History of Arrowhead Stadium in Timeline

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Arrowhead Stadium

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American football stadium. It is primarily known as the home field for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL).

August 15, 1912: Tony DiPardo, founder of the TD Pack Band, was born

On August 15, 1912, Tony DiPardo, nicknamed "Mr. Music", the founder of the TD Pack Band, was born in St. Louis, Missouri.

1923: Municipal Stadium Built

Municipal Stadium was originally built in 1923.

1955: Municipal Stadium Rebuilt

Municipal Stadium was mostly rebuilt in 1955.

1963: The TD Pack Band was a mainstay at every Chiefs home game from 1963 to 2008

From 1963, the TD Pack Band was a mainstay at every Chiefs home game.

1963: Dallas Texans Relocate and Rebrand

In 1963, the Dallas Texans of the American Football League (AFL) relocated to Kansas City and were rebranded as the Chiefs, playing home games at Municipal Stadium.

1966: NFL Stadium Seating Requirements Announced

In 1966, with the AFL-NFL merger, it was announced that NFL stadiums would be required to seat no fewer than 50,000 people.

1967: Athletics Relocate

In 1967, the Kansas City Athletics of Major League Baseball relocated to Oakland, California.

1967: Original stadium plan included a rolling roof.

In 1967, the original stadium plan included a rolling roof shared with Kauffman Stadium

1967: Voters Approve Bond Issue for New Sports Complex

In 1967, voters approved a $102 million bond issue to build a new sports complex with two stadiums in Jackson County.

1968: Construction Begins

Construction on Arrowhead Stadium began in 1968.

1969: Royals Added

In 1969, the expansion Kansas City Royals were added to Municipal Stadium.

1971: Longest NFL Game

On Christmas Day 1971, the Chiefs were defeated by the Miami Dolphins in a double overtime playoff game at Municipal Stadium. This game is still the longest game in NFL history.

August 12, 1972: First Preseason Game at Arrowhead Stadium

On August 12, 1972, the Chiefs defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 24–14 in the first preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium.

November 5, 1972: First Regular-Season Victory

On November 5, 1972, the Chiefs defeated the Oakland Raiders, 27-14, to mark their first regular-season victory in their new home. This game had the largest crowd to see a game at Arrowhead Stadium, with 82,094 people.

1972: First Regular Season Game at Arrowhead Stadium

In 1972, the Chiefs were defeated by the Miami Dolphins in the first regular season game at Arrowhead Stadium.

1972: Arrowhead Stadium in Use

Since the 1972 NFL season, Arrowhead Stadium has been in use. It is the oldest stadium in the AFC.

1973: Arrows on Yard Markers

In 1973, Arrowhead Stadium was the first in the NFL to include arrows on the yard markers to indicate the nearer goal line.

January 20, 1974: Arrowhead Stadium Hosts Pro Bowl

On January 20, 1974, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Pro Bowl. The AFC defeated the NFC, 15–13.

1978: Arrows Mandatory League-Wide

In the 1978 season, the practice of including arrows on the yard markers to indicate the nearer goal line became mandatory league-wide.

1984: Fabric Dome Concept Re-evaluated

In 1984, the Jackson County Sports Authority re-evaluated the concept of a fabric dome, but disregarded it as being unnecessary and financially impractical.

1988: Hosts Drum Corps International World Championships

Arrowhead hosted the Drum Corps International World Championships in 1988.

1989: Hosts Drum Corps International World Championships

Arrowhead hosted the Drum Corps International World Championships in 1989.

1990: Crowd Noise Warning

In 1990, during a game against the Denver Broncos, the Chiefs were threatened with a penalty due to excessive crowd noise.

1991: Diamond Vision Screens Installed

In 1991, two Diamond Vision screens shaped as footballs were installed.

1994: Natural Grass Installed

In 1994, a natural grass playing surface was installed, replacing the original artificial AstroTurf playing field.

1996: Kansas City Wiz

In 1996, Arrowhead Stadium became home to the Kansas City Wiz, now known as Sporting Kansas City.

1998: Oklahoma State Moves Home Game to Arrowhead

In 1998, Oklahoma State moved its scheduled home game vs. Nebraska to Arrowhead to boost attendance and revenue.

