KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Just one week into her term, Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Christal Watson is already facing one of the biggest projects in the region’s history: welcoming the Kansas City Chiefs.
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“I literally was sworn in a week ago yesterday,” Watson said. “And so for this to fall in my lap, I feel like it just kind of makes history in itself.”
The Chiefs have announced plans to build a new $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas, with a targeted opening for the 2031 NFL season. The move marks a major shift for the franchise and positions Kansas as a growing hub for professional sports and large-scale entertainment developments.
Mayor Watson said her direct conversations with Kansas governor Laura Kelly have been limited, but hopeful. She credited state leadership, including Lieutenant Governor David Toland, for leading much of the early negotiation process.
“We both want a sincere, genuine partnership between the state and the county, and particularly with the mayor’s office,” Watson said.
While excitement surrounding the stadium continues to build, Watson emphasized that her top priority remains the people of Wyandotte County. She said ensuring the project is done in residents’ best interests, financially and economically, will guide every decision moving forward.
When asked about the exact location of the stadium within Kansas City, Kansas, Watson declined to offer specifics, reiterating that the focus is not on geography but on outcomes.
“My priority is regardless of where the location is in Kansas City, Kansas, that it is done in the best interests of our residents,” she said.
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A key concern for the new mayor is protecting taxpayers from taking on unnecessary costs tied to the development. Watson says residents want transparency, strong negotiation, and a fair deal.
“We have to do that in the best interests of our taxpayers,” she said. “Our residents want a good deal. They want us to negotiate.”
As planning continues, Watson’s first week in office has quickly turned into a defining moment, one that could shape Wyandotte County’s future for decades to come.
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