The proposed $3 billion stadium project for the Kansas City Chiefs to leave Arrowhead Stadium and move to Wyandotte County is already impacting nearby development plans, including a massive Mattel-themed entertainment destination expected to feature Barbie and Hot Wheels attractions.
Developers behind the planned $539 million Destination KCK project are revisiting portions of the site design so the attraction better fits alongside the Chiefs’ proposed stadium complex, which is expected to be built north of the entertainment site.
Although the project is still moving forward, some original plans are expected to change before construction begins.
Chiefs Stadium Project Prompts Changes to Mattel Attraction Plans
Destination KCK is being developed by Epic Resort Destinations and is currently scheduled for completion in 2030. Construction is expected to begin in 2027.
The attraction will include a Mattel-themed adventure park featuring a Barbie Beach House, Hot Wheels roller coasters, hotels, restaurants, and other family-focused entertainment.
According to Bonner Springs economic development manager Megan Gilliland, per the Kansas City Star, Epic Resort Destinations plans to revise portions of the project to better align with the incoming Chiefs stadium development.
The updated plans could remove certain elements originally included in the proposal, including a planned RV park for visitors.
“He’s well within (sic) timeframe to do these edits and we want solid site plans before we move any other incentives (already stated in the Development Agreement) forward,” Gilliland wrote in an email.
Revised site plans are expected to be presented to the city within the next month.
Destination KCK Received More Than $200 Million in Incentives
Destination KCK has grown significantly from its original $490 million proposal.
Bonner Springs approved approximately $221 million in incentives tied to the project, including:
Destination KCK Incentives
- $175 million in net sales tax and transient guest tax revenues
- $15 million in tax increment financing
- $31 million from a community improvement district
The project also receives a 25% property tax discount from local government incentives.
Destination KCK will join several nearby STAR bond developments in western Wyandotte County, including:
Nearby STAR Bond Projects
- Chiefs proposed stadium
- Kansas Speedway
- Legends Shopping Center
- American Royal development
Kansas uses STAR bonds to help finance major entertainment and tourism developments through future sales tax revenue generated by the projects themselves.
Arrowhead Stadium Undergoing Major FIFA World Cup Changes
While the Chiefs continue exploring a future stadium move, Arrowhead Stadium is currently undergoing significant renovations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The stadium will temporarily operate under the name Kansas City Stadium during the tournament because FIFA rules prohibit the use of corporate-sponsored venue names.
The venue is expected to host six World Cup matches.
According to reports, workers are currently installing a full Bermuda grass soccer pitch inside the stadium along with a specialized air circulation system beneath the field to maintain playing conditions.
Matt Kenny, the Chiefs’ executive vice president of operations and events, explained some of the adjustments being made for FIFA standards.
“FIFA has some basic requirements in respect to playability. They want consistency with the way the ball bounces. Obviously, the width and the size of the pitch across venues,” Kenny told Yahoo Sports.
“It’s been the better part of 10 years from the bid to actually executing the matches here, and it’s been a massive collaboration.”
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Chiefs’ $3 Billion Arrowhead Exit Plan Hits Unexpected Problem appeared first on HEAVY.