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Arrowhead Tours a Must for Fans of Kansas City Chiefs

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The Kansas City Chiefs don’t have to be on the field for you to have some fun at Arrowhead Stadium .

While Arrowhead is no doubt an awesome venue for watching a game (it’s known as the loudest stadium in the NFL), a stadium tour is an excellent way to get a dose of football year-round. Consider it a must-do if you’re a serious Chiefs fan.

Along with  dozens of works of art  found throughout the stadium – including a sculpture by Missouri’s own Thomas Hart Benton – tours at Arrowhead detail how Chiefs’ founder Lamar Hunt shaped and modernized the NFL that exists today.

The Chiefs organization actually began in 1960 as the Dallas Texans, members of the upstart American Football League (AFL) that Hunt founded after he was denied the opportunity to start an expansion team or purchase an existing NFL team.

The original AFL included seven other teams: the Denver Broncos, Houston Oilers, Los Angeles Chargers, Boston Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Titans and Oakland Raiders.

Interesting tidbit – the founding fathers of those teams collectively were called “The Foolish Club” because all were certain they’d lose a boatload of money and that the league would eventually falter. Today, “The Foolish Club” is the name of one of the indoor areas for grabbing a cold drink and relaxing with friends inside Arrowhead.

Another interesting tidbit – Hunt is credited with coining the term “Super Bowl.” In the early days of the AFL, before its merger with the NFL, the top teams from each league faced off in the AFL-NFL Championship Game. The cumbersome name wasn’t necessarily a hit with owners, fans or the media, and it was Hunt who first threw out the suggestion for calling the game the Super Bowl.

On the tour, you learn that Hunt likely derived the name from a Super Ball, the small, extremely bouncy rubber ball that was popular with his children. In fact, a Super Ball is one of the items on display in the Chiefs Hall of Honor, a highlight of the tour that pays tribute to the best of the best from Chiefs history.

You’ll also find several items related to the AFL and its teams in the Chiefs Hall of Honor – a truly rare example of one franchise honoring rival franchises.

Inside the Hall of Honor, busts depicting Chiefs legends – from quarterback Len Dawson to defensive end Derrick Thomas – are aligned in a locker-like setup. If you’re a big fan of football, you may need to ask for extra time to read and see everything that’s on display.

Among the signature pieces is the trophy from the 1970 AFL-NFL Championship Game, aka Super Bowl IV. The AFL’s Chiefs won, 23-7, over the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. What’s cool about the trophy – and what seems perfectly fitting, considering the Chiefs were the founding members of the AFL – is that it’s the last trophy to have an AFL logo on it, as the two leagues merged prior to the following season.

A bonus tidbit – It was Lamar Hunt’s idea to use Roman numerals when referring to Super Bowls, to lend a little touch of class to the event.

Tours of Arrowhead Stadium include an opportunity to see the press box and locker room and get close to the field – you can walk the track that surrounds the playing surface. Don’t plan on carrying along a football and running post patterns on the field all afternoon. That’s a no-no.

There are several tour options available . General public tours are held twice daily, on Fridays and Saturdays, year-round. Private tours can be arranged by appointment.

The next time you need a football fix, plan a tour at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s a fascinating look at one of the NFL’s most fascinating franchises.

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Arrowhead Stadium Tour: be prepared to be amazed!

If you're a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan or simply a sports enthusiast, a visit to Arrowhead Stadium is a must. Not only does it offer the thrill of game days, but it also provides an exceptional behind-the-scenes experience through its stadium tours. In this guide, we'll walk you through what you can expect from a tour of Arrowhead Stadium, including a glimpse into the fascinating Chiefs Hall of Honor.

Arrowhead Stadium Tour Highlights:

Immersive History: The tour kicks off with an immersive journey into the rich history of Arrowhead Stadium and the Kansas City Chiefs franchise. Learn about the team's legendary moments and iconic players that have graced this hallowed ground.

Exclusive Access: One of the most exciting aspects of the tour is the exclusive access you'll get to areas typically off-limits to the public. You'll step onto the field, explore the locker rooms, and even stand in the tunnel where players make their dramatic entrance on game day.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the inner workings of the stadium. Discover what it takes to maintain the pristine playing surface and how the stadium prepares for game day excitement.

Chiefs Hall of Honor: A true highlight of the Arrowhead Stadium tour is the Chiefs Hall of Honor. This museum-like exhibit showcases the team's illustrious history with memorabilia, interactive displays, and tributes to the greatest Chiefs legends. It's a must-visit for fans looking to relive iconic moments in Chiefs history.

Museum Experience at Arrowhead Stadium:

For those interested in delving deeper into the Chiefs' storied past, the Chiefs Hall of Honor is a mini-museum right within the stadium. Here, you'll find:

• Championship Memorabilia: Explore Super Bowl memorabilia, championship rings, and trophies that celebrate the Chiefs' triumphs.
• Player Profiles: Learn about the careers and accomplishments of Chiefs legends like Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, and Tony Gonzalez.
• Interactive Displays: Engage with interactive exhibits that allow you to test your knowledge of Chiefs history, relive famous plays, and even try on replica Super Bowl rings.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture the moment with life-sized player cutouts and iconic stadium views.

Arrowhead Stadium tours and the Chiefs Hall of Honor provide an immersive experience for fans of all ages. Whether you're a lifelong Chiefs supporter or a visitor curious about the legacy of this storied franchise, a tour of Arrowhead Stadium promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of football history.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of football legends and bask in the rich heritage of the Kansas City Chiefs. Book your Arrowhead Stadium tour today and be prepared to be amazed!

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Arrowhead Stadium Tour

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Do you love the game of football? If so, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is the place to visit. It is the home to the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Visitors of all ages enjoy visiting the stadium and watching a game during the season. The stadium turns into a sea of red when the chiefs are playing at home.

Arrowhead Stadium offers its visitors the opportunity to walk around and check out various areas of the venue. They offer a guided tour for visitors of all ages to experience. The tour is 90 minutes in length. In the course of the tour, guests will walk through areas such as the Scout Investments Club Level, the Press Box, the Locker Room, and the Chiefs Hall of Honor. These guided tours are offered from March to September.

Another tour offered at Arrowhead Stadium is the Game Day Tour. In the course of the program, you will get to have an exclusive behind the scenes look at the production team preparing for the broadcast. Guests will also have the opportunity to check out the Chiefs Hall of Honor. This tour also offers fans the unique opportunity to spend 15 minutes on the sidelines of the field during the pre-game activities. The experience is 60 minutes long.

