Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the organization is excited to move forward, noting Kansas City’s status as a global hub for sports and entertainment venue architecture. “We’re thrilled to take this next step in our new stadium journey and announce the two finalists in our search for lead designer,” Donovan said. “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 to identify the top options.”
MANICA, whose portfolio includes Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chase Center in San Francisco, and Milan’s San Siro project, highlighted its aim to honor the Chiefs’ legacy while elevating the fan experience. President David Manica said the firm would partner with the team to create a home that embodies the franchise’s championship mentality and the “awe-inspiring spirit” of Arrowhead Stadium.
Populous, founded in Kansas City, has designed venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, New Highmark Stadium in Buffalo, and the Sphere in Las Vegas. Co-founder and global director Scott Radecic said Populous has spent more than four decades shaping modern sports venues from its Kansas City base and aims to unite communities through design that enhances fan connection.
The stadium decision follows the Chiefs’ December move to relocate from Arrowhead Stadium to Kansas, with lawmakers approving STAR bonds to cover up to 70% of project costs. Funding will be a public-private mix—about 60% through STAR bonds and Kansas sports development funds, and 40% privately financed—along with a $1 billion commitment from the Hunt family toward surrounding development. Governor Laura Kelly confirmed the site in Wyandotte County, near Kansas Speedway and The Legends entertainment district.
Officials project the project will generate more than 20,000 construction jobs and about $4.4 billion in economic impact during development, with roughly $1 billion annually once operational, as part of a larger mixed-use district featuring dining, shopping, offices, hotels, residences, and entertainment. The Chiefs described this phase as the first of several updates planned for 2026 as design work continues and moves closer to a final concept.
