Kansas City Chiefs name finalists to design new stadium. They’re local names
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs shortlist MANICA and Populous to design $3 billion Kansas domed stadium.
- Team plans a state-of-the-art domed venue with mixed-use development around it.
- Franchise targets 2031 season opening; Chiefs will announce lead designer later.
Deciding to have a local architectural firm design their new stadium in Kansas was the easy part for the Chiefs. Kansas City is known to have many great firms that are known internationally.
But deciding which one will be the hard part.
The Chiefs announced Tuesday that either MANICA or Populous will design the $3 billion stadium they plan to build in Kansas City, Kansas.
“We’re thrilled to take this next step in our new stadium journey and announce the two finalists in our search for lead designer,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said in a news release. “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 to explore final concepts for the future home of Chiefs Kingdom.”
The Chiefs and Kansas officials announced last month plans to build a “state-of-the-art domed stadium” that will open in the 2031 NFL season. A mixed-use development also is planned around the stadium.
Renderings of a potential dome stadium in Kansas were released in 2024, but that doesn’t mean it will look anything like the final design from either Populous or MANICA.
More on MANICA and Populous
Populous designed the Buffalo Bills’ new Highmark Stadium, which opens later this year, along with the Sphere in Las Vegas and soccer stadiums around the world.
“For more than 40 years, Populous has proudly called Kansas City home,” Scott Radecic, co-founder and global director of Populous said in a news release. “From here, we have redefined modern sports venue design, creating iconic places that unite communities and transform how fans connect with their teams and each other. 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.”
MANICA designed the Tennessee Titans’ new stadium, which opens in 2027, along with Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and the Golden State Warriors’ home arena.
“Our entire team would be thrilled to partner with the Kansas City Chiefs to help bring their new home to life,” David Manica, president and owner of MANICA, said in a news release. “The Chiefs are a storied franchise and we envision a stadium that exemplifies the organization’s championship mentality and the awe-inspiring spirit of our beloved Arrowhead Stadium. Every element will be approached with intention, ensuring a bold and modern design that not only honors the team’s legacy but creates an even better game-day experience for all of Chiefs Kingdom.”
When the Chiefs played at Tennessee and at Buffalo this past season, team officials toured the new stadiums being built, so they got an early look at what Populous and MANICA had designed for the Bills and Titans.
The Chiefs promised to provide more updates on the stadium as the year progresses.
This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 9:08 AM.
