• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Chiefs’, Browns’ Stadium Renderings: Familiar Looking and … Premature?

  • New renderings and funding proposals begin to take shape long before any stadium deals are finalized.
  • The new Chiefs’ renderings look similar to prior Manica Architecture projects.
Manica

There is nothing even remotely close to a done deal on potential new stadiums for the Browns and Chiefs, but that hasn’t stopped either team and their partners from putting out specifics on what those possible venues would look like and how they would be funded. 

Less than a month after a stinging ballot-box defeat in Jackson County, Mo., on public funding for proposed Arrowhead Stadium renovations, the Chiefs are now pursuing a facility plan separately from its current Truman Sports Complex neighbor, MLB’s Royals. That plan could involve a move across the border into Kansas, and state legislators there are trying to develop a bond issue that would fund new stadiums for both teams. 

The measure wasn’t brought up for a vote before Kansas lawmakers adjourned their annual legislative session late Tuesday. But it’s expected that Gov. Laura Kelly will call a special session to bring back the legislature to pass a new tax plan, and it’s possible the stadium matter could be revisited.

Long before those political machinations are resolved or a new stadium site is finalized, though, Manica Architecture released a set of images depicting a potential domed stadium for the Chiefs in Kansas. 

“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 offer its fans,” said David Manica, president and owner of Manica Architecture. 

In Cleveland, a similarly accelerated plan is unfolding as the Browns decide whether to renovate Cleveland Browns Stadium along the downtown lakefront or build a new, suburban facility in Brook Park, Ohio. Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam previously indicated they wanted to take until about mid-2025 to decide. 

But recent talks between the Haslams and local officials have pointed to a team already asking for public support covering half the cost of either facility option, a figure that would come to $1.2 billion in funding toward a new stadium or $500 million toward the renovation of the new facility. Those emerging discussions have been joined by the release of renderings of the Brook Park option. 

In both instances, the distribution of the renderings show the accelerating power of these drawings to help stir interest toward a stadium project, even in its most embryonic stages. 

Doesn’t That Look Familiar?

Beyond the surprisingly early nature of the latest Chiefs drawings, another notion quickly surfaced: their visual similarity to prior renderings Manica did for the Bears, as well as prior efforts at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada, a forthcoming facility for the Titans, and an aborted stadium project in California for the Raiders and Chargers. 

For Manica, though, the Chiefs represent a hometown project as the company’s U.S. headquarters are in Kansas City. And much like those other facilities, the domed facility for the Chiefs is designed to allow the K.C. area to pursue major events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and College Football Playoff—all of which are currently out of reach to the market.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cobh Ramblers
exclusive

Ireland’s Ramblers Latest Soccer Club to Gain U.S. Owner

The Ramblers play in the League of Ireland First Division.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.
Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Oct 27, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of the Wells Fargo Center before game between Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens.

New Philly Arena Will Redefine Home-Court Advantage, CEO Says

The forthcoming venue will arrive with plenty of ambition among its owners.
July 9, 2025

Browns $600M Stadium Deal Hit With Suit Over ‘Unclaimed’ Money

Ohio’s use of unclaimed funds for a new stadium is challenged legally.
April 19, 2022; Austin, TX, USA; Tim Leiweke of the Oak View Group speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Moody Center, a multi-purpose arena that will be home to concerts and the UT basketball teams on Tuesday April 19, 2022.
July 9, 2025

Oak View Founder Tim Leiweke Indicted for Alleged Rigged Arena Bid

The longtime sports executive leaves his day-to-day leadership role.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 8, 2025

Chiefs Delay Stadium Decision As Kansas Dangles Dome Dreams

Kansas legislators extend bonds for potential Chiefs and Royals facilities.
Jul 3, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) returns a shot during his match against Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) on day seven at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 7, 2025

Wimbledon’s Expansion Battle Looms Over Star-Studded Quarterfinals

The expansion’s loudest opposition is Save Wimbledon Park.
July 2, 2025

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
July 1, 2025

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.