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Kansas City Chiefs select finalists to design new stadium
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- Kansas City Chiefs select finalists to design new stadium
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are one step closer to making the state of Kansas their future home .
On Tuesday, the team announced that two well-known regional architectural design firms have advanced to the final stage of the design process for the team's new stadium.
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MANICA and Populous were selected as finalists following an extensive qualifications and proposals process, according to the Chiefs.
The two firms have global portfolios and deep ties to the Kansas City area.
"We're thrilled to take this next step in our new stadium journey and announce the two finalists in our search for lead designer," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The Kansas City region is the central hub of global sports and entertainment venue architecture and design, so we didn't need to go far to identify the top options to explore final concepts for the future home of Chiefs Kingdom."
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Both firms bring experience in designing some of the most recognizable sports and entertainment venues in the world.
MANICA's past projects include Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Chase Center in San Francisco, Nashville's new Nissan Stadium, and international developments in Italy, the United Kingdom and Russia.
MANICA President and Owner David Manica said the firm would aim to honor the Chiefs' legacy while elevating the fan experience.
"We envision a stadium that exemplifies the organization's championship mentality and the awe-inspiring spirit of our beloved Arrowhead Stadium," Manica said.
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"Every element will be approached with intention to create a bold, modern design and an even better game-day experience."
Populous, which has called Kansas City home for more than 40 years, is known for projects including Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the Sphere in Las Vegas, the new Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills and several others.
Co-Founder and Global Director Scott Radecic said the opportunity carries special meaning.
"From here, we have redefined modern sports venue design," Radecic said. "We are honored to collaborate with the Kansas City Chiefs on a project that reflects their legacy, the passion of Chiefs Kingdom and the promise of what's next."
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Tuesday's announcement marks the first major update since Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt revealed a formal agreement in December for a new stadium in Wyandotte County.
View the latest headlines from Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas at fox4kc.com
The fixed-roof stadium and surrounding mixed-use district are expected to open ahead of the 2031 NFL season.
The $3 billion development could include sports and entertainment venues, dining, shopping, office space, hotels and residential properties.
The state estimates project more than 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact during construction, with an additional 3,500 jobs and $1 billion in annual economic impact once completed.
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The project will be financed through a public-private partnership.
Sixty percent of the stadium cost will be covered through STAR bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund, with no new state taxes or impact on the state budget, according to officials.
The remaining 40% will be privately funded, with the Hunt family committing an additional $1 billion toward surrounding development.
The Chiefs said more updates on the stadium's design and development are expected later this year.
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