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Arrowhead Stadium

Coordinates: 39°2′56″N 94°29′2″W / 39.04889°N 94.48389°W / 39.04889; -94.48389
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Arrowhead Stadium
"Arrowhead"
Aerial view of Arrowhead Stadium, part of Kauffman Stadium is shown in the top-left corner
Map
Address1 Arrowhead Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64129
Coordinates39°2′56″N 94°29′2″W / 39.04889°N 94.48389°W / 39.04889; -94.48389
OwnerJackson County Sports Complex Authority
OperatorKansas City Chiefs
Executive suites80
Capacity76,416 (2010-present)[6]
79,451 (1997-2009)[7]
79,101 (1995-1996)[8]
78,097 (1972-1994)[9]
SurfaceAstroTurf (1972-1993)
Grass (1994-present)
Construction
Broke groundJuly 11, 1968; 56 years ago (July 11, 1968)[1]
OpenedAugust 12, 1972; 52 years ago (1972-08-12)
Renovated2007-2010
Construction cost$43 million
($313 million in 2024 dollars[2])

$375 million (2007-2010 renovation)
($524 million in 2024 dollars[2])
ArchitectKivett and Myers
Populous (2007-2010 renovations)[3]
Structural engineerBob D. Campbell & Co. Structural Engineers[4]
General contractorSharp-Kidde-Webb Joint Venture[5]
Tenants
Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) (1972–present)
Kansas City Wizards (MLS) (1996–2007)
Website
www.kcchiefs.com/arrowhead

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri is home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Part of the Truman Sports Complex, together with Kauffman Stadium, it is the 28th largest stadium in North America and fifth largest NFL stadium in seating capacity, behind AT&T Stadium, Lambeau Field, MetLife Stadium, and FedExField. It is the largest sports facility by capacity in the state of Missouri. A $375 million renovation was completed in 2010.

History

Pre-construction

In January 1967, the Chiefs played in the first Super Bowl. In October of that year, Kansas City A's team owner Charlie Finley finally won approval from Major League Baseball to move the Kansas City Athletics to Oakland, California and out of the aging Municipal Stadium and its inner city neighborhood. The City of Kansas City was unable to find a suitable location for a stadium so Jackson County, Missouri stepped in and offered a suburban location on the extreme east edge of Kansas City near the interchange of Interstate 70 and Interstate 435.

Voters in 1967 approved a $102 million bond issue to build a new sports complex with two stadiums. The original design called for construction of side-by-side baseball and football stadiums with a common roof that would roll between them. The design proved to be more complicated and expensive than originally thought and so was scrapped in favor of the current open-air configuration. The two-stadium complex concept was the first of its kind. The Chiefs staff, led by Jack Steadman, helped develop the complex.

Construction

Construction began in 1968. The original two-stadium concept was initially designed by Denver architect Charles Deaton and Steadman. Deaton's design was implemented by the Kansas City architectural firm of Kivett & Myers. Arrowhead is considered by some to have had an influence on the design of several future NFL stadiums.

1970s

Arrowhead Stadium at night, during the Chiefs' Thanksgiving 2006 game against the Broncos.

Construction on Arrowhead Stadium was completed in time for the 1972 season. On August 12, 1972, The Chiefs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 24–14 in the first game at Arrowhead Stadium. Later on in the 1972 season, the largest crowd to see a game in Arrowhead Stadium was 82,094 in a Chiefs game against the Oakland Raiders on November 5.

On January 20, 1974, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Pro Bowl. Due to an ice storm and brutally cold temperatures the week leading up to the game, the game's participants worked out at the facilities of the San Diego Chargers. On game day, the temperature soared to 41 degrees, melting most of the ice and snow that accumulated during the week. The AFC defeated the NFC by a score of 15–13.

1980s–present

In 1984, the Jackson County Sports Authority re-evaluated the concept of a dome (a fabric one). The concept was disregarded as being unnecessary and financially impractical.

In 1988 and 1989, the stadium hosted the Drum Corps International World Championships.

In 1991, two Diamond Vision screens shaped as footballs were installed. In 1994 other improvements were made and a grass playing surface was installed, replacing the original AstroTurf artificial turf.

