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When Did The Sprint Center Open In Kansas City?

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Last updated on 4 min read

The Sprint Center opened on October 6, 2007 after two years of construction and several decades of planning.

What is the Sprint Center in Kansas City called now?

The Sprint Center in Kansas City is now called the T-Mobile Center, following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint Corp. in 2020.

Now, the name change took effect in August 2020, when T-Mobile began replacing all Sprint Center signage across the venue. Honestly, this is the best example of a smooth corporate rebrand I’ve seen. T-Mobile holds naming rights through 2032, so the current name’s sticking around for a while. The arena still hosts concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings under its new identity.

Did the Sprint Center in Kansas City change its name?

Yes, the Sprint Center changed its name to T-Mobile Center in 2020 after T-Mobile completed its acquisition of Sprint Corp.

That said, the rebranding happened as part of a massive corporate merger finalized on April 1, 2020. T-Mobile formally discontinued the Sprint brand on August 2, 2020, and kicked off the transition to the new name across all marketing, signage, and digital platforms.

What happened to the Sprint Center?

The Sprint Center was renamed T-Mobile Center in 2020 following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint, marking the end of the Sprint naming rights agreement.

After opening in 2007 with a 25-year naming rights deal, the arena was managed by AEG under a long-term agreement with the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The venue keeps operating as a major entertainment and sports hub with the same leadership and operational structure.

When was the Sprint Center built?

The Sprint Center was built in 2007 and opened to the public in October of that year.

Construction began in 2005 and wrapped up on time and within the $276 million budget—a rare win for big civic projects. The arena was designed by 360 Architecture and built at 1407 Grand Boulevard in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

What is Kansas City known for?

Kansas City is known for its jazz heritage, barbecue cuisine, and more than 200 fountains, making it a cultural and culinary destination.

It’s also home to two major league sports teams—the Chiefs (NFL) and Royals (MLB)—plus a thriving arts scene. Founded in the 1830s, the city has grown into a major Midwestern hub with a population of nearly 500,000.

Has Kansas City ever had an NHL team?

Yes, Kansas City had an NHL team called the Kansas City Scouts from 1974 to 1976, before the franchise relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Rockies.

The Scouts played their home games at Kemper Arena and struggled with low attendance during their brief run. The team moved due to financial challenges and eventually evolved into the New Jersey Devils in 1982.

When did T-Mobile buy Sprint Center?

T-Mobile did not buy the Sprint Center directly; it acquired Sprint Corp., the naming rights holder, in 2020.

After a two-year regulatory review, the $26 billion merger between T-Mobile and Sprint closed on April 1, 2020. Once the deal went through, T-Mobile took over the naming rights agreement, leading to the venue’s rebranding as T-Mobile Center.

Where do the Kansas City Chiefs play?

The Kansas City Chiefs play at Arrowhead Stadium, located in Kansas City, Missouri.

The stadium, officially named GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium since 2021, is owned by the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority. It’s been the home of the Chiefs since 1972 and is one of the most iconic venues in the NFL.

Is the Kansas City Royals Stadium in Kansas or Missouri?

The Kansas City Royals' stadium, Kauffman Stadium, is in Kansas City, Missouri.

Often referred to simply as “The K,” the stadium opened in 1973 and has been the home of the Royals ever since. It sits just east of downtown Kansas City and is famous for its scenic fountains outside the main entrance.

How much did it cost to build the Sprint Center?

The Sprint Center was built for $276 million, completed on time and on budget in 2007.

Funding came from public bonds, private donations, and naming rights revenue from Sprint. The arena’s financial success has helped support ongoing operations and capital improvements over the years.

What is the name of the arena in Las Vegas?

The arena in Las Vegas is called T-Mobile Arena.

Located at 3780 South Las Vegas Boulevard on the Strip, it opened in 2016 and is co-owned by MGM Resorts International and the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The venue hosts major concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment productions.

What is the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City?

The T-Mobile Center is Kansas City’s premier venue for live entertainment and sporting events, located at 1407 Grand Boulevard in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

Since opening in 2007, the venue has hosted over 12 million guests and anchored more than $8 billion in downtown reinvestment. Managed by AEG under a 35-year agreement with the city, it remains a cornerstone of the local economy and cultural scene.

Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
Marcus Weber

Marcus Weber is a European geography specialist and data journalist based in Berlin. He has an unhealthy obsession with census data, border disputes, and the exact elevation of every European capital. His articles include more tables than most people are comfortable with.