs announced their decision to sell the naming rights to Arrowhead Stadium. IMG, a sports and entertainment company, will help them locate a buyer.

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Arrowhead Stadium wikipedia entry
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