2000: Big 12 Conference Football Championship Game

In 2000, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Big 12 Conference football championship game between Kansas State and Oklahoma.

2002: Iowa State vs Florida State

In 2002 Iowa State played at Arrowhead against the Florida State Seminoles in the Eddie Robinson Classic.

2003: Kansas State vs Cal

In 2003 Kansas State played Cal in the Eddie Robinson Classic.

2003: Big 12 Conference Football Championship Game

In 2003, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Big 12 Conference football championship game between Kansas State and Oklahoma.

2004: Big 12 Conference Football Championship Game

In 2004, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Big 12 Conference football championship game between Colorado and Oklahoma.

2004: Fall Classic at Arrowhead

In 2004, Arrowhead played host to the annual Fall Classic at Arrowhead, a Division II game that featured Northwest Missouri State University and Pittsburg State University. Pittsburg State defeated Northwest Missouri State.

2005: Kansas vs Oklahoma at Arrowhead

In 2005 Kansas also played Oklahoma at Arrowhead.

April 4, 2006: Jackson County voters approve tax increase for stadium renovations

On April 4, 2006, Jackson County voters approved a tax increase to finance municipal bonds for $850 million in renovations to Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium. The NFL promised Kansas City a future Super Bowl if a climate-controlled stadium was built, leading the Chiefs to sign a lease ensuring they would remain at Arrowhead until at least 2031.

December 2, 2006: Big 12 Championship Game

On December 2, 2006, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Big 12 Conference football championship game between Nebraska and Oklahoma.

August 15, 2007: Chiefs announce final plans for renovated Arrowhead Stadium

On August 15, 2007, the Chiefs announced final plans for the renovated Arrowhead Stadium, costing $375 million. The Hunt family's additional payment reduced the city's cost by $50 million. The renovated stadium would feature the Chiefs Hall of Honor and "horizon level" seating.

October 3, 2007: Reconstruction for Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums begins

On October 3, 2007, reconstruction commenced for Arrowhead Stadium and nearby Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team.

2007: Wizards Leave Arrowhead

After the 2007 season, the Wizards left Arrowhead, after being sold by the Hunt Family.

2007: "Armageddon at Arrowhead"

In 2007, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Border War between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Missouri Tigers, dubbed "Armageddon at Arrowhead", drawing the second largest crowd in stadium history.

2008: Big 12 Conference Football Championship Game

In 2008, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Big 12 Conference football championship game between Missouri and Oklahoma.

2008: Wizards Move to CommunityAmerica Ballpark

In 2008, the Wizards moved to CommunityAmerica Ballpark, now known as Legends Field.

2008: The TD Pack Band was a mainstay at every Chiefs home game until 2008

Until 2008, the TD Pack Band was a mainstay at every Chiefs home game.

2009: Daktronics System Installation

In 2009, Arrowhead Stadium completed the installation of a multimillion-dollar integrated system from Daktronics, including high definition video displays and digital ribbon board technology.

2009: "Farmageddon" Game

In 2009, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the annual "Farmageddon" game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Kansas State Wildcats.

July 25, 2010: Wizards vs Manchester United Friendly

On July 25, 2010, the Wizards faced Manchester United at Arrowhead Stadium, with Kansas City winning 2-1.

2010: Sporting Kansas City leaves Arrowhead Stadium.

After the Manchester United friendly in 2010, Sporting Kansas City left Arrowhead Stadium.

2010: Completely-refurbished stadiums were ready for play by the 2010 season

By the 2010 season, both Arrowhead Stadium and nearby Kauffman Stadium were ready for play

2010: "Farmageddon" Game

In 2010, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the annual "Farmageddon" game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Kansas State Wildcats.

2010: $375 Million Renovation Completed

In 2010, a $375 million renovation was completed at Arrowhead Stadium.

2011: Manchester United Preseason Friendly

Arrowhead Stadium hosted Manchester United's third preseason friendly in America during 2011.

2011: Final Border War at Arrowhead Stadium

In 2011, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the final Border War game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the Missouri Tigers.

2011: Tony DiPardo, founder of the TD Pack Band, died

In 2011, Tony DiPardo, founder of the TD Pack Band, died.