The Chiefs Hall of Honor pays tribute to the American Football League. This is an area of the stadium where guests will learn about the story of the Chiefs franchise, its players, and its various accomplishments. There are interactive exhibits and video boards that are located throughout the area that bring back great memories and also set the foundation for future stars. There is a Ring of Honor with each player in the Chiefs Hall of Fame on display.

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Arrowhead Stadium: Your Kansas City Chiefs Gameday Guide

Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, epitomizes the essence of NFL glory as the revered home field of the Kansas City Chiefs, reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions and a storied franchise. Opening its gates on August 12, 1972, Arrowhead Stadium’s horseshoe-shaped seating bowl accommodates over 76,000 fans, making it one of the league’s largest venues. Renowned for its thunderous atmosphere, it stands as one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, creating an intimidating home-field advantage for the Chiefs. In this post we’ll help you navigate this legendary stadium and give you tips and the best things to do when visiting Kansas City.

In recent years, Arrowhead Stadium has undergone several renovations aimed at enhancing and updating the fan experience and modernizing its facilities. The most renovation occurred in 2010, updating the infrastructure of the stadium. A new renovation was proposed in 2024 , and is subject to a vote in Jackson County. These new renovations, if passed, would secure the future of Arrowhead for the next generation of Chiefs fans (and a new downtown stadium for the Royals).

Established in 1960 as the Dallas Texans before relocating to Kansas City in 1963 under the leadership of legendary AFL founder and owner Lamar Hunt, the Chiefs have made an enduring impact on professional football. Their dominance in the AFL was evident from the outset, culminating in their appearance in the inaugural Super Bowl in 1966. While the team experienced ups and downs in performance over the years, a resurgence in the 1990s laid the groundwork for the current era of success.

The arrival of Andy Reid in 2013 marked a turning point for the franchise, propelling them to unprecedented heights over the past decade. With key additions like Travis Kelce and later Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have enjoyed a remarkable run, clinching nine consecutive AFC West titles, appearing in six consecutive AFC Championship Games, and securing four AFC titles and three Super Bowl championships, including back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024.

Amidst this triumph, Arrowhead Stadium stands as a global gathering place for Chiefs fans, attracting celebrities like Paul Rudd and Taylor Swift. And the star of the show is Arrowhead, the electric atmosphere at Arrowhead is something all football fans need to experience. So enough talk about Chiefs Kingdom, let the journey begin!

Tickets to Kansas City Chiefs Games

Well the reason why you came here is to go to the game. Chiefs tickets are a tough get but if you plan far enough in advance  you usually can secure tickets to most games. Here are some of the best ways to acquire tickets for Kansas City Chiefs games:

• Click Here For Kansas City Chiefs Tickets! With our partner Vivid Seats you can get tickets to Concerts like Beyonce or Taylor Swift, tickets to any NFL Game, or just about any event on the planet
• Official Chiefs Website: The Kansas City Chiefs’ official website is often a solid source for purchasing tickets. They regularly release tickets for sale, including single-game tickets and season ticket packages. Keep an eye on their website for updates on ticket availability, sales dates, and pricing.
• Season Ticket Waitlist: If you’re looking for long-term access to Chiefs tickets, joining the season ticket waitlist is an option. The Chiefs organization often maintains a waitlist for fans interested in purchasing season tickets. Being on the waitlist gives you priority access to available season tickets when they become available.
• Ticket Auctions and Giveaways: Keep an eye out for ticket auctions and giveaways held by the Chiefs organization, sponsors, or community events. These opportunities can provide a chance to win or bid on tickets to Chiefs games, allowing you to secure tickets without directly purchasing them.

Arrowhead Stadium Seating Chart

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has a seating capacity of 76,416. Exploring the Arrowhead Stadium seating chart allows you to strategically choose your seats for an optimal game day view and unforgettable experience. For a visual representation, check out the interactive Arrowhead Seating Chart

Remember to plan ahead and act quickly, as Chiefs tickets tend to sell out fast due to the team’s popularity and their passionate fan base. Additionally, be cautious when purchasing tickets from unofficial sources to avoid scams or counterfeit tickets.

Best Seats At Arrowhead

Selecting the ideal seats at Arrowhead Stadium depends on personal preferences and budget considerations. Here are some recommendations based on various factors:

• Lower-level sections near the midfield line: Optimal for football games, seats in the lower sections closest to the midfield line (Sections 121 to 116 and 131 to 134) provide excellent views and proximity to the action.
• Upper-level center of the field: Fans who enjoy the upper deck experience may find satisfaction by choosing seats as close to the front and middle of the field as possible. Consider sections 345-302 or 322-325 for an elevated yet central perspective.
• Club Seating: Positioned on the 200 level, Club Seating at Arrowhead Stadium offers outstanding sightlines, access to climate-controlled lounges and bars, upscale dining, a variety of liquor options, and concierge services for an enhanced game-day experience.

Premium Seating Options At Arrowhead

Arrowhead Stadium provides a range of premium seating options, each offering exclusive amenities and services to enhance the game-day experience. Here are some of the top premium seating choices at the stadium:

• CommunityAmerica Club Level: Positioned on the 200 level, this club level features upscale food and beverage selections, premium liquor, climate-controlled lounges, bars, and high-definition monitors equipped with NFL Sunday Ticket. Seats on the 200 level are renowned for their ideal viewing angle, and the majority are covered.
• Kingdom Club: Nestled on the south side of the lower level, the Kingdom Club provides a premium experience with exclusive amenities and services.
• Bud Light Locker Room Club: Located on the field level in the east end zone, the Bud Light Locker Room Club offers a unique and immersive game-day experience.
• Foolish Lounge: Situated on the east end zone within the CommunityAmerica Club Level, the Foolish Lounge presents a premium seating option with exclusive amenities.
• Penthouse: Positioned at the top of the 300 level on the south side, the Penthouse offers a premium seating choice with exclusive amenities and services.
• Founder’s Club: Found on the Club Level, the Founder’s Club delivers a premium experience with exclusive amenities and services.
• Suites: Throughout the venue, Arrowhead Stadium offers various suites providing a luxurious and private seating option for fans.
• Tailgate Suites: Located outside the venue, Tailgate Suites offer a unique and exclusive seating option for fans looking to enjoy a distinctive pre-game atmosphere.
• Chairman’s Club: Situated above Section 221, the Chairman’s Club provides a premium seating option with exclusive amenities and services.

