K.C. Officials Hope Troubles Will Not Stop Stadium Renovations
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If Arrowhead Stadium Not Ready For NFL
Season, Chiefs Will Play All Games On Road |
Jackson County (MO) officials yesterday said that they "didn't think unfinished negotiations with two construction labor unions would delay opening" Kauffman or Arrowhead stadiums, both of which are undergoing renovations, according to Mansur & Helling of the K.C. STAR. K.C.-area unions representing carpenters and ironworkers are "locked in contract talks with the Builders Association," and current contracts with both unions expire next Tuesday. Jackson County Sports Complex Authority (JCSCA) Chair Mike Smith yesterday said, "It's critical, but I think they'll resolve it." The JCSCA has called a private emergency meeting today "to discuss the labor issues." The two facilities are undergoing a combined $600M in renovations, and Smith said that the "impact of any work stoppage may be greater for Arrowhead Stadium because of the extensive renovations under way." Chiefs Dir of PR Bob Moore: "We don't have any concerns right now." Meanwhile, the "bulk of the heavy work has been completed" at Kauffman Stadium, though work crews are "working there late into the night to be ready" for the Royals' home opener on April 10 (K.C. STAR, 3/26). WDAF-Fox reported if Arrowhead is not ready for the NFL season, the Chiefs will "have to play every scheduled home game at the opposing team's stadium" (FOX4KC.com, 3/25). KMBZ-AM reported the labor dispute also could "cause a halt in construction" at the Chiefs' Truman Sports Complex (KMBZ.com, 3/25).
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