Failed?

The post from @ArrowheadNation (a Chiefs fan account) appears to be discussing the ongoing debate over a new stadium deal for the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting the sharp divisions among lawmakers and the risks to taxpayers versus the potential benefits like jobs and economic growth. The dramatic caption "Vote Fails" with images (including one showing "Vote Fails" overlaid on stadium photos and people in discussion) suggests it's implying a recent failure in the process.

However, based on current information as of January 2026, **no major vote has recently failed** on the Chiefs' stadium proposal in a way that matches this post's implication of a total collapse.

Here's the key context on the Chiefs' stadium situation:

- In April 2024, Jackson County, Missouri voters overwhelmingly rejected a sales tax extension to fund renovations to Arrowhead Stadium and a new Royals ballpark. That public vote did fail, which forced the teams to explore other options and contributed to the current uncertainty.

- Missouri responded in 2025 with a special legislative session, passing a bill (signed into law) authorizing up to $1.5 billion in state incentives (via bonds and tax credits) to help fund stadium projects for the Chiefs and Royals to keep them in Missouri. This was a legislative vote that **succeeded**, not failed.

- Kansas countered aggressively: In late 2025, Kansas lawmakers approved a deal using STAR bonds (a public financing mechanism) to cover a significant portion (up to around $1.8–2.8 billion) of a new ~$3 billion domed stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas, plus a practice facility/headquarters in Olathe. The Chiefs announced they would relocate across the state line starting around 2031 if the deal proceeds. This Kansas legislative approval succeeded, though it's still facing scrutiny, questions about economic impact studies, taxpayer burden, and details like stadium ownership (the Chiefs insist public ownership is required to avoid tax issues).

- As of January 2026, the Kansas proposal is under review in committee hearings, with lawmakers divided—some see it as a huge economic win for jobs/tourism, others criticize it as a risky subsidy benefiting team owners (Clark Hunt) at public expense. No statewide or final "vote" has failed recently; debates continue, and experts question the projected benefits.

The post's "Vote Fails" phrasing might be:

- Referencing the 2024 Jackson County voter rejection (old news but still relevant).

- Sensationalizing the current closed-door divisions and risks in Kansas (no actual vote failure shown in recent reports).

- Or possibly a misleading/meme-style caption to drive engagement, as fan accounts often do.

In short, the Chiefs are not staying at Arrowhead long-term without major public funding, Missouri's incentives passed but weren't enough to compete with Kansas' offer, and Kansas' deal is advancing (though controversially) without a recent failed vote. The debate is intense and ongoing, with valid points on both sides about whether these public subsidies for billionaire-owned teams are smart investments or costly giveaways. History shows mixed results—some stadium deals boost local economies modestly, others leave taxpayers footing bills for little return.

Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
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time kills deals