Ultimately, the best seating option at Arrowhead Stadium will depend on your specific preferences and budget. Renowned for its compact and intimate layout, Arrowhead Stadium ensures a fantastic viewing experience from any seat in the house.

Arrowhead Stadium has some of the best tailgating and parking situation for any stadium in the NFL! To ensure your visit goes smoothly, here’s a comprehensive guide to the parking policy, rideshare, public transportation options, and bag policy:

Arrowhead Stadium Bag Policy

To streamline security procedures, fans are encouraged to bring transparent bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Small clutches are also permitted. For a detailed list of items that are allowed or prohibited, please refer to the stadium’s clear bag policy available on the stadium website.

We hope you have a fantastic time at Arrowhead Stadium, cheering on the Chiefs and enjoying the electric, deafening atmosphere of the game day experience!

For more detailed and the most updated policies on Arrowhead Stadium Click Here

Parking At Arrowhead Stadium

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is known for its vibrant fan base and unique tailgating culture. If you’ve never been to Arrowhead Stadium and are planning to attend an event there, here’s an overview of parking:

• Parking Lots: Arrowhead Stadium offers several parking lots surrounding the venue, numbered from A to M. The parking lots vary in size and distance from the stadium, with Lot A being the closest to the entrance. Here is a map of the parking lots at Arrowhead.
• Tailgating: Arrowhead Stadium is famous for its passionate fan base and tailgating tradition. Many fans arrive several hours before the game to set up grills, tents, and enjoy pre-game festivities. Tailgating is allowed in most parking lots, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the game-day experience.
• Parking Passes: To park in one of the Arrowhead Stadium lots, you’ll typically need to purchase a parking pass in advance. These passes vary in price, with closer lots typically being more expensive. It’s advisable to buy your parking pass ahead of time, as they can sell out for high-demand games.
• Accessibility Parking: Arrowhead Stadium provides designated parking areas for individuals with disabilities. These spaces are located close to the stadium entrance, making it more convenient for those with mobility challenges.
• Traffic: Traffic can be heavy on game days, especially right before kick-off and after the game ends. Plan to arrive early to allow extra time for parking and getting into the stadium. Keep in mind that post-game traffic can also be slow-moving.
• Security: Be prepared for security checks when entering the stadium. All bags will be subject to inspection, and the NFL’s clear bag policy is enforced, so make sure to check the stadium’s guidelines for what is allowed inside.
• Shuttle Services: Some local businesses and hotels offer shuttle services to Arrowhead Stadium on game days. This can be a convenient option if you want to avoid parking hassles altogether.

Rideshare to Arrowhead Stadium

Going to events at Arrowhead Stadium is now even easier with designated drop-off and pick-up spots for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Located at the Missouri Welcome Center between Gates 1 and 2 on the Blue Ridge Cutoff, these spots ensure a hassle-free experience for attendees. No need to worry about parking or traffic – simply arrange a rideshare and enjoy the event!

Public Transportation to Arrowhead Stadium

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is easily accessible via various modes of public transportation. One of the most convenient options is the bus service provided by RideKC. Specifically, you can hop on the 47 Broadway line which will take you directly to the stadium. This service offers a reliable and efficient way to reach your destination, eliminating the hassle of driving and finding parking. Whether you’re heading to a thrilling football game or attending an exciting event, taking the bus is a convenient and eco-friendly choice.

Tailgating Tips at Arrowhead Stadium

Tailgating is a big part of the gameday experience at Arrowhead. The parking lots open 5 hours before kickoff, allowing fans plenty of time to set up and enjoy food, drinks, games, and hanging out with fellow Chiefs fans. Here are some tips:

• Bring supplies like a grill, chairs, coolers, food to cook/share, and your own drinks. Be prepared to feed not just your own crew but visitors too. Tailgating is a social affair.
• Dress for the weather as you’ll be outside for hours. Bring layers, hats, gloves, etc. if it could be chilly. Or sunscreen on those bright warm fall days.
• Be respectful of other tailgaters and clean up after yourself when you leave.
• While you can bring your own alcohol, drinking excessively often leads to problems so pace yourself.
• Consider bringing a football or game like cornhole to help bring tailgaters together and pass the time. Music is also great to set the vibe.
• If driving an RV or large vehicle, arrive early as the prime spots go fast.
• Parking passes can sell out so buy them early if you want to ensure a spot.
• Have a plan on meeting spots or using cell phones to coordinate with your group, especially if getting split up. The Arrowhead Parking Lot is huge. Here is a map to the Arrowhead Parking Lot .

Kansas City Weather

Anyone from the midwest, and especially the KC metro knows the weather can change in an instant. Here are the current conditions and forecast from the National Weather Service so you’re prepared for gameday.

Great Food Options At Arrowhead

Arrowhead Stadium provides an array of delectable food choices to enhance the fan experience during games. Among the standouts within the stadium are:

• BBQ in the Arrowhead Parking Lot: Embracing the cherished tradition of tailgating, Chiefs enthusiasts bring their own smokers and grills, crafting mouthwatering BBQ dishes before the game.
• The Mac Shack’s Burnt Ends Mac & Cheese: A culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the city’s renowned BBQ with the timeless comfort of mac and cheese, making it a must-try for Arrowhead Stadium visitors.
• Elote Nachos: These tantalizing nachos feature tortilla chips, elotes, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and green onions, delivering a flavorful twist to the traditional game-day snack.
• Bone-In Beef Short Rib Sandwich: Served on a brioche bun with pepper jack cheese, this sandwich is a savory delight that reflects the culinary excellence within Arrowhead Stadium.
• Loaded BBQ Tots: Golden tots adorned with chopped brisket and smoked cheddar sauce, offering a satisfying and indulgent snack for fans.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Fries: Crinkle-cut fries topped with ground beef, chopped pickles, bacon, diced tomatoes, white cheese sauce, and a drizzle of fry sauce, creating a savory feast for the senses.
• Big Red Sandwich: Inspired by the team’s food-loving head coach, Andy Reid, this sandwich features coffee-brined pulled pork and brisket on a brioche bun, delivering a unique and flavorful experience.

In addition to these specialty items, standard concession fare such as popcorn, chicken tenders, burgers, and fries are also readily available to satisfy traditional cravings. Arrowhead Stadium has embraced innovative fan-focused technologies, including autonomous stores and express self-checkout kiosks, to elevate the overall food experience for fans.

