The Kansas City Chiefs are making a major move - not on the field, but off it - and it’s one that could reshape the landscape of Olathe, Kansas for decades to come. In a bold, carefully orchestrated effort that’s been two years in the making, the Chiefs are set to build their new headquarters, practice facility, and an expansive entertainment district right in the heart of Olathe. And yes, that means Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Clark Hunt will soon be calling Olathe their professional home base.
This isn’t just a relocation - it’s a transformation. The project signals a seismic shift for a city that’s been quietly preparing behind the scenes, operating under strict non-disclosure agreements to bring this vision to life. Tim McKee, CEO of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, was the driving force behind the scenes, and he’s not shy about the impact this will have.
“Olathe, over the next five to 10 years, it’s not going to be the Olathe that people used to know,” McKee said.
The idea took root back in 2023 when McKee and a group of city leaders visited The Star - the Dallas Cowboys’ state-of-the-art facility in Frisco, Texas. That trip lit the spark. McKee saw what was possible when a pro football franchise partners with a city to create more than just a practice field - a full-blown destination.
From there, the vision evolved. McKee looped in the Olathe superintendent, who was immediately on board. The city began modeling its plans after the Minnesota Vikings’ Viking Lakes development in Eagan, Minnesota - another example of how NFL franchises are building hubs that serve both the team and the community.
Still, McKee admits that at first, even local leaders weren’t sure it could be done. “When I originally brought this to the mayor, the city manager and the superintendent, they kind of chuckled and said go for it,” he said. “I don’t think they believed, I don’t think I believed that we could pull this off.”
But they did. And now, the Chiefs are all-in.
While the exact location hasn’t been disclosed yet, the public won’t have to wait long. Within the next 60 days, Olathe will hold public meetings to establish itself as a STAR Bond district - a key step in moving the project forward. And McKee was quick to address what many residents might be wondering: no, this won’t raise your taxes.
“This project will be paid for by the increment above and beyond where we are now,” McKee explained. “No new taxes; it won’t raise your taxes.”
The development isn’t just about football. It’s about building a community hub - a live-work-play destination.
Alongside the Chiefs’ headquarters and practice facilities, the site will include hotels, restaurants, and residential options. This is the kind of project that turns a city into a regional draw.
And it’s already catching residents off guard - in the best way.
“Shock,” said Marleina Brown. “I didn’t see that at all.”
“I was surprised it was going to be Olathe; it’s not what I expected,” added Jonathon Nasta.
Michael Wonka summed it up simply: “Olathe is growing.”
Jacob Wolf, meanwhile, captured what many on the Missouri side might be thinking: “I think it’s great for the city of Olathe, a big loss for Missouri. Shocking, absolutely shocking.”
The Hunt family, who own the Chiefs, were reportedly drawn to Olathe for several reasons: strong highway access, a high-performing school district, and a business-friendly environment. The family already has ties to the area through other projects, including an arena and inclusive amusement park for children with disabilities near 119th and Renner.
“This is just one of the projects,” McKee said. “We are really aggressive in regard to being pro-business. I think they see our potential for growth.”
Importantly, the city itself won’t be purchasing or owning the land - the Chiefs and the Hunt family will handle that independently. But the facility won’t just serve the team. McKee emphasized that students across Kansas and Missouri will have access to the complex, opening the door for educational and athletic opportunities that extend well beyond the Chiefs’ locker room.
“I’m really excited about what this could mean for our kids in the Olathe School District,” McKee said.
And with the timing of the announcement just days before Christmas, McKee couldn’t help but note the perfect holiday twist: “It’s a great Christmas present for the city of Olathe.”
For Chiefs fans, Olathe residents, and the broader Kansas City region, this is more than a new facility. It’s a statement - that the Chiefs aren’t just building for the next season, they’re building for the next generation.