The new Arrowhead Stadium was unveiled to the public on July 25 after a two-year, $375 million renovation. The renovated stadium, home to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, created a modern exterior while improving fan amenities.

"The phrase 'New Body, Same Soul' is what guided our design inspiration," said Populous designer Ben Stindt. "It was important to Lamar and the Hunt family to maintain the spirit and beauty of Arrowhead while returning it to be among the best in the NFL, and I believe we did that."

The iconic, swooping form of the seating bowl and its concrete structure designed by the futuristic architect Charles Deaton were the bones the design team preserved. The design team then added the amenities and attributes of a modern NFL stadium as the muscle, through dynamic sloped glass and metal panels wrapping the existing structure. The soul of the stadium has remained intact and is amplified with its new amenities. This design parti also linked the design of the renovated Kauffman Stadium next door to Arrowhead, also completed by Populous.

"Clark Hunt was involved throughout the design process of the project and his unique knowledge and experiences allowed us to weave storylines of the Chiefs history and the founding of the AFL throughout the stadium," said Kelly Kerns, Populous project manager. "We'd be challenged to find another NFL stadium that has this degree of intimate detail of team history and spirit integrated throughout for all fans to enjoy."

Founder's Plaza and the Chiefs Hall of Honor are two new additions to the stadium. They are both spaces for fans to gather and learn more about the history of the Chiefs and the AFL. The Chiefs Hall of Honor is a tribute to the rich history of the franchise, including great teams, great players and great moments, as well as interactive displays. The Founder's Plaza is a tribute to the Chiefs' founder Lamar Hunt.

Arrowhead's original design lacked sufficient space for modern fan amenities, such as gathering places and premium seating options. The New Arrowhead has a number of new suites and clubs that also serve as space for a variety of non-game day uses.

The interior spaces, in general, were designed to reflect the use of modern materials on the building's exterior skin and the native limestone used on its base and throughout the site. This blend of modern sophistication provides a subtle hint of Chiefs branding yet a clean backdrop for non-Chiefs events. Many of the design decisions of the $375 million renovation were made while keeping founder Lamar Hunt's wishes intact, said Dennis Wellner, Populous senior principal. The design team believed it was important to enhance the fan experience and make improvements for every fan on every level.

"Throughout the design and renovation process, our goal was to stay true to Lamar's vision," Wellner said. "I think Lamar would say we truly succeeded."

Populous' portfolio of working with 30 NFL teams has meant design teams working in every corner of the country. Having this project in their hometown was a unique experience.

"Working on a project in our hometown made it especially important for the design team to get it right," said Wellner. "The New Arrowhead is a legacy for us, but more importantly for the thousands of Chiefs fans around the country."

 
Improvements:
Founder's Plaza - centerpiece is a nine-foot heroic statue of Lamar Hunt by noted sculptor Bruce Wolfe

Hall of Honor - 28,000 square foot interactive museum free of charge to all fans on game days

Horizon Level - upper level fans on the home sideline now have access to their own bars, restrooms and concessions at no extra charge

Chiefs Sports Lab - a first-of-its kind in-stadium learning center that is devoted to teaching children the importance of nutrition and fitness

Team Store - more than seven times larger than the previous team store location and offers fans an expanded selection of merchandise options

Founder's Club - membership available to all season ticket holders for this 10,000 square foot club

Signature Suites - improved features and amenities, including lounge spaces and concession areas

East and West Tower Clubs - live cooking stations, dessert stations and buffets offered every game day

Foolish Club - themed backdrop honors the eight original AFL owners and the eight original AFL team logos

Club IV - features a panorama of photos from the Chiefs Super Bowl IV victory over the Vikings

North Club - great for special events with a three-screen projector video system

Fans First Booths - enhance fan service and ensure a great game day experience

Hy-Vee Hot Quadrant - in the central ramp area, features a 40-foot custom-fabricated stage available for live entertainment and pregame events

Sprint Quadrant - will feature Chiefs Fans inspired environmental graphics and an interactive display for fan enjoyment

The Penthouse Suite - premium seating that features a large central bar and 13 high definition TVs with spectacular views of the action

New Press Box - has more than 100 more desktop work spaces than in the old press box

 

For further information please contact
Gina Leo Stingley at Populous (Kansas City)
Telephone: +1 816 221 1500
Facsimile: +1 816 221 1578
 
Email media@populous.com

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