New Chiefs stadium design mimics Arrowhead
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The curved lines and pointed corners are Arrowhead staples. Photo: Courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs/Manica
The Chiefs' new stadium will look a lot like Arrowhead, despite a roof and a relocation across state lines.
Why it matters: The new renderings that dropped Wednesday are the first real look at the new stadium following the team's controversial decision in December to move to Kansas.
Zoom in: The new stadium's bowl mimics Arrowhead's "defining geometry," a team press release states, with swooping lines and a three-tier structure that includes yellow seats in the middle.
- Audio engineers are working to maximize crowd noise, a point of pride for fans after Arrowhead was named the loudest stadium in the world in 2014.
- The bowl will also include a Drum Deck and a Ring of Honor.
Yes, but: Gone are the external spiral ramps, which have long been a popular spot to sing the Chiefs chant and which Argentina fans used for their own post-match celebrations.
What they're saying: "It will hold 70,000 fans, it will still be the best place in the world to tailgate, and the whole building will be built for noise," Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said in the statement.
By the numbers: The estimated $3 billion stadium will have roughly 3,000 fewer seats than Arrowhead while retaining about the same number of parking spaces (20,000).
- 400,000 square feet of translucent panels will enclose the stadium while letting in natural light.
- The stadium, its surrounding development and the team's new Overland Park practice facility are expected to generate 8,500 full-time-equivalent jobs and a $1.5 billion annual economic impact.
Context: The Chiefs chose KCK design firm Manica as the lead architect — the same company designing the Chicago Bears' new stadium.
- David Manica, a KU alum, cut his teeth at KC-based HOK Sport (now Populous) and designed The Monarch Bar, The Mercury Room and Verdigris.
- Kansas City is known for its influential sports architecture, with 70% of all NFL stadiums designed by local firms.
What we're watching: The name of the stadium remains in limbo, with renderings simply showing "Chiefs Stadium."
- GEHA has had naming rights since 2021, and TalkSports reported the team recently filed trademarks for Arrowhead Sports Complex and Kingdom Commons.
What's next: The team plans to finish construction by the 2031 season.