Kansas Delegation's Chiefs Gear Irks Missouri Democrats at DNC

The Kansas Democratic delegation's decision to wear Kansas City Chiefs gear at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) drew criticism from Missouri delegates and sparked a debate over stadium financing and team loyalty.

As the Democratic National Convention commenced in Chicago, the Kansas delegation made a bold fashion statement by donning Kansas City Chiefs jerseys on the convention floor. The decision defied the traditional blue color scheme of the DNC and the fact that the Chiefs are located in Kansas City, Missouri. However, Kansas Democratic chair Jeanna Repass defended the choice, explaining that it was a bid to woo the Chiefs to Kansas.

"Kansas City Chiefs are the Kansas City metro area," said Kansas Democrat Reed Krewson. "A win for them is a win for us."

Kansas Delegation's Chiefs Gear Irks Missouri Democrats at DNC

The Kansas state legislature recently passed a law that would provide the Chiefs with hundreds of millions of dollars in sales tax revenue to build a new stadium in Kansas. The move comes amid concerns that the Chiefs may relocate from their current home in Missouri, where voters rejected a sales tax extension to finance a new stadium.

Kansas state lawmakers had been critical of Missouri as a host state for the Chiefs. "We’re in jeopardy of Kansas City losing those franchises," said Kansas Sen. Jeff Pittman. "Missouri has dropped the ball. We now have an opportunity to make an offer."

Kansas Delegation's Chiefs Gear Irks Missouri Democrats at DNC

The Kansas delegation's display of Chiefs gear at the DNC was met with mixed reactions. While some Missouri delegates expressed annoyance, Repass said she believed it had made them "sweat a bit."

"I think we’re making Missouri sweat a bit," Repass said. "We’ve been getting some dirty looks from across the room."

Kansas Delegation's Chiefs Gear Irks Missouri Democrats at DNC

Missouri representative Emanuel Cleaver criticized the Kansas delegation's conduct, calling it "bad form." Missouri lawmakers have also opposed Kansas's law, arguing that it could start an "incentive border war" between the two states.

The Chiefs' current lease at Arrowhead Stadium expires in 2031. However, the team is reportedly considering pursuing a new stadium sooner. Team president Mark Donovan has said that leaving Kansas City "is an option." Meanwhile, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has proposed that the Chiefs return to Dallas, where they began in 1960.

Kansas Delegation's Chiefs Gear Irks Missouri Democrats at DNC

The Kansas delegation's Chiefs gear at the DNC has ignited a debate over stadium financing and team loyalty. As the Chiefs consider their future, the rivalry between Kansas and Missouri over the team's potential relocation is likely to intensify.