Chiefs Name Construction Partners for New Kansas Stadium
The Kansas City Chiefs have advanced plans for a new stadium in Wyandotte County, Kansas, by selecting Clark Construction Group and AECOM to help deliver the estimated $3 billion project. The companies will work together through a joint venture known as Clark | AECOM.
Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the two firms share the franchise’s objectives for the development and have the experience required for a project of its scale. “They understand our vision and have the necessary experience for a project of this magnitude”, he noted.
Clark | AECOM will turn the project’s initial design into a construction-ready plan, including the permitting process, budget development and construction planning. Architects MANICA and HNTB will continue developing the seating arrangement, premium areas and broader stadium infrastructure.
New Chiefs Stadium Design Includes Roof, Parking and 70,000 Seats
Preliminary designs released by the Chiefs indicate that the new venue will be fully enclosed and feature a translucent roof. The stadium is expected to accommodate approximately 70,000 spectators and provide more than 20,000 parking spaces.
The exterior is also intended to maintain visual links to Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs have played since 1972. The proposed structure combines a curved façade with undulating upper levels in the end-zone areas, incorporating design elements associated with the team’s historic home while moving the franchise to a new location.
Beyond the appearance of the building, the Chiefs have emphasized the need to preserve the game-day atmosphere that has made Arrowhead one of the NFL’s best-known stadiums. Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said the design would prioritize crowd noise. “The entire building will be built to generate noise”, he stated.
Hunt also said the new complex would retain the Chiefs’ renowned pregame tradition. He promised it would remain “the best place in the world for tailgating”, referring to the gatherings fans hold in stadium parking lots before games.
Patrick Mahomes Reflects on Leaving Arrowhead
The planned move carries particular significance for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has developed a strong connection with Arrowhead. In a CNBC interview conducted in July 2025, before the Chiefs selected Kansas as the location for their future stadium, Mahomes discussed what the current venue means to him.
“Arrowhead is a special place. It is a special place that doesn’t come along very often. It is my favorite place to play in the NFL, not only because it is my team, but because you can feel its history when you play”, he said.
Mahomes acknowledged that the decision about the team’s future home was not his to make. “Either way, I don’t really have a choice in the matter”, he said. At the same time, he expressed optimism about the move to Kansas and said he trusted the state would deliver a top-tier stadium and supporting facilities.
When Will the Chiefs’ New Stadium Open?
Initial site work is scheduled to start in 2027, and the planned opening is set for the beginning of the 2031 NFL season. The stadium complex will be built near The Legends and Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.
The stadium is part of a wider development with a total projected investment of $4.5 billion. The venue itself accounts for an estimated $3 billion, including up to $1.8 billion in public financing through STAR bonds approved by Kansas. The Hunt family has also committed an additional $1 billion to development in the state.
Until construction and the eventual move are complete, the Chiefs will continue playing at Arrowhead. The project now has construction partners, an initial timetable and several established design features, although additional details remain under development.
Why This Matters
The appointment of Clark Construction Group and AECOM moves the Chiefs’ stadium plan beyond preliminary concepts and into a more defined delivery phase. Their work will address the permits, budget and planning needed to prepare the project for construction, while MANICA and HNTB continue refining the venue’s design.
The project also represents a major change for the Chiefs’ home-game experience. The proposed roof, large capacity and extensive parking infrastructure are intended to support a modern NFL facility without abandoning the noise and tailgating culture associated with Arrowhead. The next major milestone is the planned start of site work in 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will build the Chiefs’ new stadium?
Clark Construction Group and AECOM will work as the Clark | AECOM joint venture. They will prepare the project for construction, including permits, budgeting and planning.
What will the new Chiefs stadium include?
Current plans call for a fully enclosed translucent roof, approximately 70,000 seats and more than 20,000 parking spaces. The exterior will also include design references to Arrowhead Stadium.
When will the Chiefs move to the new stadium?
Initial site work is planned for 2027, with the stadium expected to open for the start of the 2031 NFL season. The Chiefs will continue playing at Arrowhead until then.
