KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Plans for a new Kansas City Chiefs training facility in Olathe are taking shape, with Chiefs president Mark Donovan and city leaders confirming the project is modeled after pro sports campuses such as the Dallas Cowboys’ The Star in Texas and the Minnesota Vikings’ facility.
The Chiefs, the City of Olathe and the Olathe School District are also in discussions about a potential partnership tied to the new site, though no agreement has been signed.
City leaders said the facility would function as more than a practice complex. They described it as a mixed-use development that includes high-end restaurants, shopping and hotels.
FILE — Kansas City Chiefs gear.(KCTV5/Betsy Webster)
Olathe Chamber CEO Tim McKee said the development would fill a gap in the city’s current offerings.
“It’s a destination area that we currently don’t have in Olathe. So restaurants, high end restaurants. Those type of things that unfortunately, in Olathe, we have to leave to go some of those other places,” McKee said.
One proposal under discussion would give students access to the facility’s sports medicine staff. McKee described the concept.
“Having the ability to have the students come and interact with their physicians and on the sports medicine side and having our school district involved,” McKee said.
How that arrangement would work, who would pay for it, and whether it moves forward remain unclear.
Olathe Mayor John Bacon confirmed the school district has expressed interest in the partnership.
“I know the school district has expressed some interest in and a need for an additional activity center,” Bacon said. “So, as much as they can work together and have a benefit for one another, I think that’s what they’re working on.”
Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs announce the team’s move across the state line from Missouri to Kansas.(KWCH)
Leaders said they are also exploring ways to bring students to the facility for training and games. Discussions have included a push to bring flag football into local schools for both girls and boys.
Donovan said he reached out directly to school district leadership.
“I grabbed the superintendent’s arm and said I need your help,” Donovan said.
Donovan also addressed efforts to expand the game.
“They talk about it all the time when we’re together. And how do we broaden the game beyond just boys? As a father of two daughters, I find it exciting and really neat that they have the opportunity to get involved in football,” Donovan said.
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