WICHITA, Kan. — The Kansas City Chiefs have taken another major step toward building a new stadium in Kansas, announcing two internationally recognized architecture firms as finalists for the project.
The team confirmed Tuesday that MANICA and Populous have advanced as the final design contenders for the proposed Chiefs stadium, which will be located in Wyandotte County. The announcement marks the first significant public update in what is expected to be a series of milestones as the organization moves forward with one of the largest sports development projects in the region.
Both firms bring extensive experience designing high-profile sports and entertainment venues around the world. MANICA’s portfolio includes major projects such as Allegiant Stadium, Chase Center, Miami Freedom Park, and the New Nissan Stadium. Populous, meanwhile, has designed globally recognized venues including Sphere, Co-op Live, New Highmark Stadium, and the Grand Stade Hassan II, which is slated to host matches during the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco.
The stadium project follows an agreement announced last month by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt, formally confirming the franchise’s plan to construct a new home in Kansas. That announcement ended months of speculation about the team’s long-term future and set the stage for what officials have described as a transformational development.
The proposed $3 billion stadium and mixed-use district is expected to include not only a new NFL venue but also surrounding development such as entertainment spaces, dining, retail, office buildings, hotels, and residential components. The broader development is designed to function year-round and serve as an economic engine for the region.
According to the Chiefs, the stadium is scheduled to open ahead of the 2031 NFL season, aligning with long-term planning for infrastructure, transportation, and commercial growth in the area. Additional design details, construction timelines, and public engagement opportunities are expected to be released later this year as the selection process continues.
Originally reported by Jeffrey Lutz in KWCH.
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