Chiefs architect says new stadium honors Arrowhead while looking to the future
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
The vision for the Kansas City Chiefs’ future home is becoming clearer.
Newly released renderings show the proposed $3 billion stadium in Kansas City, Kansas, featuring a roof, approximately 70,000 seats and a design that preserves one of the franchise’s signature traditions: tailgating.
The Chiefs are expected to move into the new stadium after their lease at Arrowhead Stadium expires in 2031.
Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Christal Watson said the renderings give fans a glimpse of what’s ahead.
“It shows us the hope and excitement we can have for any sports fan that’s going to be visiting this stadium,” Watson said.
Watson said the Chiefs had a clear vision for what they wanted in their next home.
“The Chiefs knew exactly what they wanted. As you look at those renderings, you can tell that there was a lot of intentionality behind building a great experience,” she said.
The stadium was designed by Kansas City-based Manica Architecture. Founder and President David Manica said the project carries special meaning because it’s his first opportunity to design a stadium in his hometown.
“This one is special. I’ve never gotten a chance to work on a project in Kansas City before,” Manica said.
Manica said his team spent months developing a modern design while making sure the stadium still reflects the Chiefs’ history and identity.
“A nod and an inspiration from the existing Arrowhead without overdoing it,” he said.
The renderings also emphasize preserving one of the Chiefs’ most recognizable game-day traditions by including ample parking for tailgating.
Beyond the look of the building, Manica said his team is working with acoustic engineers to make the stadium even louder than Arrowhead, with hopes of helping Chiefs fans reclaim the world record for the loudest stadium.
The project is expected to be financed through Kansas STAR bonds, a state economic development tool that uses future sales tax revenue to repay bonds issued to help fund major projects.
Watson acknowledged there was criticism over how the project came together and whether the Unified Government had enough influence during the process.
But she said the focus has now shifted to moving the project forward.
“I know there was a lot of criticism from the community about it, but I’m very pleased with where we are today,” Watson said.
When asked whether the Unified Government had enough say in the project, Watson said the question is no longer the priority.
“Right now it’s irrelevant. The stadium is coming. The state is working with the Chiefs, and the mayor’s office at Unified Government is part of the conversations moving forward,” she said.
A timeline for construction has not yet been announced.