THE battle to build the Kansas City Chiefs’ new domed stadium is ramping up.

A final shortlist of two developers has been picked to construct the Chiefs’ $3 billion project.

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Rendering of the planned Kansas City Chiefs stadium

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Arrowhead Stadium before an NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Kansas City Chiefs

Manica Architecture and Populous have been picked as the finalists for the stadium build, as per Front Office Sports.

Both developers have recent experience in the NFL.

The Chiefs announced their decision to move out of Arrowhead Stadium in December 2025.

They will cross state lines as they move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Kansas City, Kansas.

 

 

 

This has enraged several Chiefs fans as they are set to depart from one of the league’s most iconic venues.

But the Chiefs are undeterred with dozens of firms applying to build the new stadium.

The Chiefs are one of seven NFL franchises plotting moves to new stadiums over the coming seasons.

Uniquely, both Manica and Populous are based in the Kansas City area.

 

 

 

Manica has designed countless venues to accommodate the NFL, NBA and European soccer.

This includes the Tennessee Titans’ under-construction new Nissan Stadium and the Las Vegas Raiders‘ Allegiant Stadium.

The firm was previously involved in the Chiefs’ previous renderings of a potential stadium in 2024.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Populous is an established sports architecture brand with previous projects including London‘s Olympic Stadium and Las Vegas’ Sphere.

Populous has also been in charge of the Buffalo Bills‘ New Highmark Stadium, which is set to open later in 2026.

The Chiefs’ decision to leave is set to have a knock-on impact for the MLB’s Kansas City Royals as they play next door.

 

 

 

This leaves the venue with a $150 million demolition dilemma with fears that Arrowhead Stadium could be left empty.

Their new stadium is set to be constructed in Wyandotte County, Kansas, with a training facility in Olathe, Kansas.

But this current process does not include plans to construct the Chiefs’ new headquarters.

The Chiefs’ new stadium is set to be opened in time for the 2031 NFL season.