To complement the thrilling game-day atmosphere, Arrowhead Stadium offers a variety of hot beverages for fans to enjoy on those very cold gamedays, including:

• Coffee: A beloved hot drink choice available at various concession stands throughout the stadium.
• Hot Chocolate: Perfect for warming up during colder months, this classic hot drink can be found at designated food and beverage locations.
• Tea: Providing fans with the option of caffeinated or herbal teas, Arrowhead Stadium ensures a diverse selection of hot drink choices

Best Restaurants in KC

Kansas City offers a range of culinary experiences, from upscale fine dining to contemporary American cuisine and of course legendary BBQ (we’ll get to that in a second) With their unique flavors, exceptional service, and inviting atmospheres, they contribute to the vibrant and diverse food scene in Kansas City. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Kansas City followed by some of the best places to get some of that legendary BBQ 

• Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room : This upscale restaurant offers a contemporary American dining experience. Known for its creative and beautifully presented dishes, Corvino’s menu features seasonal ingredients and innovative flavors. The tasting room provides a unique opportunity to indulge in a multi-course meal paired with expertly crafted cocktails.
• Prime Social Rooftop : A vibrant Kansas City cocktail lounge on the Plaza thoughtfully crafted for socializing and unwinding. Offering contemporary sophistication and sweeping panoramic vistas, it has quickly become a coveted locale for special occasions and get-togethers with your nearest and dearest. This chic establishment earned its place in the national spotlight when it played host to a private event hosted by Kansas City Chiefs sensation Travis Kelce, attended by none other than Taylor Swift herself. So whether you’re a local seeking an elevated rooftop experience or a visitor in search of memorable moments, Prime Social stands as an essential destination to explore.
• The Antler Room: A gem in the Kansas City culinary scene, The Antler Room showcases a fusion of global flavors and local ingredients. The menu highlights inventive small plates and larger dishes that reflect the chef’s creativity and attention to detail. With its cozy atmosphere and exceptional service, it’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
• Novel : Offering a modern take on American cuisine, Novel focuses on showcasing local and seasonal ingredients. Their menu features thoughtfully crafted dishes with bold flavors and artistic presentations. The intimate and inviting ambiance adds to the overall dining experience.
• Bluestem : This award-winning restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on contemporary American cuisine. Bluestem’s innovative tasting menu highlights the chef’s culinary expertise and features dishes that celebrate the finest ingredients. The elegant setting and impeccable service make it a popular choice for special occasions.
• Rye : Known for its Midwestern comfort food with a twist, Rye is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu features classic dishes like fried chicken, pot roast, and house-made pastas, all prepared with a modern flair. The charming atmosphere and warm hospitality create a welcoming environment for a memorable dining experience.

The Best BBQ In Kansas City

Kansas City BBQ has a flavorful history dating back to the early 1900s. It all started with Henry Perry, who opened one of the city’s first barbecue establishments. Perry’s slow-cooked meats gained popularity, laying the foundation for Kansas City’s barbecue tradition. The city’s style evolved over time, combining influences from various regions. Kansas City BBQ is known for slow smoking over hickory wood, a tangy-sweet tomato-based sauce, and a focus on meats like ribs, burnt ends, and brisket. With legendary pitmasters and iconic barbecue joints, Kansas City has earned its reputation as a barbecue capital, attracting enthusiasts from around the world. Here is a list of some of the many great places to try while you’re in town: 

• Arthur Bryant’s : A legendary BBQ joint, Arthur Bryant’s has been serving up delicious barbecue since 1930. Known for their flavorful sauces and succulent meats, their burnt ends and ribs are highly recommended.
• Gates Bar-B-Q: With a rich history and distinct flavors, Gates Bar-B-Q is a beloved Kansas City institution. Their tender ribs, smoky burnt ends, and signature sauce make for a memorable barbecue experience. Definitely grab a bottle of the sauce if you dont hit the restaurant.
• Jack Stack Barbecue : Renowned for their exceptional barbecue and upscale atmosphere, Jack Stack offers a wide range of smoked meats, including their famous lamb ribs and hickory pit beans. Their inventive sides and friendly service add to the overall dining experience.
• LC’s Bar-B-Q: A hidden gem in Kansas City, LC’s Bar-B-Q is known for its no-frills approach and mouthwatering smoked meats. Their burnt ends, ribs, and sauce are highly regarded by locals and visitors alike.
• Woodyard Bar-B-Que : A family-owned establishment, Woodyard Bar-B-Que impresses with its smoky and flavorful meats. Their burnt ends, pulled pork, and smoked chicken are favorites among patrons. The unique setting, featuring an on-site wood yard, adds to the charm of this BBQ joint.
• Meat Mitch : A rising star in the Kansas City barbecue scene, Meat Mitch has garnered a devoted following for its mouthwatering meats and award-winning sauces. With its roots as a competition barbecue team, Meat Mitch brings its championship-winning flavors to the public. Their perfectly smoked meats, such as tender brisket and juicy ribs, are complemented by a range of delectable sauces, including the tangy and slightly sweet “Whomp!” sauce. Meat Mitch offers a laid-back atmosphere and friendly service, making it a popular spot for barbecue enthusiasts looking for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re indulging in their succulent burnt ends or savoring their signature “Naked” wings, Meat Mitch delivers a true taste of Kansas City barbecue.
• Q39: This upscale barbecue joint combines traditional flavors with a modern twist. Q39’s menu features delectable ribs, tender brisket, and flavorful sides. Don’t miss their innovative dishes like the “Competition Ribs” and the “Pitmaster Brisket Burger.”

Hotels In Kansas City

There are a plethora of hotel options both in Kansas City and the surrounding options that can fit any budget. Ive included a list of some of the top rated places in KC and the surrounding suburbs in Kansas and Missouri:

