A bitterly contested competition for the job of prime architect of a major new arena is about to be decided. Fittingly enough, it has taken place in the sports design capital of the U.S., Kansas City, Mo., where several major sports architects are located.

On Thursday, Sept. 30, each of the two competing teams will make presentations to a special selection committee in charge of selecting the lead designer for the planned $250-million arena. The panel includes Mayor Kay Barnes, a proponent of the arena who helped win a public vote on the financing plan. The panel's choice must be ratified by the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which along with Sprint USA is a major investor in the facility.