Chiefs owner Clark Hunt’s stadium preference has changed from 2 years ago. Here’s why

Two years ago, at this exact location inside a tent next to the Chiefs training camp practice fields, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt openly discussed his preference to stay long-term at a renovated Arrowhead Stadium.

Following a Jackson County failed stadium vote in April, though — along with the state of Kansas working to woo the team — Hunt’s message was different Monday when speaking about his future stadium hopes with reporters.

“We’re really approaching it with an open mind. We don’t have a desired outcome,” Hunt said. “We just have to find a solution that works for the community, and something that works for the club.”

Chiefs team president Mark Donovan stressed the gravity of the situation last week. He repeatedly stated that the organization would prefer to finalize its stadium plans in the next six months, with the team’s lease ending in 2031.

Hunt reiterated that the decision was “an urgent issue that we’ve got to find a solution for in the near term.”

“I know from having been through a few stadium efforts that they’re slow-moving and unpredictable,” Hunt said. “So to say we’ll be able to get to the finish line in six months is probably optimistic, but we would like to make some progress.”

What type of stadium will the Chiefs choose? And where will it be?

Hunt didn’t tip his hand Monday, saying the team was glad to have many options available while looking forward to talks with “leaders on both sides of the state line.”

He also left open one rarely discussed possibility: a new Chiefs stadium in Missouri. Though the previously failed Jackson County tax would’ve remodeled Arrowhead Stadium, a future plan could involve brand new construction; Hunt said the team “certainly would have to look at a dome” if it went that direction.

“I do think a renovated Arrowhead would be a very good solution,” Hunt said, “but also think a new stadium, and what that could bring to the community in terms of really big events, I think that could be really valuable.”

Perhaps most important to local fans: Hunt does not seem interested in moving the Chiefs outside the Kansas City area. When asked if the team might consider other locations, Hunt spoke about the team’s special connection with the community and fanbase.

“Our focus is very much on finding a solution here in the metropolitan area,” he said.

Hunt said much of the team’s stadium evaluation over the next few months will focus on whether renovation or building new is better. And while Arrowhead Stadium holds particular sentimental value for him — his father, Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, often said Arrowhead Stadium was his favorite place on earth — Clark said the team must look to what’s best for the franchise and local vicinity.

“I had a bunch of season-ticket holders come up to me today to share how special Arrowhead is with them, and we know that,” Hunt said. “But we do have to look to the future. And potentially having a new building, whether it’s on the Missouri or Kansas side, may make the most sense.”