• The Fontaine: Located on the Country Club Plaza, The Fontaine offers a luxurious and stylish experience. The boutique hotel features elegant rooms, upscale amenities, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. With its prime location and sophisticated ambiance, The Fontaine is a top choice for discerning travelers.
• The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center : Situated near Union Station and the vibrant Power & Light District, The Westin offers a convenient location and upscale accommodations. The hotel features comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and excellent dining options. Guests can also enjoy amenities like a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
• The Raphael Hotel: Nestled in the heart of the Country Club Plaza, The Raphael Hotel exudes timeless charm and elegance. Housed in a historic building, this boutique hotel offers spacious rooms, luxurious amenities, and exceptional service. The Raphael provides a refined and intimate atmosphere for a memorable stay.
• 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City: Combining contemporary art with luxurious accommodations, the 21c Museum Hotel offers a unique experience. This boutique hotel features stylish rooms adorned with artwork, a contemporary art museum, and a rooftop bar. It’s a perfect choice for art lovers and those seeking a modern and vibrant ambiance.
• Hotel Kansas City : Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Hotel Kansas City captures the essence of the city’s rich history. The hotel blends classic elegance with modern amenities, offering comfortable rooms and a variety of dining options. Its central location allows easy access to popular attractions and entertainment venues.
• The Inn at Meadowbrook : Located in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, The Inn at Meadowbrook offers a peaceful and upscale retreat. This boutique hotel features elegant rooms, a cozy fireplace lounge, and a beautiful outdoor courtyard. With its tranquil surroundings and luxurious amenities, it provides a top-notch suburban stay.
• Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center : Situated in Overland Park, this modern hotel offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an indoor/outdoor pool. Its convenient location near the Overland Park Convention Center and numerous dining options makes it a popular choice for business and leisure travelers.

Budget Friendly Hotels In Kansas City

• Holiday Inn Express Kansas City : at the Legends: Situated near the Legends Outlets Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Park, this hotel offers affordable rates without compromising on comfort. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and amenities like a fitness center and an indoor pool.
• Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel : Situated near the Country Club Plaza, this hotel provides a budget-friendly option in a prime location. The rooms are well-appointed and include amenities like free Wi-Fi and a complimentary breakfast. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s fitness center and outdoor pool.
• Extended Stay America – Kansas City – Country Club Plaza : Ideal for longer stays or travelers seeking a budget-friendly option with kitchenettes, Extended Stay America offers affordable rates and a convenient location near the Country Club Plaza. The hotel provides spacious rooms with kitchen facilities, free Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry facilities.
• Hampton Inn Kansas City – Downtown Financial District: Located in downtown Kansas City, this budget-friendly hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It provides a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center, ensuring a convenient and affordable stay.

Hotels Near Arrowhead Stadium

Here are some budget friendly hotels if you want to stay very close to the stadium.

• Hotel Lotus: Situated within a convenient 2-mile radius of Arrowhead Stadium, Hotel Lotus offers comfortable accommodations and is highly regarded by guests, boasting positive reviews on TripAdvisor.
• Extended Stay America Select Suites – Kansas City – Stadium: Positioned just a stone’s throw away from Arrowhead Stadium, this Extended Stay America location features select suites and has received favorable reviews on TripAdvisor, making it a suitable choice for those seeking extended stays.
• Quality Inn & Suites Kansas City I-435N Near Sports Complex : Located near the Sports Complex, Quality Inn & Suites offers a comfortable stay and convenient access to Arrowhead Stadium, providing an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts and travelers looking for quality lodging options in the vicinity.

Keep in mind Chiefs weekends can be very busy in the Kansas City Metro and all hotels will fill up fast. You may want to plan in advance.

Fun Things To Do In Kansas City

So, whether you’re a die-hard Chiefs fan or simply seeking an incredible football experience, a visit to Kansas City during a Chiefs game weekend promises an unforgettable journey. Immerse yourself in the city’s football fervor, witness history in the making, and embrace the dynamic spirit that defines this fun midwestern destination. If you’re in town for a football weekend from the region or from around the country or the world, here are some things to keep you busy during your visit to the city of fountains:

• Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art : Explore one of the finest art museums in the country, known for its extensive collection of Asian art, European paintings, and sculptures. Don’t miss the iconic “Shuttlecocks” outdoor sculpture.
• Tour the National World War I Museum and Memorial : Learn about the history and impact of World War I through interactive exhibits and displays. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of the war and honors those who served.
• Enjoy the Country Club Plaza : Stroll through this Spanish-inspired outdoor shopping district featuring beautiful architecture, upscale stores, restaurants, and fountains. It’s particularly enchanting during the holiday season.
• Experience the Kansas City BBQ : Known for its distinctive BBQ style, Kansas City offers a variety of mouthwatering barbecue joints. Arthur Bryant’s, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que are just a few notable options.
• Explore the City Market: Discover fresh produce, local products, and international cuisine at the vibrant City Market. It’s a great place to shop, eat, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
• Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum : Learn about the significant role of African Americans in baseball history at this informative museum. It chronicles the story of the Negro Leagues and its legendary players.
• Enjoy the nightlife at Power & Light District : Kansas City’s entertainment district offers a wide array of bars, restaurants, and live music venues. It’s a lively spot for a night out on the town.
• Tour the Boulevard Brewing Company: Beer enthusiasts can take a guided tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company, one of the largest craft breweries in the Midwest. Learn about the brewing process and sample their delicious beers.
• Explore the Kansas City Zoo: Spend a day at the Kansas City Zoo, home to a diverse range of animals from around the world. It’s a family-friendly attraction with various exhibits and interactive experiences.

Flying to Kansas City

Getting to Kansas City is a little less cumbersome now that it just opened its new single terminal on February 28, 2023. The new terminal is a major upgrade from the old terminal, which was built in 1972. The new terminal is larger, more modern, and more efficient. It features a spacious check-in hall, a consolidated security checkpoint, and a variety of dining and shopping options. The new terminal is also designed to be more environmentally friendly, with features such as a rainwater harvesting system and a solar panel array.

The new terminal is a welcome addition to Kansas City and will help to attract more visitors and businesses and events to KC. Its already paid off a bit with the 2023 NFL Draft and the upcoming 2026 World Cup. It is a major investment in the future of Kansas City and will help to position the city as a major transportation hub. 

The following airlines fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI):

• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Spirit Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

MCI is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, which offers the most flights to and from Kansas City. Other airlines that offer direct flights to Kansas City include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. There are also a number of smaller airlines that offer seasonal or charter flights to Kansas City.

We hope you enjoyed our post “Home of the Chiefs: The Ultimate Guide To Arrowhead Stadium In Kansas City”. So whether you’re enjoying the mouthwatering flavors of Kansas City BBQ, exploring the diverse neighborhoods and attractions, or immersing yourself in the lively tailgating culture, a Chiefs weekend in Kansas City offers a perfect blend of sports, culture, and culinary delights.

So, gear up in red and gold, join the sea of fans at Arrowhead, and immerse yourself in the unique spirit of Kansas City as you cheer on the Chiefs. It’s an experience that will leave lasting memories and solidify your love for this iconic franchise and the city it calls home. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to check out some of our additional content. Every Spring The Big 12 Basketball Tournament In Kansas City is a great event. Check out our guide ! With Mahomes on your team knowing where future Super Bowls are going to be is important. Also, some additional road trips can be found here and in the links below.

