Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, will have a naming rights partner for the first time in its history after GEHA, the Government Employees Health Association, expanded its connection to the NFL American football team.
Beginning with the 2021 NFL season, the home of the Chiefs will be known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The long-term contract runs through the end of the Chiefs’ current lease agreement with Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
In 2006, the Chiefs and Major League Baseball (MLB) team Kansas City Royals agreed to extend their lease deals through 2031 as Jackson County voters approved an $850m (£614.4m/€712.7m) financial package for renovations to Truman Sports Complex, which houses both Arrowhead Stadium and the Royals’ Kauffman Stadium.
The Chiefs’ home has been known as Arrowhead Stadium since it opened in 1972, with the team and GEHA stating that they are committed to ensuring Arrowhead Stadium remains the identity of the stadium.
“When we set out to find a partner for the field at Arrowhead, it was critical to identify a national leader that shares our core values, as well as a deep connection to the local community and respect for Chiefs Kingdom,” said Chiefs president Mark Donovan.
“Our relationship with GEHA over the last few years has only served to reinforce the alignment between our two organisations and proven their strong, long-standing relationship with the local community. This expanded partnership will continue to build lasting health and wellness programs that support the team, GEHA and our community.”
The announcement marks an expansion of the partnership between GEHA and the Chiefs, which has grown significantly since the relationship was first announced in July 2019, when GEHA became the club’s exclusive health, dental and vision plan partner.
GEHA provides medical and dental plans to more than two million federal employees, retired military and their families worldwide. The company also holds an endorsement deal with the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Shannon Horgan, GEHA’s chief growth officer, said: “Through our relationship with the Chiefs, we have been able to accelerate awareness of GEHA’s mission, the breadth of our provider networks, and the quality of our health plans.
“The opportunity to grow our brand helps us reinvest in the families and individuals we serve and will be an invaluable benefit to current and future GEHA members. Expanding this partnership will help GEHA do what we do best – serve those who serve us.”
Stadium staff will begin integrating GEHA branding and logo assets throughout the venue in the coming months, and stadium signage will be in place by the kick-off to the 2021 Chiefs season in September. This year marks the 50th season for the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.
Image: Senior Airman Carlin Leslie
