So, you’re looking to catch a glimpse of the three-time Super Bowl champs in the heat of July. If you’ve spent any time following the Kingdom, you already know the vibe. There’s something special about that drive up I-29, watching the skyline of Kansas City fade into the rolling hills of northwest Missouri. Honestly, for most of us, the chiefs training camp location isn't just a dot on a map; it's the official birthplace of every season’s "Run it Back" campaign.
For over a decade, that birthplace has been Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.
It’s a bit of a trek, sure. St. Joe is about 55 miles north of Arrowhead Stadium. But once you pull onto the campus of MWSU—home of the Griffons—the atmosphere shifts. You’re not just a fan in the nosebleeds anymore. You’re close enough to hear Andy Reid’s whistle and see the spiral on a Patrick Mahomes no-look pass before it even hits the receiver's hands.
Missouri Western State University: The Home of the Griffons (And the Chiefs)
The team has called Missouri Western their summer home since 2010. Before that, they spent nearly two decades across the state line at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Bringing the camp back to Missouri was a massive deal for the local community. It’s a partnership that works because the facilities are actually top-tier for a Division II school.
The team utilizes the Mosaic Training Fields, which are basically pristine carpets of grass tucked behind the campus buildings. If you've never been, picture this: two full-sized NFL practice fields, a massive hillside for fans to lounge on, and a high-performance indoor facility that the team retreats to whenever the Missouri humidity decides to get "un-breathable."
Why does the chiefs training camp location stay put in St. Joseph? Consistency.
Coach Andy Reid is a creature of habit. He likes the "camp" feel of staying in the dorms—specifically Scanlon Hall—where players eat, sleep, and breathe football for three weeks. There’s no heading home to the family after practice. It’s just film, food, and the grind.
The Historic Timeline of Chiefs Camps
It’s easy to forget that the Chiefs haven’t always been in St. Joe. They’ve moved around quite a bit over the decades.
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- 1960–1962: New Mexico Military Institute (Roswell, NM) — Back when they were the Dallas Texans.
- 1963–1990: William Jewell College (Liberty, MO) — A legendary 28-year run.
- 1991–2009: University of Wisconsin-River Falls (River Falls, WI) — The "Cooler" years.
- 2010–Present: Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO).
The only weird outlier was 2020. Because of the pandemic, the NFL mandated that teams stay at their home facilities. The Chiefs held camp at the University of Kansas Health System Training Complex right next to Arrowhead that year. It just wasn't the same. No hills, no St. Joe breeze, no camp magic.
What to Expect When You Arrive in St. Joe
If you're planning a trip, don't just wing it.
First off, the heat is real. I’m talking 95 degrees with 80% humidity. There is almost zero shade on that hillside. If you don't bring a hat and a bottle of water, you're going to have a bad time. Fans usually line up early to snag a spot on the metal bleachers, but honestly, the grass hill is where it's at. Bring a blanket or one of those low-profile beach chairs.
Parking is usually around $7, and while most practice sessions are free, you still need a ticket. They use a mobile ticketing system via Ticketmaster, and they go fast—especially for the "Family Fun Day" or the weekend sessions.
Autograph Culture
This is the big draw for the kids. After practice ends, players usually make a lap along the fence line.
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Pro tip: if you want an autograph, you need to be at the fence before practice actually ends. The "hill side" near the locker room entrance is where the highest concentration of players usually stops. And bring a Sharpie. Not just any Sharpie—get the silver or gold ones if you’re trying to get a signature on a dark jersey.
The 2025-2026 Outlook and Beyond
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about the future of the chiefs training camp location. With the team exploring new stadium options in Kansas, people are wondering if the training camp will move too.
Back in late 2025, the university and the Chiefs announced a multi-year extension to keep camp in St. Joseph. It’s a win for the city, which sees a massive economic boost every July. We're talking millions of dollars in local spending at hotels like the Drury Inn or local spots like Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks.
However, the team is building a massive new practice facility in Olathe as part of their broader expansion plans. While that facility is designed for the regular season, there’s always a lingering question of whether they’ll eventually move the summer camp there to keep everything under one roof. For now, though, the "St. Jo tradition" is safe.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Weather: If it rains, they move indoors. The indoor facility is closed to the public. Don't be the person who drives two hours just to see a "Closed" sign on the gate. Check the Chiefs' official X (Twitter) account at 7:30 AM before you leave.
- The Clear Bag Policy: It’s strictly enforced. If your bag isn't clear, it’s going back to the car.
- Hydrate: I know I said it already, but it's worth repeating. The medical tent is usually busy with fans who underestimated the Missouri sun.
- Visit the Pro Shop: They set up a massive tent with camp-exclusive gear. If you want those "Training Camp 2026" shirts, that's the only place to get them.
Watching the Chiefs in St. Joseph is a rite of passage. There’s something visceral about seeing the best quarterback in the world working on a simple 5-yard out route while a college student sits three feet away eating a hot dog. It strips away the glitz of the NFL and reminds you that even the best teams in history start with a whistle and a dusty field in a small Missouri town.
If you're heading out, make sure your mobile tickets are downloaded before you get to the gate. Cell service can be spotty when 5,000 people are all trying to refresh their apps at the same time near the entrance. Pack the sunscreen, grab your favorite jersey, and get there early enough to see the specialists warm up. That's when you really see the power of those punts.