--The Chiefs will be intently watching labor negotiations with two constructions unions who could strike the time-senstive $600 million renovation project going on at the Truman Sports Complex.
The Chiefs have put some $125 million of their own money into the $375 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium. And though the total project will not be completed until the 2010 season, they have a list of projects that must be completed before the stadium is ready to be used even in a "pardon our dust'' environment in 2009.
Current contracts between unions representing carpenters and ironworkers expire Tuesday, March 31. And while government officials responsible for the taxpayer money supporting the projects continue to express their confidence that a delay can be avoided, they do so knowing that a job action will severely affect a very tight timetable for the Chiefs.
The Royals, who are in the final stages of a $275 million makeover at Kauffman Stadium, say that most of the work they need done before opening their gates April 10 is completed. Like the Chiefs, all work on The K is not scheduled for completion until 2010, but the Royals insist they can operate around the construction equipment now, if necessary.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "That's a decision (general manager Scott Pioli and coach Todd Haley) will have to make, and I think it's probably too early to ask them where they stand. They need to spend some time with Larry and figure out how he fits in." -- Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt, saying he has been told that Larry Johnson has modified his "trade me'' stance, but admitting he is uncertain about whether the former two-time 1,550-yard rusher would be a Chief this year.
