KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Talks remain ongoing between the Chiefs and Missouri Western State University, but team president Mark Donovan says the Chiefs expect to exercise an option to bring training camp to St. Joseph for the 2019 season.
“We had a great camp last year and we fully expect to be back there,” Donovan said Monday. “If everything goes as planned, that's where we'll be.”
The Chiefs brought their training camp to St. Joseph in 2010, inking a 10-year deal that included a five-year commitment followed by five one-year options. The two sides modified the agreement with a new three-year contract in 2015 which included mutual options for the club and the university for 2018 and 2019.
While more and more NFL teams continue moving their training camps to their own facilities, the Chiefs continue enjoying their annual treks to St. Joseph. Head coach Andy Reid values the team chemistry that develops on the road, while other team officials appreciate the consistency and resources the university provides.
Next year's training camp marks the end of the original 10-year commitment the Chiefs made to keeping their camp in Missouri. The conclusion of that arrangement offers the possibility other locations may bid to lure the Chiefs away for camp. But for now, the club intends on returning to St. Joseph.
The club formally announced their plans to to return in 2018 last January, so fans can likely expects a formal announcement soon barring no last-minute snags. Donovan, however doesn't foresee any issues.
“We have a great relationship with St. Joe, we have a great relationship with Missouri Western,” Donovan said. “We've had some conversations about being there again next year, that's our plan right now.