With the formation of Major League Soccer in 1996, Arrowhead became home to the Kansas City Wizards. They left after the 2007 season, after being sold by The Hunt Family to On Goal, LLC, once their lease ended. This was also beneficial so that construction work on Arrowhead's renovation could take place during the NFL off-season (see below). The Wizards moved to CommunityAmerica Ballpark in 2008[10] and did not return to Arrowhead except for one friendly (see below).

The 2007 Border Showdown between the BCS-ranked #2 Kansas Jayhawks and #3 Missouri Tigers drew the second largest crowd in stadium history, at 80,537 (with the Tigers winning 36-28).[11]

In 2009, Arrowhead Stadium completed the installation of a multimillion-dollar integrated system from Daktronics out of Brookings, South Dakota. Two high definition video displays were retrofitted into the existing football-shaped displays in both end zones. Approximately 1,625 feet (495 m) of digital ribbon board technology was also installed in the stadium.[12]

Since September 2014, Chiefs fans have been recognized by Guinness World Records as the loudest fan base in the world among outdoor stadiums. [13]

On July 25, 2010, Kansas City Wizards played Manchester United as Manchester United's 3rd pre-season friendly in America during 2011 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Due to ticket demand, they could not play the game at their home stadium, CommunityAmerica Ballpark. The match ended with Kansas City beating the Manchester Club 2-1 with Dimitar Berbatov scoring the only goal for Manchester United on a penalty kick.

Noise record

On October 13, 2013, in a game between the Chiefs and Oakland Raiders, the crowd at the stadium set a Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium, with 137.5 dB.[14] That record would be broken by Seattle Seahawks fans at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2013, at a home game against the New Orleans Saints. Seattle re-gained the record by reaching a noise level of 137.6 decibels.[15] The Chiefs reclaimed the title on September 29, 2014 in a Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots, hitting 142.2 decibels.[16]

College football

The 2007 Border Showdown between Missouri and Kansas

Arrowhead Stadium has hosted five Big 12 Conference football championship games: Kansas State versus Oklahoma in 2000 and 2003, Colorado versus Oklahoma in 2004, Nebraska versus Oklahoma on December 2, 2006, and Missouri versus Oklahoma in 2008.

From 2007 to 2011, Arrowhead hosted the Border Showdown between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Missouri Tigers.

In 2009 and 2010, Arrowhead hosted football games between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Kansas State Wildcats.[17]

The stadium also played host to the annual Fall Classic at Arrowhead, a Division II game that featured Northwest Missouri State University and Pittsburg State University. The 2004 game featured No. 1 Pittsburg State defeating No. 2 Northwest Missouri State in the only Division II game to feature the nation's top two teams playing in the regular season finale.

Renovations

Arrowhead prior to renovations between 2008–2010.
A B-2 Spirit, based at nearby Whiteman Air Force Base, flies over Arrowhead prior to the 2006 Chiefs-Raiders game.

On April 4, 2006, Jackson County voters approved a tax increase to finance municipal bonds to pay for $850 million in renovations to Arrowhead and nearby Kauffman Stadium. Before the bond election, the NFL awarded the 49th Super Bowl in 2015 to Kansas City provided it would have a climate controlled stadium. With the passing of the stadium bill, the Chiefs signed a new lease which ensures that the team will remain at Arrowhead until at least 2031.

However, a second bond issue to put a rolling roof over the stadium was defeated by voters, and Kansas City chose to withdraw its request to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015.[18]

On August 15, 2007, the Chiefs announced final plans for the renovated Arrowhead Stadium, which would cost $375 million. The cost to the city was reduced by $50 million thanks to an additional payment by the Hunt family, which originally had intended to donate just $75 million. The renovated stadium features 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 are now sitting outdoors.[19]

Reconstruction for the stadiums started on October 3, 2007. Refurbishment of nearby Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team, commenced at that time, and both stadiums were ready for play by the 2010 season.

Stadium music

From 1963 to 2008, the TD Pack Band was a mainstay at every Chiefs home game. The band was founded by trumpeter Tony DiPardo. The band was previously known as The Zing Band while the Chiefs played at Municipal Stadium. DiPardo, nicknamed "Mr. Music",[20] was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 15, 1912. DiPardo has written songs about the team such as "The Chiefs are on the Warpath" and "The Hank Stram Polka". DiPardo earned a Super Bowl ring for the Chiefs' victory in Super Bowl IV.

International Soccer Matches

Arrowhead held all international soccer matches played in Kansas City prior to Sporting Park opening.

Men's matches

Date Result Competition Reference
25 April 2001  United States 1-0  Costa Rica 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF final round [21]
31 March 2015  Mexico v.  Paraguay Friendly [22]

Women's matches

Date Result Competition Reference
7 October 1999  Brazil 4-0  South Korea 1999 Women's U.S. Cup [23]
7 October 1999  United States 6-0  Finland 1999 Women's U.S. Cup [23]
20 August 2000  United States 1-1  Canada Friendly [24][21]
22 October 2003  United States 2-2  Italy Friendly [24]
16 October 2004  United States 1-0  Mexico Friendly [24]

References and notes

  1. ^ "Truman Sports Complex Renovation Newsletter" (PDF). Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. January 2010.
  2. ^ a b 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  3. ^ http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2010/07/19/daily57.html?page=all
  4. ^ Everly, Steve (January 13, 1991). "Engineering Firm's Founder Has Retired". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  5. ^ "Stadium History". Team History. Chiefs War Path. Retrieved October 18, 2011.
  6. ^ Kansas City Chiefs - Arrowhead
  7. ^ Felser, Larry (September 21, 1997). "Chiefs Master the Art of Marketing in a Small Market". The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  8. ^ Covitz, Randy (September 8, 1995). "Chiefs Make KC's Pitch for Big 12 Football Title Game Arrowhead is Biggest of Four Stadiums in the Running Get Event". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  9. ^ Rogers, Thomas (December 13, 1976). "Colts Rout Bills, 58-20, for Title; Steelers Playoff Foe". The New York Times. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  10. ^ "T-Bones Welcome Major League Soccer to CommunityAmerica Ballpark". tbonesbaseball.com. Kansas City T-Bones. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Missouri Beats Kansas". Associated Press. November 24, 2007. Retrieved November 25, 2007. [dead link]
  12. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs Contract with Daktronics for HD Video Displays".
  13. ^ "Chiefs Ready for Playoff Nemesis Indianapolis". The Topeka Capital-Journal. 2004.
  14. ^ Kuhla, Andrew. "Arrowhead Sets World Record For Loudest Stadium". Fansided. Retrieved 13 October 2013.
  15. ^ Schwab, Frank (2 December 2013). "Seahawks take back the Guinness World Record for crowd noise at 137.6 decibels". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  16. ^ Peters, Micah (29 September 2014). "Chiefs break Guinness crowd noise record at Arrowhead against the Patriots". USAToday.com. Retrieved 29 September 2014.
  17. ^ "Cyclone Football Team to Play in Kansas City". cyclones.com. Iowa State University Athletic Deptartment. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  18. ^ No rolling roof, no Super Bowl at Arrowhead Associated Press. May 25, 2006.
  19. ^ Chiefs unveil the new Arrowhead KCChiefs.com. August 25, 2007. [dead link]
  20. ^ "Mr. Music is ailing". Kansas City Chiefs. March 19, 2008. Archived from the original on 10 January 2009. Retrieved December 31, 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link]
  21. ^ a b "Historical Timeline". Sportingkc.com. Sporting Kansas City. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  22. ^ "Mexican National Team to Face Paraguay at Arrowhead Stadium as Part of 2015 U.S. Tour". kcchiefs.com. Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  23. ^ a b "USA Defeats Finland, 6-0, as NIKE U.S. Women's Cup '99 Continues; Americans Will Face Brazil in Championship Game on Sunday". ussoccer.com. US Soccer. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
  24. ^ a b c Feyerherm, Jonathon. "100 years of U.S. Soccer". sportingkc.com. Sporting Kansas City. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Arrowhead Stadium.
Events and tenants
Preceded by Home of the
Kansas City Chiefs
1972 – present 		Succeeded by
current
Preceded by
first stadium
 Home of the
Kansas City Wizards
1996 – 2007 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Host of the
NFL Pro Bowl
1974 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Host of the Drum Corps International World Championship
1988 – 1989 		Succeeded by
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