Arrowhead Stadium - The Most Unique Stadium in the NFL

Arrowhead Stadium - The Most Unique Stadium in the NFL

Arrowhead stadium is the iconic home of the Kansas City Chiefs. Ground was broken for the stadium complex on July 11, 1968 with Arrowhead finally opening on August 12, 1972, making it the third oldest currently used NFL stadium after Soldier Field and Lambeau Field.

The history of Arrowhead Stadium dates back to a 1967 bond that was issued to the tune of $102 million dollars. The original plan for the complex called for the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs to have two side by side stadiums with a shared roof, and other utility areas under the stadium. The common roof between the stadium would have been incredibly innovative, but ultimately proved to be too costly. The idea was scrapped, leading both stadiums to be open air.

In addition to the innovative shared roof idea, team owner Lamar Hunt also requested an extensive owner’s suite be built into the stadium. The suite was built with three bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. The feature is incredibly unique, and remains at the stadium to this day. Other unique design aspects include the upper bowl of the stadium being placed at a steep incline to increase seating. Although the feature increased seating at the stadium, it limited access for those with disabilities and could not be replicated at modern NFL stadiums due to new regulations.

The stadium’s design remained unchanged for nearly two decades, although in 1984 a study was introduced to see if a fabric dome could be placed over the stadium. The concept was thrown out as it was deemed too expensive. No further renovations were done until 1991 when two screens shaped as footballs were added to both end zones of the facility. Natural grass eventually replaced the astro turf in 1994.

By 2006 Arrowhead Stadium was beginning to show its age, so a new $850 million dollar bond was approved to finance renovations for both Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadium. In part due to the renovations, the NFL awarded Kansas City the right to host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, with the caveat that a permanent roof be installed on the stadium. Studies again showed that the roof would not be feasible, and the plan to host the Super Bowl was dropped.

Additional renovations at the stadium including updating the video boards, a new Chiefs Hall of Honor, and additional luxury seating were added. The stadium’s renovations were completed in time for the 2010 season. Further renovations were undertaken in 2019 with the aging seats in the lower bowl replaced. Renovations to the locker room had to be put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Arrowhead Stadium continues to be an iconic and beloved NFL venue nearly 50 years after its grand opening.