October 13, 2013: Guinness World Record for Loudest Stadium

On October 13, 2013, the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium set a Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium, with 137.5 dB, during a game between the Chiefs and Oakland Raiders.

December 2, 2013: Record Broken by Seattle Seahawks Fans

On December 2, 2013, Seattle Seahawks fans broke the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium, reaching a noise level of 137.6 decibels.

2013: New Playing Surface Installed

In 2013, Arrowhead Stadium started using a new playing surface known as NorthBridge Bermudagrass.

September 29, 2014: Chiefs Reclaim Loudest Stadium Record

On September 29, 2014, the Chiefs reclaimed the title for the loudest stadium during a Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots, hitting 142.2 decibels.

2015: Missouri vs BYU at Arrowhead

In 2015 Missouri played BYU as a home game at Arrowhead.

2015: Kansas City withdraws request to host Super Bowl XLIX.

In 2015, Kansas City chose to withdraw its request to host Super Bowl XLIX after a second bond issue to build a rolling roof was defeated. The game was subsequently played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

September 8, 2018: Taylor Swift hosts Reputation Stadium Tour show

On September 8, 2018, Taylor Swift hosted a show from her Reputation Stadium Tour at Arrowhead Stadium.

2019: Chiefs announce multiple renovations for the 2020 season

In 2019, the Chiefs announced renovations for the 2020 season, including replaced seats in the lower level, a new video display on the East end, and locker room upgrades.

2020: Game Location Changed Due to COVID-19

In 2020, Missouri was scheduled to play Arkansas at Arrowhead; however, the game location was changed to Columbia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Renovations including replaced seats, video display, and locker room upgrades.

The Chiefs' 2020 season renovations included replaced seats in the lower level, a new video display on the East end, and locker room upgrades.

March 2021: Stadium Renamed GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

In March 2021, the stadium was officially named GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, following a naming rights deal between GEHA and the Chiefs.

2021: Stadium Renamed GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

In 2021, the Chiefs sold the naming rights for Arrowhead Stadium to GEHA, renaming it GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

2023: Taylor Swift hosted two nights of her Eras Tour at the stadium on July 7–8, 2023

In 2023, Taylor Swift hosted two nights of her Eras Tour at the stadium on July 7–8, 2023.

February 2024: Renovations Announced

In February 2024, renovations for Arrowhead Stadium were announced and showcased, contingent on a sales tax extension.

February 2024: Chiefs announce additional renovation plans starting in 2027

In February 2024, the Chiefs announced additional plans to renovate the stadium starting in 2027, which would further increase the seating capacity along with other upgrades.

April 13, 2024: Sporting KC vs. Inter Miami

On April 13, 2024, Arrowhead hosted a game between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami, a 2–3 victory for Inter Miami. The attendance was 72,610.

2024: Kansas Plays Home Games at Arrowhead

For the 2024 season, Kansas played four conference home games at Arrowhead Stadium due to renovations at their stadium.

2026: Arrowhead to host FIFA World Cup

In 2026 Arrowhead Stadium will be one of the hosts for the FIFA World Cup.

2026: Arrowhead Stadium to host 2026 FIFA World Cup games

In 2026, Arrowhead Stadium was chosen as one of the venues to host games during the FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The stadium will undergo renovations estimated at $50 million, and will host six matches, including group stage, Round of 32, and quarterfinal matches.

2026: Host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In 2026, the stadium is scheduled to host matches for the FIFA World Cup, and will be temporarily referred to as Kansas City Stadium.

2027: Renovations scheduled to begin.

In 2027 renovations were scheduled to begin if an extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax from Jackson County, Missouri, voters was approved.

2027: Renovation plans for Arrowhead Stadium are shelved.

In February 2024, the Chiefs announced additional plans to renovate the stadium starting in 2027, which would further increase the seating capacity along with other upgrades; however, those plans were shelved in April when voters rejected a 40-year sales tax increase to help fund the project.

January 2031: Naming Rights Deal Ends

In January 2031, the naming rights deal between GEHA and the Chiefs ends with the expiration of the leases for the Chiefs and Royals.

2031: Chiefs lease ensures team remains at Arrowhead until at least 2031.

In 2006, the Chiefs signed a lease ensuring the team will remain at Arrowhead until at least 2031.