AS A RESULT OF SPENDING ON TEAM AND STADIUM OPERATIONS
On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs released recent economic impact figures produced by Econsult Solutions, Inc. in December of 2023 that show a total annual economic impact of $993.2 million in the Kansas City region as a result of spending by the Kansas City Chiefs on team and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium operations. The amount also includes ancillary spending from non-local attendees of games and events.
According to the study, this economic activity supports 5,860 total jobs annually, including a mix of full- and part-time employment. In addition, the Chiefs and the iconic GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium generate $28.8 million in direct, indirect and induced tax revenue for the State of Missouri annually.
“We are incredibly proud of our 60-plus-year connection to the Kansas City region and the 50-plus years that GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has served as an iconic sports and entertainment destination for people throughout Chiefs Kingdom and beyond,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said.
“We know that the franchise and the stadium are key economic drivers for Kansas City, Jackson County and the State of Missouri and are excited that our community is realizing nearly $1 billion annual activity through the franchise. As we prepare for another Super Bowl, we know the eyes of the world will continue to be on Kansas City and we are proud to represent our hometown on the sport’s largest stage.”
Team officials say the annual impact to Jackson County is also significant, with combined team and stadium operations as well as non-local ancillary visitor spending in Jackson County generating $572.3 million per year.
A total of 4,590 annual full- and part-time jobs in Jackson County are supported by this economic activity, leading to $368.1 million in wages and benefits in the county. Combined expenditures by the Chiefs, excluding payroll, for capital as well as team and stadium operations reach $147.5 million annually, directly impacting the Jackson County economy, team officials say.
“The Chiefs are, without a doubt, a critical part of the engine that drives our regional economy benefiting Kansas City businesses large and small. They also have tremendous value beyond any financial measure. The team is a significant element of our community’s DNA – a unifying factor that brings people together through a collective identity as Chiefs Kingdom. You see this not only on Red Friday or on game day but also when you travel and see Chiefs fans representing their team wherever they go, expanding the reach of Chiefs Kingdom to gain supporters around the world,” said Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.
“Our Kansas City region is known for its dynamic sports culture, and the Chiefs are at the very heart of the pride we have in being Kansas Citians. You can put a dollar amount to the substantial economic impact of the Chiefs; however, the power of the team to unite people in a shared sense of community is priceless.”
“The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be a pivotal force in driving economic growth, awareness and community-building for the Kansas City region,” said Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC. “From game days to parades, the impact from tourism and Chiefs Kingdom is felt by our local businesses, large and small.”
Econsult Solutions, Inc. (“ESI”) is a Philadelphia-based economic consulting firm that provides businesses and public policy makers with economic consulting services in urban economics, real estate economics, transportation, public infrastructure, development, public policy and finance, community and neighborhood development, planning, as well as expert witness services for litigation support. Company officials say its principals “are nationally recognized experts in urban development, real estate, government and public policy, planning, transportation, non-profit management, business strategy and administration, as well as litigation and commercial damages.”
The firm says its staff members “have outstanding professional and academic credentials, including active positions at the university level, wide experience at the highest levels of the public policy process and extensive consulting experiences.”
