Chiefs Narrow Stadium Design Finalists as Move to Kansas Inches Closer
The Kansas City Chiefs just took a major step toward reshaping their future - and possibly their address.
On Tuesday, the franchise announced that two powerhouse architectural firms, MANICA and Populous, have reached the final round in the design process for the team’s next stadium. It’s a pivotal moment in what’s becoming an increasingly real possibility: the Chiefs, a Missouri staple, could soon be calling Kansas home.
This announcement follows a rigorous selection process that sifted through qualifications and proposals from some of the best in the business. In the end, the Chiefs landed on two firms with deep Kansas City roots and global resumes - a fitting match for a team that’s become one of the NFL’s marquee franchises.
“We’re thrilled to take this next step in our new stadium journey,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan. “The Kansas City region is the central hub of global sports and entertainment venue architecture and design, so we didn’t need to go far.”
Two Titans of Stadium Design
Both firms bring serious credentials to the table.
MANICA has made its mark designing some of the most recognizable sports venues around the world. Think Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the Raiders.
Or the Chase Center in San Francisco, where the Warriors play. They’re also behind Nashville’s new Nissan Stadium and have worked on international projects in Europe and Russia.
David Manica, the firm’s president and owner, made it clear that their vision is about honoring the past while pushing forward.
“We envision a stadium that exemplifies the organization’s championship mentality and the awe-inspiring spirit of our beloved Arrowhead Stadium,” Manica said. “Every element will be approached with intention to create a bold, modern design and an even better game-day experience.”
Populous, meanwhile, is no stranger to Kansas City - the firm has been based there for over four decades. Their portfolio includes London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Sphere in Las Vegas, and the new Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills.
Scott Radecic, Populous’ co-founder and global director, emphasized the hometown connection and the deeper meaning behind the opportunity.
“From here, we have redefined modern sports venue design,” Radecic said. “We are honored to collaborate with the Kansas City Chiefs on a project that reflects their legacy, the passion of Chiefs Kingdom and the promise of what’s next.”
A Vision for 2031 and Beyond
This design announcement is the first major update since December, when Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt revealed a formal agreement to bring the team’s future stadium to Wyandotte County, Kansas.
The plan? A fixed-roof stadium surrounded by a sprawling mixed-use development - all slated to open before the 2031 NFL season kicks off.
The scale of the project is massive. The $3 billion development isn’t just about football - it’s about creating a sports and entertainment hub. We’re talking restaurants, retail, office space, hotels, and residential properties all built around the stadium.
From an economic standpoint, Kansas officials estimate the construction phase alone will generate more than 20,000 jobs and deliver $4.4 billion in impact. Once completed, the district could support an additional 3,500 jobs and bring in $1 billion annually.
How It’s Getting Paid For
The financing plan is a public-private partnership. Sixty percent of the stadium’s cost will come from STAR bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund - tools that allow Kansas to finance the project without raising state taxes or affecting the state budget, according to officials.
The other 40%? That’s coming from private investment. The Hunt family has pledged an additional $1 billion toward the surrounding development, signaling just how committed ownership is to building something transformative.
What’s Next
While this week’s announcement was all about the design finalists, there’s more to come. The Chiefs say additional updates on the stadium’s design and development will be shared later this year.
For now, one thing is clear: the future of Chiefs football is taking shape - and it’s looking more and more like that future will be rooted just across the state line.