In a move that has stunned sports analysts and Missouri residents alike, the city of Joplin has submitted an official proposal to host the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2024 NFL season at Junge Stadium. The ambitious bid includes stadium upgrades, unique fan incentives, and even a Patrick Mahomes-themed Whataburger promotion.
The proposal, submitted to the Chiefs’ front office and the NFL, outlines a temporary relocation plan that would see Arrowhead Stadium’s reigning Super Bowl champions play at least one regular-season game in Joplin—a city better known for its resilience after the 2011 tornado than its football infrastructure.
Why Joplin?
With the Chiefs’ future in Kansas City under occasional speculation due to stadium lease negotiations and renovation demands, Joplin officials saw an opportunity to position the city as a potential alternative—even if only for a single game.
“Joplin has heart, and we know football,” said Joplin Mayor Doug Lawson. “We may not have an NFL-sized stadium yet, but we have the passion, the community spirit, and the willingness to make this happen. Plus, we’re only about three hours from Kansas City—closer than St. Louis!”
The bid includes several key components designed to make the idea feasible—at least on paper.
1. Upgraded Bleachers & Temporary Seating Expansion
Junge Stadium, home to the Missouri Southern State University Lions, currently seats just over 7,000 fans—far short of the NFL’s standard capacity. However, Joplin’s proposal includes a rapid expansion plan:
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Temporary bleachers boosting capacity to 25,000
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Modular luxury suites for corporate sponsors
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Enhanced field lighting for national broadcasts
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Grass turf replacement (to meet NFL standards)
“We’ve already consulted with construction firms that specialize in rapid stadium upgrades,” said City Manager Nick Edwards. “This isn’t just a pipe dream—we’ve run the numbers, and it’s doable.”
2. Free Museum Entry for Season Pass Holders
In a creative twist, the city’s proposal includes free admission to the Joplin Museum Complex—which features exhibits on Route 66, regional history, and the 2011 tornado recovery—for any Chiefs season ticket holder who attends the game.
“We want to show that Joplin is more than just a football stop,” said museum director Chris Wiseman. “This is a chance to showcase our community’s resilience and culture.”
3. The “Mahomes Meal” at Whataburger
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing element of the proposal is a limited-time Patrick Mahomes-themed meal deal at Joplin’s Whataburger location.
The meal would include:
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A double-meat Whataburger (representing Mahomes’ two Super Bowl wins)
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Spicy ketchup (a nod to his fiery playstyle)
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Large fries (because “you need energy to throw no-look passes”)
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A Dr Pepper (Mahomes’ endorsed soda)
A portion of proceeds would go to the 15 and the Mahomes Foundation, Mahomes’ charity supporting underserved youth.
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Skepticism
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions.
Chiefs fans in Joplin are ecstatic.
“Imagine tailgating at Junge Stadium with Travis Kelce in town? That’d be insane!” said local fan Derek Mitchell.
However, NFL analysts are less convinced.
“Logistically, it’s a stretch,” said ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “But if any team could pull off a small-town game and make it an event, it’s the Chiefs.”
Could This Actually Happen?
While the odds are long, Joplin’s bid isn’t entirely without precedent. The NFL has experimented with small-market games before, including preseason contests in smaller stadiums. The league has also embraced international games, proving it’s willing to think outside the box.
If the Chiefs were to entertain the idea, it would likely be as a one-time special event, possibly a preseason game rather than a regular-season matchup. Still, Joplin officials remain hopeful.
“We know it’s a bold ask,” Mayor Lawson admitted. “But if Taylor Swift can show up at Arrowhead, why can’t the Chiefs come to Joplin?”
What’s Next?
The Chiefs organization has yet to formally respond to the proposal, but sources indicate that team officials are “aware of the bid” and “intrigued by the creativity.”
Even if the plan doesn’t materialize, Joplin’s effort has already succeeded in one way: putting the city on the NFL’s radar in an unprecedented fashion.
“Win or lose, we’ve shown that Joplin dreams big,” said Lawson. “And who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll see Patrick Mahomes tossing touchdowns under the Friday night lights of Junge Stadium.”
A Long Shot, But a Fun One
While the likelihood of the Chiefs playing in Joplin remains slim, the proposal has captured imaginations across Missouri. Whether it’s the Mahomes Whataburger deal, the museum perks, or just the sheer audacity of the idea, one thing is clear: Joplin isn’t afraid to swing for the fences.
And in the words of Patrick Mahomes himself: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
