The Kansas City Chiefs have confirmed that two prominent architecture firms, MANICA and Populous, have progressed to the final stage of the competitive design process for the franchise’s proposed new stadium. The decision follows significant interest during the RFQ and RFP stages.

Chiefs President Mark Donovan said the organisation was pleased to move forward in selecting a lead designer. He highlighted Kansas City’s reputation as a global centre for sports and entertainment venue architecture, noting that the club was able to identify leading design talent close to home as it develops concepts for the future home of “Chiefs Kingdom”.

The proposed $3 billion fixed-roof stadium and surrounding mixed-use district, potentially incorporating sports, entertainment, dining, retail, office, hotel and residential elements, will be built in Wyandotte County and is scheduled to open for the 2031 NFL season. State estimates suggest the construction phase alone could generate more than 20,000 jobs and over $4.4 billion in economic impact, with the completed development expected to support more than 3,500 jobs and contribute in excess of $1 billion annually to the Kansas economy.

The announcement marks the first in a series of updates expected this year as the club shares further details of the stadium project with fans and stakeholders. It is the most significant development since Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt jointly announced an agreement for a new stadium in Kansas at an event in Topeka in December.