Chiefs' new stadium renderings have striking resemblance to NHL team's arena

USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Chiefs' new stadium renderings have striking resemblance to NHL team's arena

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jul 22, 2026 7:10 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs unveiled some early renderings for their new stadium, which is set to open in 2031, on Wednesday afternoon, and there was something awfully familiar about the look of it.

Not necessarily because it resembled their current home, GEHA Field, but because it resembled a classic old NHL arena that has housed the NHL's Calgary Flames.

The folks in Calgary did not miss a chance to point this out.

Chiefs' new stadium renderings have striking resemblance to Calgary Saddledome

While many fans and social media users that also happen to be hockey fans pointed out the comparison, the fact that the official X account of the Scotiabank Saddledome joined in on the fun only added to the attention the stadium is receiving.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. https://t.co/LwBa8RepPT
— Scotiabank Saddledome (@cgysaddledome) July 22, 2026

Let's see if we can find an old photo of the Saddledome just for comparison and ... oh ... yes ... there it is.

FYI: Scotiabank Saddledome tours run until the end of August! Schedule & details ~ https://t.co/oMjPuyq29P #yyc pic.twitter.com/ternHVxHoH
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) August 14, 2016

It is definitely close. It definitely gives off the same vibe.

The Scotiabank Saddledome opened in 1983 and has been host to the Flames ever since.

The Chiefs' new stadium is scheduled to open in time for the 2031 season. The domed stadium will be located in Kansas City, Kansas. The Chiefs have played in Missouri since relocating from Dallas in 1963. The domed stadium will allow the Chiefs to not only host future Super Bowls, but will also give the market the opportunity to host other prime events, such as the NCAA Final Four basketball tournaments or NCAA football national championship games.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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