For College Football Fans

Our mission is to foster a vibrant community of passionate travelers who can share their invaluable insights and tips on these destinations and events. We believe that everyone has something to offer, and we encourage you to share your own experiences, recommendations, and hidden gems in the comments section below. Let’s collaborate and make each other’s travel adventures even more unforgettable. Happy travels!

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Step Inside: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Home of the Chiefs

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Stadium History | Parking & Admission | Seating & Capacity | Food & Concessions

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is the home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs . Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the 76,416-seat facility is part of the Truman Sports Complex and neighbors Kauffman Stadium, the home of MLB’s Kansas City Royals.

Completed in 1972, Arrowhead Stadium’s design prioritized unobstructed sightlines across the venue, while its distinctive curved construction allowed for intensely amplified crowd noise that has sustained through several renovations and expansions as recently as in 2020. Despite its standing as the third-oldest stadium in the NFL, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium continues to offer an unrivaled fan experience, with the venue holding the world record for loudest stadium cheer at 142.2 decibels, recorded during a Monday Night Football matchup between the Chiefs and New England Patriots on September 29, 2014.

For sound that’s just a little more melodic, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has also served as one of Missouri’s premier musical venues. Back in the 1970s, artists like The Rolling Stones , Elton John and The Beach Boys graced its stage. More recently, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has welcomed some of the world’s top performers, including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Kenny Chesney .

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is located at 1 Arrowhead Drive in Kansas City, Missouri near the mesh point of Interstate 70 and 435, and is set to undergo another round of renovations before hosting several matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What events are coming up at Arrowhead Stadium?

See upcoming events and  buy tickets for Arrowhead Stadium right here on Ticketmaster.

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Arrowhead Stadium History

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has had a long and influential history in professional football.

The Dallas Texans, an AFL franchise, relocated and rebranded as the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. The Chiefs played their games at Municipal Stadium, a shared venue with the then-Kansas City Athletics of the MLB. But with a rule as part of the AFL-NFL merger in 1966, home stadiums had to seat at least 50,000 fans.

So in 1967, Jackson County in Missouri offered a location, and voters approved a $102 million plan to build the Truman Sports Complex, and with it Arrowhead Stadium. Construction began a year later, and Arrowhead Stadium opened on August 12, 1972. The first game at Arrowhead Stadium was a preseason Chiefs win over the St. Louis Cardinals, 24-14. On November 5, 1972, the Chiefs hosted the Oakland Raiders to claim their first victory in Arrowhead Stadium, 27-14. That game also holds the record for largest crowd at the stadium, with a total of 82,094 fans in attendance. Over the next two decades, the Chiefs — and the Sea of Red that follows them — would dominate the stadium, and in 1996 they opened up their home to Major League Soccer team the Kansas City Wizards , who played at Arrowhead through 2007.

As one of the first stadiums constructed after the AFL-NFL merger, Arrowhead was a leader in stadium design. It introduced the use of arrows on the yard markers at the goal line (which eventually became a requirement throughout the NFL) and was the first to be a part of the two-stadium Truman Sports Complex, which also includes Kauffman Stadium , home of the Kansas City Royals .

GEHA (pronounced G.E.H.A) acquired the naming rights to the stadium in March of 2021 and has a contractual length of 10 years.

Arrowhead Stadium is known for the substantial home-field advantage it gives the Chiefs. A 2013 game between the Chiefs and Raiders resulted in a Guinness World Record for loudest stadium, with a sustained noise level of 137.5 decibels. The Seahawks broke that record less than three months later, but fans of the Chiefs would not be denied, reclaiming the title on a Monday Night Football contest against the New England Patriots, climbing all the way to 142.2 decibels.

In 2010, a newly renovated and expanded Arrowhead Stadium was unveiled, featuring an improved seating arrangement and stunning new suites, plus impressive attractions like the 28,000-square-foot Hall of Honor and the Chiefs Sports Lab, an interactive exhibit promoting healthy living for kids of all ages. More upgrades followed in 2019, including a state-of-the-art scoreboard that can withstand even the brightest afternoon sun, and shiny new seats in the upper deck that come furnished with a game-watching necessity: cupholders. And don’t miss the dedicated drum deck just under the scoreboard for the Chiefs’ special pre-game drum ceremony.

Parking and Admission at Arrowhead Stadium

To park at the Truman Sports Complex and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs have a three-step plan. Step one is to purchase your parking passes in advance. It’s a requirement to purchase passes in advance, and cash will not be accepted at parking toll booths. Step two is to arrive early to avoid traffic and ensure you don’t miss any of the action. Arriving early also allows for tailgating before the game. Step three is to develop a game plan for your trip to Arrowhead Stadium. 

Parking lots open four and a half hours before kickoff, unless otherwise communicated by Chiefs personnel. Additionally, only one vehicle is allowed per parking space. Finally, guests may not stay in parking lots or loiter around the stadium during games or concerts. 

The Truman Sports Complex has seven gates. Gates 1-4 are accessible from Interstate 70, and gates five, six and seven are accessible from I-435. 

Arrowhead Stadium Bag Policy

The stadium has a clear bag policy, and bags other than a one-gallon clear zip seal bag or small clutches that are less than 4.5″ x 6.5″ will not be allowed. Exceptions can be made for necessary medical items after inspection. 

Arrowhead Stadium Capacity and Seating Options

In 2023, Arrowhead Stadium had a listed capacity of 76,416, making it the fourth-largest stadiums in the NFL. Arrowhead has two tiers of seating: the lower bowl and the upper bowl. The lower bowl consists of sections 101 to 136 and the upper bowl has sections 201 to 236, with each section split into subsections A and B. The upper bowl also houses box suites and club seating.

What are the best seats at Arrowhead Stadium?

The best seats at Arrowhead Stadium vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium seating charts  and find your favorite seat today.

Food and Beverage Options at Arrowhead Stadium

View this post on Instagram ‪It’s #NationalSandwichDay at #MINvsKC !!!! Here are some of our favorites that you can grab when gates open at 10:00 AM. #ChiefsKingdom #SundayFunday ‬ A post shared by ArrowheadEats (@arrowheadeats) on Nov 3, 2019 at 6:50am PST

Food and beverage options are available at concessions scattered throughout the stadium for Chiefs home games and concerts. As Kansas City is known for its barbeque, there’s no surprise it’s a signature dish at Chiefs games. Fans can get loaded barbeque fries or nachos, famous Kansas City burnt ends and sausage with cheese sauce. Head to the Hall of Honor’s BBQ Alley for a multitude of mouthwatering meats from local Kansas City brands, including Plowboys Barbeque (home to the American Royal Championship Brisket Sandwich) and Smoke Brewing Company (be sure to get their Loaded BBQ Fries).

