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12-24-2008, 12:43 AM

This was an interview I did much earlier this year. Hopefully some of it can help you:

Quote:

With the 2008 NFL Free Agency period beginning recently, Chiefs fans have been patiently waiting for news of a big Free Agent acquisition to help the Chiefs improve for the 2008 season. While a couple of Free Agents were signed, no earth-shattering news has come out of One Arrowhead Drive with regard to signings. While many Chiefs fans are disappointed in the lack of Free Agent activity, I believe that signing a bunch of Free Agents on their second, third, or even fourth contracts is detrimental to the team's rebuilding efforts, youth movement, and player development. When a Free Agent is signed to a high dollar contract, you almost have to play him over a younger player to justify the salary going out the door. The Kendrell Bell saga being a recent exception to that unwritten rule but evidence to support my contention. Championship teams are generally built through the draft and player development, not through Free Agency. Look towards the Free Agency dabbling Washington Redskins for further evidence of that common misnomer.

However, big news concerning the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason is the big stadiums renovation project. There is plenty of confusion amongst Jackson County taxpayers regarding the planned upgrades so we'll be using this space this month to clear up several questions. Chiefs Director of Public Relations Bob Moore was kind enough to answer several questions for our publication this month. My thanks go to the Chiefs for providing the time to shed some light on the stadium project.

Q: There is some confusion about the turf plans. Initially, the practice field was to be SprintTurf and now rumors say that the Arrowhead field will also be SprintTurf. Can you clarify those plans?

A: The Arrowhead Stadium field was never intended to be SprintTurf – never. The reports came out of a media report that confused the two fields. SprintTurf was to be the surface for the third practice (former Wizards) field that is now a community youth field down at the practice facility. The indoor field will also be SprintTuf.

Q: Can you also tell us why SprintTurf was the selection over natural surfaces and FieldTurf?

A: The product, the players' like of that surface compared to some of the other surfaces, quality, innovation of SprintTurf people. It seemed to be the best play-abiliy.

Q: What changes will be evident from the end of the season '07 to the season opener '08?

A: The construction fencing around the stadium will affect entrance/exit locations for '08. There will be minor parking loss (see answer below). Suffice to say, it won't be a significant bite since Arrowhead is the second largest parking lot in the NFL.

Q: Will the new ribbon board be installed this offseason?

A: No, it's scheduled for '09 and/or '10.

Q: Will the sound system upgrades be in place for '08?

A: No, scheduled for '09 and/or '10.

Q: Are there any plans for honoring Lamar Hunt in the New Arrowhead?

A: Lamar Hunt will be remembered in a heroic-sized full-figured statue that will stand in what is known as The Founder's Plaza at the entrance that once led into the old Arrowhead Club. The area will include a listing of innovations in in-ground plaques that Hunt made to all the sports he was involved in as well as a design element of the famous "65 Toss Power Trap" play. Eight fountains depicting the eight franchises that were the original members of the AFL will surround a giant in-ground AFL seal Natural grasses and trees will line the area..

Q: The upgrades for Club level are well publicized and numerous. What amenities can the lower and upper levels expect?

A: Wider concourses, upgraded and more restrooms, more concession stands and more diverse concessions, larger team store, large interactive Hall of Honor with the history of the franchise accessible to everyone. Fans will have the ability to get their food and beverage, visit the restroom and get back to their seats faster so they'll miss less of the game. More elevators, dedicated escalators, new stadium entries. Cabaret seating in the upper "Horizon level" with restroom and concession area.

Q: How is parking going to be impacted for the '08 season?

A: Less parking in Lot M due to construction at Kauffman Stadium and some in Lot K where the Royals have their construction trailers..

Q: Will changes to the Wolfpack and Pavilion be completed in time for the '08 season?

A: There are no changes to the Pavilion.

Q: Will seating be changed in any way, such adding amenities to the seats themselves?

A: No changes to the seats. On the club level a few seats will be removed due to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations.

Q: Will bathroom upgrades include individual urinals or will the trough system be retained?

A: All new restrooms will feature individual urinals and in many instances troughs will be removed in the existing restrooms.

Q: With regard to scheduling, is everything still on track? Where can scheduling information be located?

A: Updates will appear on the team's Web site. (www.kcchiefs.com)

Q: What changes have been modified from the original plan that was voted on by taxpayers?
A: No changes to my knowledge.

Q: Which major changes will be delayed until after the 2008 season?

A: All major changes that impact fans will occur after '08.