Groundbreaking ceremonies took place earlier today at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, kicking off the construction of a new facility that is anticipated to host Kansas City Chiefs training camp beginning in 2010. Chiefs President Denny Thum represented the Chiefs at today’s event, joining a host of dignitaries at this dirt-turning ceremony.

“Today marks a special occasion,” said Chiefs President Denny Thum. “With this groundbreaking, it represents the Chiefs return to Missouri and to the local fans who have meant so much to this franchise’s success through the years. We’re delighted with the cooperation we have received from the various entities and are looking forward to our new partnership with the university, the local community, and the various government officials who have aided us in making today a reality.”

Dr. Robert Vartabedian (President), Dirck Clark (Chair, Board of Governors) and Dave Williams (Director of Athletics) represented Missouri Western, while Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and State Senator Charlie Shields headlined a list of political dignitaries at the event. Kinder and Shields were both instrumental in helping make this project a reality. A number of other city, county and other local officials were present, as well.

On June 18th, the Chiefs officially announced that the club’s training camp will return to the state of Missouri for the next 10 years, beginning in 2010. The Chiefs and Missouri Western State University in have agreed that the Chiefs will conduct training camp on the Missouri Western campus for a minimum of five years.

“We are very excited about bringing training camp back to the state of Missouri,” Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt said on June 18th. “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.”

Missouri Western will serve as just the fifth training camp site in the 50-year history of the Chiefs franchise. The Chiefs will conduct their training camp in the state of Missouri for the first time in 20 years when they open camp at Missouri Western in 2010. William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri previously served as the Chiefs training camp site from ’63-90.