Chiefs Narrow Stadium Design Race To MANICA And Populous

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially taken a significant stride toward shaping their future home, announcing on January 27, 2026, that two prominent architectural firms—MANICA and Populous—have been selected as finalists to design the team’s highly anticipated new stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas. This decision marks the latest chapter in the Chiefs’ ambitious plan to relocate from their historic Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a cutting-edge, fixed-roof facility across the state line, a move that has been the subject of intense local interest and speculation ever since the team’s initial announcement in December 2025.

With the clock ticking and excitement building, the Chiefs’ leadership emphasized the importance of this milestone. "We’re thrilled to take this next step in our new stadium journey and announce the two finalists in our search for lead designer. 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," said Chiefs President Mark Donovan in a statement released Tuesday. His words underscore the pride the organization feels in drawing from local expertise, as both MANICA and Populous have deep roots in the Kansas City area and global reputations for designing world-class sports venues.

The new stadium isn’t just about football. According to the Chiefs’ plan, the $3 billion development will anchor a sprawling mixed-use district. The vision includes not only a state-of-the-art, domed stadium but also a vibrant array of sports and entertainment venues, restaurants, bars, shopping outlets, hotels, office spaces, and residential properties. While the exact site within Wyandotte County has yet to be revealed, the project’s scale and ambition are already turning heads across the region.

Economic impact projections provided by the State of Kansas are nothing short of staggering. The construction phase alone is expected to generate more than 20,000 jobs and deliver $4.4 billion in economic impact to the state. Once the stadium and its surrounding district are up and running, another 3,500 jobs and $1 billion in annual economic impact are anticipated. For a community eager for growth and revitalization, those numbers are hard to ignore.

Financing the project will involve a carefully structured public-private partnership, designed to minimize the burden on taxpayers. Sixty percent of the stadium’s cost will be covered through STAR bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund, with officials stressing that there will be no new state taxes or negative impact on the state budget. The remaining 40% will be privately funded, with the Hunt family—the Chiefs’ owners—committing an additional $1 billion toward the development of the surrounding entertainment district. This commitment reflects not only the family’s confidence in the future of Kansas City sports but also their desire to leave a lasting legacy in their new home.

So, who are the finalists entrusted with bringing this vision to life? Both MANICA and Populous have impressive portfolios and local ties, but each brings a unique perspective to the table.

MANICA, led by President and Owner David Manica, is no stranger to high-profile sports architecture. Their resume includes Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the Chase Center in San Francisco, the new Nissan Stadium in Nashville, and international projects ranging from Italy and the United Kingdom to Russia. MANICA also previously presented domed stadium renderings to the Kansas legislature in 2020, demonstrating a longstanding interest in shaping the region’s sports landscape. "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, has been a fixture in Kansas City for over four decades. The firm’s influence stretches far beyond the Midwest, with a global portfolio that includes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Sphere in Las Vegas, and the new Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills. Populous is also closely involved in the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival at the National World War One Museum and Memorial, highlighting their ongoing commitment to major sports and entertainment events. "From here, we have redefined modern sports venue design," said Populous Co-Founder and Global Director Scott Radecic. "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."

The announcement of these two finalists follows a comprehensive and competitive selection process, with both firms submitting detailed proposals and demonstrating their capacity to deliver a stadium worthy of the Chiefs’ storied history and bright future. The Chiefs’ leadership has made it clear that honoring the team’s legacy, elevating the fan experience, and creating a bold, modern design are top priorities as they move forward with the design phase.

This update is the first major news since the December 22, 2025, revelation that the Chiefs would be leaving Arrowhead Stadium and crossing into Kansas. For fans, the move is bittersweet—Arrowhead has been the team’s home since 1972, hosting countless memorable moments and forging a deep connection with the community. Yet, the promise of a new, world-class stadium and the economic revitalization it could bring has many supporters eager to see what’s next.

It’s not just about football games, either. The surrounding entertainment district is expected to become a year-round destination, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events. The Chiefs’ vision is for the new stadium to serve as a catalyst for growth, transforming Wyandotte County into a premier hub for sports and entertainment in the Midwest.

Of course, there are still plenty of details to be ironed out. The final site within Wyandotte County has not been announced, and the Chiefs have promised further updates on the stadium’s design and development later this year. The team is also working closely with state and local officials to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits for Kansas residents.

As the design process enters its final phase, all eyes are on MANICA and Populous to see what bold concepts they’ll bring to the table. Will the new stadium capture the spirit of Arrowhead while launching the Chiefs into a new era? Only time will tell, but the excitement is palpable throughout Chiefs Kingdom.

For now, Kansas City fans can rest assured that the journey toward a new home is well underway. With two world-class firms vying for the chance to shape the future of the franchise, the Chiefs’ next chapter promises to be as dynamic and memorable as their storied past.