Manica designs potential Chiefs stadium in Kansas

With lawmakers in the state of Kansas considering a bond measure that could fund venues of more than 30,000 seats with at least a billion dollars -- widely understood to be geared toward the Royals or Chiefs -- architect David Manica disseminated renderings for a possible Chiefs stadium in Kansas late yesterday. The venue, like Manica’s other NFL venue designs for the Raiders, Titans and, recently Bears, would be covered, enabling indoor events of all kinds, like the NCAA Final Four and more concerts, as well as Super Bowl possibilities.

These moves follow shortly a failed public vote to extend a 3/8-cent sales tax in Jackson County, Mo., that would have funded a new ballpark for the Royals in downtown K.C. and major renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs Chair & CEO Clark Hunt said over the weekend that the two teams have split their venue efforts now, with the Chiefs appearing to already consider the Kansas side of the region. 

Manica said in a statement, “The design concept is inspired by the form and spirit of our historic Arrowhead Stadium, but it offers more diversity in the variety of experiences it will offers its fans.”

The renderings indicate some mixed-use development around the stadium concept, as well as a training facility. Arrowhead Stadium, for all its environment and homefield advantage, is, along with the Royals’ Kauffman Stadium, isolated in the eastern K.C. region with little else to do around the venues.

“This site offers incredible access for everybody in the city.  And the total available area will provide an unbelievable tailgating experience that is supplemented by a fantastic mixed-use development.”