Could this be it for Chiefs and UW-RF?

Talk about it

If you’ve never been to the Kansas City Chiefs summer training camp at UW-River Falls, this year could be your last chance.

The Chiefs will hold their 19th summer training camp at UW-RF July 31–Aug. 20.

Last month the team announced plans to return its annual summer camp back to the state of Missouri and made a multi-million-dollar contribution to support construction of a new training facility on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo.

The team released a statement June 18 announcing the decision.

“We are very excited about bringing training camp back to the state of Missouri,” Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said. “Given the increased year-round interest in the Chiefs, it was important to our family to conduct camp closer to our fans in Mid-America. We appreciate the support of the state of Missouri and Missouri Western State University, and we look forward to expanding our role in the St. Joseph community next summer.”

St. Joseph is located less than an hour’s drive north of downtown Kansas City.

The project at Missouri Western includes a 120-yard indoor climate-controlled field, as well as team and position meeting space for the Chiefs and office space for the Chiefs coaching and football operations staff. In addition, two 120-yard, regulation NFL grass fields will be part of the project.

Construction began last week, but if the facility is not ready in time for the Chiefs’ 2010 summer camp, the team may exercise its option to return to River Falls for a 20th year.

This summer is the first of a two-year contract between UW-RF and the Chiefs. Next year, is an option year. The Chiefs have until Oct. 1 to exercise that option or withdraw.

William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo., previously served as the Chiefs’ training camp site from 1963-90.

While the site of the team’s 2010 summer training camp may not be set in stone, the team has cemented plans for its 2009 camp, beginning with the first day of practice at UW-RF’s Ramer Field on Friday, July 31.