Elsewhere, Mac Shack has every type of mac & cheese you can imagine, including bacon-jalapeño and a “BBQ Burnt End” version, while Chickie’s & Pete’s serves up their famous crabfries, The Coop offers guilt-free cauliflower wings and Peace Love & Waffles reimagines waffles as a BBQ essential. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to wash all those goodies down with a Stone Cold Jones Soda, a refreshing beverage created by KC Soda Co. and Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Other options in Arrowhead Stadium include Doritos Empanadas, KCDilla Quesadillas, burgers, chicken tenders and more. 

Alcohol is for sale in the form of beer, wine and cocktails. Only two beverages can be purchased at a time with a single I.D. Outside alcohol is not allowed inside the stadium. In select suites and club seating, all-inclusive drinks come with the purchase of a ticket. 

Prepare your ears and your stomachs: Kansas City ’s GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium not only attracts the NFL ’s noisiest fans, but offers some of the juiciest, finger-licking-est barbecue this side of the Mississippi. Home to the Kansas City Chiefs since 1972, Arrowhead has hosted numerous nail-biting games — both for the NFL and NCAA’s Big 12 Conference — and has also opened its doors to top music performers from U2 to Taylor Swift . It’s even landed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the loudest open-air stadium in the world. It can pack in a rowdy crowd of over 76,000, making it the sixth-largest NFL stadium. Visit GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for any Chiefs home game and you’ll quickly understand why fans lovingly call it the Sea of Red.

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Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium tour takes you close to the action

timtrudell Kansas City , Missouri 0

Len Dawson. Hank Stram. Lamar Hunt. Their names are there. High above the field at Arrowhead Stadium. They’re part of the Ring of Honor for former Kansas City Chiefs players, coaches and ownership. The Ring of Honor is one of the views visitors get when they take a tour of Arrowhead Stadium.

Two former Nebraska players have their name on the Ring – pro football Hall of Famer Will Shields and All-Pro Neil Smith.

We lucked out in getting to take a tour during the Chiefs’ off-week. Kansas City is fighting hard for a spot at the table come playoff time for The National Football League. But, their stadium is among the best in the 32-team league.

A statue memorializing the late Lamar Hunt stands outside the stadium. If it weren’t for men like Hunt, we may not have the NFL we do today. He, Bud Adams and a few others created the American Football league in the 1960s. The AFL became the only serious challenger to the NFL’s dominance of the game. The AFL was such a threat that the two leagues agreed to merge in 1970. The Chiefs became the last AFL team to win the Super Bowl (Super Bowl IV) before the merger.

Hunt was a brilliant football mind. He helped devise ways to improve the game. He created the name of the Super Bowl. It supposedly came about when one of his children was playing with a “Super Ball.” He also suggested the commissioner name the league title trophy after the late Vince Lombardi, who guided Green bay to the first two championships between the NFL and AFL.

Inside the stadium, fans are treated to impressive views. The field’s views are amazing from several locations. We checked out a few suites and party rooms. Looking at the stands, it doesn’t look like there’s a bad seat in the house.

The suites and party rooms (private or by invitation) were awesome. You can party like it’s 1970 (the Chiefs’ last NFL title).

If spending thousands of dollars a year isn’t in your budget, check out a co-op suite closer to the field. They’re decorated with murals of Chiefs players and coaches, as well as quotes or motivational words.

The tour offers a look at Game Day for the players. You can visit the locker room. Alex Smith (starting quarterback) has his locker decorated for our visit. The equipment inside isn’t his. It was put there for our tour. Who cares? His gear would be stored similarly.

People flocked to their favorite player’s locker for photo opportunities. I went with Erik Fisher, a lineman. That’s what I was when I played.

The locker room is impressive. As soon as you walk in, you know you’re in Chiefs’ territory.

The tunnel to the field has large photos of Chiefs’ history. Hank Stram and the team celebrating back in the day. Former Husker Will Shields setting up to block for his QB. Shields was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

I’m not sure many teams do better than the Chiefs’ Hall of Honor. It recognizes the history of the American Football League, the Chiefs and the National Football League.

The AFL history is highlighted with old gear, including the then-Boston Patriots (now known as New England). I always thought they had one of the best logos ever with the Patriot ready to snap the football.

The Denver Broncos classic horse jumping out of the D on the helmet was great, too.

We had a great time touring Arrowhead Stadium. And, by the way, their stadium is indeed loud. We had 25 people on our tour. We stood on the Chiefs’ sideline at the 50-yard marker and yelled “Chiefs.” The echo was deafening then. I can only imagine how loud Game Day truly is. We will have to find out one season and check out an actual game there.

The Kansas City Chiefs offer an impressive tour. We recommend checking it out or taking your football fan there.

For more information, please visit www.kcchiefs.com or www.visitkc.com .

Disclaimer : Thanks to the Kansas City visitors bureau for the complimentary tour tickets. However, all opinions and views are ours.

Tim Trudell

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Kansas City Chiefs Football Game Ticket at Arrowhead Stadium

• A mobile ticket sent to your smart phone
• A dedicated seat for the game (view varies by seat category)
• Game ticket for a Kansas City Chiefs NFL game
• Entry/Admission - GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
• Food and Drink
• Near public transportation
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

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• L2058OIsusank 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Problem with no email We purchased tickets through trip advisor but do not have access to our email, which is a problem as that is how tickets are sent to you. Management was very kind and gave us free tickets Read more Written August 29, 2023
• vacation12861458602 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good trip to Kansas City It was a fun time at the game they won we had great seats workers and all were very nice and helpful beautiful stadium! A little far from downtown we took Uber which worked out great and they had a concert after the game good time Read more Written August 1, 2023
• Getaway27254687418 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles KC awesome park This is a beautiful ballpark and if you haven’t been here put it on your priority list. The people are so friendly and they make you feel at home. I personally loved and definitely will come back for more games it doesn’t matter who they are playing. Read more Written June 29, 2023

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Kansas City Chiefs Football Game Ticket at Arrowhead Stadium provided by Sports Where I Am

Arrowhead Stadium

• Tour Attractions

Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium Pixabay Public Domain

Home to NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City is the loudest, and perhaps proudest, stadium in the NFL world!

