The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 training camp has begun at Missouri Western State University. However, local attention shifted away because of the team's latest major updates.

The franchise released its first official renderings for a new $3 billion enclosed stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The stadium is set to open for the 2031 season. The update leaves St. Joseph with an uncertain future. 

While the team is under contract with Missouri Western through 2030, the agreement includes opt-out clauses that allow for an early exit. Once the modern Olathe football complex is finished, the team could choose to host camp at its own facility. 

A report by Charlie Keegan for KSHB highlighted how local business owners and residents began discussing the long-term future as soon as the facility news came out. 

Along with the stadium, a $300 million headquarters and practice facility in Olathe, Kansas, is also targeted for 2031. These project announcements across the state line raised questions about whether the training camp will leave St. Joseph.

Head coach Andy Reid praised the host city during his recent comments to the media. "They treat us great up here, we appreciate that and all the effort that goes into that," Reid said. 

Despite those warm words, team management did not offer any long-term promises when asked about plans. For now, practices carry on as usual. 

Residents and business leaders are watching what these facility plans mean for the town's future.

Economic impact: What training camp loss means for local businesses

Hosting summer camp brings benefits to St. Joseph every single year. Several fans travel into town over a three- to four-week period. Restaurants, hotels, and retail stores all get a financial lift during this time. 

Tyler Soethout, general manager at Il Lazzarone, called training camp their favorite and busiest time of the year. Soethout noted that quarterback Patrick Mahomes even has a favorite order at the shop, which is the pepperoni and hot honey pizza. 

Brett Esely of the St. Joseph Sports Commission mentioned that free "Welcome Chiefs" yard signs flew off the shelves immediately. Esely joked that the demand was so high it felt like people thought a $100 bill was taped to each sign. 

The team has held its summer practices at Missouri Western since 2010, excluding the COVID-adjusted 2020 season, according to Chiefs.com.

Players and staff stay in the university dorms while practicing on the Mosaic Training Fields, with most sessions remaining open to fans. 

The new stadium and headquarters mark the franchise's plans, but also leave some unanswered questions. Training camp remains secure under the current agreement through 2030, and the community will keep preparing for every summer until then. 

How do you feel about the team moving training camp to its new facility? 

Read more at Kansas City Chiefs Community! 

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha