MANICA Architecture is a sports and entertainment venue design firm founded in 2007 by David Manica and headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, with an additional office in London. Before starting his own practice, David Manica worked at HOK Sport, where he served as lead designer on The O2 Arena in London, the new Wembley Stadium, and the Beijing National Stadium (the ‘Bird’s Nest’) built for the 2008 Olympics.
Since its founding, MANICA has grown into one of the most prominent names in stadium architecture, with a portfolio that spans NFL stadiums, NBA arenas, and international venues. The firm’s signature style favors bold, sculptural forms, and it has become closely associated with several of the highest-profile stadium projects built in the United States over the past decade.
Stats at a Glance
- Founded: 2007
- Founder: David Manica
- Headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas
- Additional office: London, England
- Flagship project: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders, opened 2020)
- Flagship project capacity: 65,000 seats (expandable to about 71,835)
- Notable in progress: New Nissan Stadium for the Tennessee Titans (targeted 2027) and a new Kansas City Chiefs stadium (targeted 2031)
From HOK Sport to an Independent Firm
David Manica built his early reputation at HOK Sport (now Populous), leading design on some of the world’s most recognizable venues, including London’s O2 Arena, the rebuilt Wembley Stadium, and Beijing’s Olympic Bird’s Nest. In 2007 he left to found his own firm in his hometown of Kansas City, Kansas, betting that a smaller, founder-led studio could compete for the same marquee sports commissions.
A Portfolio of Major NFL and NBA Venues
MANICA’s breakthrough came with Allegiant Stadium, the 65,000-seat, dome-enclosed home of the Las Vegas Raiders that opened in 2020 and later hosted Super Bowl LVIII. The firm has since worked on venues including Chase Center for the Golden State Warriors, Chase Stadium for Inter Miami CF, Qatar’s Lusail Iconic Stadium, and Moscow’s VTB Arena. It is currently designing the Tennessee Titans’ new Nissan Stadium and, as of 2026, was selected to design a new domed stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing the firm’s work back to its hometown.
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MANICA Architecture FAQs
Who founded MANICA Architecture?
David Manica founded the firm in 2007 after working as a lead designer at HOK Sport, where he worked on projects like The O2 Arena and the new Wembley Stadium.
What is MANICA Architecture’s most famous project?
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the NFL’s Raiders, is the firm’s best-known completed project. It seats 65,000 for football, opened in 2020, and hosted Super Bowl LVIII.
Where is MANICA Architecture based?
The firm is headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, and also maintains an office in London, England.
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Photo: Kylsou / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.