Arrowhead Stadium

Venue Information

Welcome to Kansas City, future host of the FIFA World Cup 2026! Arrowhead Stadium, temporarily rebranded as "Kansas City Stadium" for the tournament in line with FIFA policy, is set to deliver an unforgettable experience, renowned for its incredible atmosphere and passionate fans.

Venue Overview

Arrowhead Stadium, officially GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, is a historic landmark in Kansas City, Missouri, and the proud home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Opened on August 12, 1972, it was designed as a purpose-built football stadium, a rarity for its era, which contributed to its exceptional sightlines and unique acoustic properties. The stadium holds a Guinness World Record for crowd noise at an outdoor sports event, an acoustic phenomenon created by its steep seating geometry and bowl-shaped design that funnels sound inward.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kansas City Stadium will play a significant role, hosting a total of six matches. This includes four group stage games, one Round of 32 fixture, and a coveted quarterfinal match.

Preparations for the World Cup include significant upgrades. The Kansas City Chiefs are undertaking an estimated $800 million renovation project, which, while primarily commencing after the World Cup, includes immediate modifications for the tournament. This involves re-sodding the playing surface to natural grass (NorthBridge Bermudagrass), removing approximately 3,500 seats to accommodate FIFA's wider pitch dimensions, and installing new air systems. All stadium signage and sponsored decor are also being removed to comply with FIFA's "clean site" policy.

Match Schedule & Events

Kansas City Stadium is scheduled to host six thrilling matches, spanning nearly four weeks of the tournament.

Group Stage Matches

• June 16, 2026: Argentina vs. Algeria
• June 20, 2026: Ecuador vs. Curaçao
• June 25, 2026: Tunisia vs. Netherlands
• June 27, 2026: Algeria vs. Austria

Knockout Rounds

• July 3, 2026: Round of 32 Match (TBD vs. TBD)
• July 11, 2026: Quarter-final Match (TBD vs. TBD)

Beyond the matches, the official FIFA Fan Festival™ will be held at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, located downtown. This free-to-attend event will feature live match screenings on large video boards, food and drink vendors (including local Kansas City barbecue), interactive sponsor activations, live music, and cultural programming. The Fan Festival has a planned capacity for around 25,000 fans at a time.

Getting There — Transport & Access

Kansas City Stadium is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) east of downtown Kansas City, within the Truman Sports Complex, adjacent to Kauffman Stadium.

Nearest Airport

• Kansas City International Airport (MCI): Located about 31 miles from Arrowhead Stadium, approximately a 30-minute drive by car or rideshare.

Public Transit Options

• ConnectKC26 Airport Direct: A free express bus service connecting Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to downtown Kansas City.
• ConnectKC26 Stadium Direct: This motorcoach bus service is designed for ticketholders, offering round-trip transportation directly to Kansas City Stadium on match days, helping fans avoid traffic and parking. Passes can be reserved online and added to a smartphone's digital wallet.
• RideKC Buses: The regional public bus service operates routes near the stadium.
• Route 47-Broadway: Provides bus transportation to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, with a drop-off near the complex gate.
• Routes 28, 29, and 47: All stop near the stadium, roughly a 10-minute walk away.
• From downtown, the Line 28 bus provides direct service to the stadium area, with a journey taking approximately 36 minutes.
• From MCI, a combination of Line 229 bus and Line 28 bus takes approximately 2 hours and 31 minutes, including transfers.
• ConnectKC26 Region Direct: Offers unlimited rides between the FIFA Fan Festival™ and other attractions across the region.

Parking

• Parking at the stadium will be limited, and pre-booking is a requirement. Stadium car parks typically open 4.5 hours before kickoff.
• Rideshare: Designated rideshare drop-off and pick-up for Kansas City Stadium on match days is located in Stadium Lot O.
• Park KC Service: Kansas City offers a park-and-ride service from designated city garages with shuttles to the Fan Festival.

Fan Experience & Atmosphere

Fans attending matches at Kansas City Stadium can expect an electrifying atmosphere. The stadium's unique design, known for amplifying crowd noise, will undoubtedly contribute to a vibrant World Cup experience.

Seating & Views

The stadium offers excellent sightlines, designed specifically for immersive sporting events. For the World Cup, end zone corner seating will be reduced to accommodate the wider FIFA pitch.

Food & Drink Options

Inside the stadium, fans can anticipate a variety of food and beverage options. The planned $800 million renovation includes creating more food and drink outlets to reduce congestion. Given Kansas City's reputation for barbecue, expect some delicious local flavors to be available.

Nearby Attractions & Fan Zones

The main FIFA Fan Festival™ at the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a central hub for fan activity, offering live broadcasts, entertainment, and a taste of local culture. Beyond the stadium and fan festival, Kansas City offers a rich cultural experience:

• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Offers free admission and houses a vast collection.
• 18th and Vine Jazz District: The historic heart of Kansas City jazz.
• The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: A vital institution preserving the history of Black baseball.

Stadium Features & Specifications

• Official Name (World Cup 2026): Kansas City Stadium
• Regular Name: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
• City: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
• Capacity: 76,416 (regular NFL capacity). For the World Cup, the capacity will run roughly 3,400 seats below the regular configuration to accommodate the wider FIFA pitch, resulting in an approximate World Cup capacity of 73,000 (one source also notes 69,045 for World Cup).
• Surface Type: Natural Grass (NorthBridge Bermudagrass).
• Roof: Open-air; there is no roof.
• Year Opened: August 12, 1972
• Architectural Features: The stadium's distinctive bowl shape, with a playing field sunk three stories below ground level and aggressively raked seating, creates its famous acoustic effect, trapping crowd noise and making it one of the loudest outdoor stadiums globally. It is part of the Truman Sports Complex, built alongside Kauffman Stadium. The arrowhead-shaped main entrance and concourse are also iconic.

Tips for Visiting Fans

• Arrive Early: Especially on match days, plan to arrive well in advance to navigate traffic, security, and stadium entry.
• Utilize ConnectKC26: This dedicated tournament bus service is highly recommended for hassle-free travel to and from the stadium and other key locations.
• Pre-book Parking: If driving, secure your parking spot in advance due to limited availability.
• Weather Considerations: Kansas City summers can be hot and humid, with daily highs commonly between 85-95°F (29-35°C), and severe thunderstorms are possible. Dress in layers, stay hydrated, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Experience Tailgating: Kansas City has a renowned tailgating culture, which adds to the pre-matchday experience.
• Explore the Fan Festival: The FIFA Fan Festival at the National WWI Museum and Memorial is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and entertainment.
• Stay Hydrated: With potentially hot summer temperatures, it's crucial to drink plenty of water.
• Local Cuisine: Don't leave Kansas City without trying its famous barbecue!
• Accessible Transportation: ConnectKC26 and RideKC Freedom On-Demand offer accessible transportation services for fans with needs.