Arrowhead was completed in 1972, this open-air stadium not only hosting AFC's Kansas City Chiefs but also several major musical events each year. The stadium is located right off of I70 next to the Royal's Kauffman Stadium . There is a maximum capacity of right around 76,500 people here, making it the 6th largest stadium  in the NFL.

The Kansas City Chiefs were founded in 1960 by Lamar Hunt, and have since seen 3 AFL Championship wins (1962, 1966, 1969), as well as a Superbowl win in 1970 against the Minnesota Vikings (Superbowl IV).

During your group visit to the stadium you will either take a stadium tour, all the different options listed below, or if you are lucky, enjoy an exciting game live!

• Public/Private Guided Tour - 90 minutes jam-packed full of KC Chief's sights including the press box, club level, locker room, field, and Hall of Honor. This tour departs from the Stadium Pro Shop.
• Game Day Tour - 60 minutes including the press box, Hall of Honor, and 20 minutes on the sidelines during pre-game activities.
• Art Collection Tour - Spend 60 minutes exploring the world-class art collection on the club level, the spread featuring 37 pieces by regional artists. There are educational programs to look into with this tour/the collection in general.
• Boy/Girl Scout Tour - Tour the stadium and Chiefs Sports Lab, the center of NFL's Play 60 Initiative here in Kansas City. There are educational opportunities abound, as well as chances to earn patches.

During a game or game day visit your group can grab a bite to eat at any of the many onsite eateries, most featuring legendary KC BBQ, such as BBQ Alley, Plowboys Barbeque (our personal favorite choice), Smoke Brewing, Mac Shack, Gridiron Grill, and local favorite Sheridan's Frozen Custard (plus many more options). You can also shop for team gear and souvenirs at any of the Chiefs Pro Shop locations onsite.

Written by Danielle

View all posts by: Danielle

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Kansas City ballot measure for new Royals stadium, Chiefs renovations fails hard at polls

A ballot measure that would have helped fund a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals and renovations for the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium failed Tuesday.

Question 1 in Jackson County failed to pass by a margin of 58% to 42%, with 56,606 voting yes and 78,352 voting no, per the Kansas City Star . The measure would've extended a 3/8-cent sales tax for 40 years to help cover a proposed $1.3 billion stadium for the Royals and an $800 million renovation of Arrowhead Stadium.

Instead, both teams will go back to the drawing board as they figure out their futures in Kansas City.

Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas said he looked forward to working with the Chiefs and Royals on a new plan.

Over the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Chiefs and Royals to build a stronger, more open, and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come. — Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) April 3, 2024

The Royals also acknowledged the voters' decision, releasing a statement from team owner John Sherman that said the team would "reflect on and process the outcome."

A statement from John Sherman regarding today's Jackson County election: pic.twitter.com/t85qx0Cwfh — Kansas City Royals (@Royals) April 3, 2024

Less than two months earlier, the Royals unveiled plans for a new stadium in downtown Kansas City's East Crossroads neighborhood . The team currently plays at Kauffman Stadium, which is MLB's sixth-oldest stadium, having opening in 1973, and is located across the street from Arrowhead Stadium.

The planning process has been fluid since the reveal, with the team saying it would change from its plan to close Oak Street just last week. That clearly wasn't enough for voters, and now the team might have to change plans even more.

We are excited to share our vision for the future of Royals baseball in the heart of Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/1t2Wcumyoa — Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 13, 2024

The Royals and Chiefs pushed hard for the passage of this tax, combining to spend more than $3 million via The Committee to Keep the Chiefs and Royals in Jackson County.

Usually, a request for public money comes with the explicit or implicit threat that the team could leave town if it doesn't get what it wants ( e.g. the Royals' division rivals ). Neither team has gone that far, though, and both have leases that will keep them in their stadiums through at least 2031. If a move were to come, crossing the state line from Missouri to Kansas would be the natural choice.

It's worth noting Sherman is a Kansas City native and has signaled he isn't interested in leaving the Kansas City area.

Voters were reportedly turned away for wearing Chiefs, Royals gear

One odd quirk of voting Tuesday came via reports that voters were being turned away from the polls for wearing Chiefs and Royals gear. The Committee to Keep the Chiefs and Royals in Jackson County released a statement midway through voting noting that such actions were illegal :

"We are disturbed and disappointed to hear reports of voters being turned away at the polls for wearing Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals licensed gear. This is a clear violation of both Kansas City and Jackson County voter laws. While poll workers are prohibited from wearing Chiefs and Royals licensed gear, voters are within their rights to wear team logos when they go to the polls."

It's unclear how many voters were turned away or told to change, but it probably wasn't enough to explain a 21,746-voter margin.

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Voters Reject Tax to Fund Stadiums for Chiefs, Royals

The funds would have been used to renovate Kansas City’s NFL stadium and build a new downtown ballpark for the city’s MLB team.

• Author: Dan Gartland

In this story:

Voters in Jackson County , Mo., overwhelmingly rejected a proposed sales tax measure on Tuesday that would have been used to help fund stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals .

The ballot measure would have repealed the three-eighths of a cent sales tax in the county that had initially been approved by voters in 2006 to fund renovations to both stadiums and replaced it with an identical tax that would have been in place for the next 40 years. (The tax is currently set to expire in 2031.) If approved, the funds would have been used to fund a renovation of Arrowhead Stadium and build a new ballpark for the Royals in Downtown Kansas City’s Crossroads district, near the city’s 19,000-seat T-Mobile Center.

Jackson County residents voted decisively to reject the tax, with 58% of voters rejecting the plan.

The Chiefs announced plans in February for an $800 million renovation to the 52-year-old stadium, with the team pledging $300 million to the effort. The remaining $500 million was intended to be funded by taxpayers.

“We would not be willing to sign a lease for another 25 years without the financing to properly renovate and reimagine the stadium,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said at the time . “So the financing puzzle is very important to us to make sure we have enough funds to do everything we've outlined.”

The Royals’, whose current home, Kauffman Stadium, is located adjacent to Arrowhead in the Truman Sports Complex about seven miles east of downtown, announced their plans for a new stadium two weeks before the Chiefs revealed their proposed renovation. The new baseball stadium would be the center of a $2 billion ballpark district, with Royals ownership pledging to contribute about $1 billion to the effort.

With the tax having been rejected, the status of both projects is in question. In an interview last month with Kansas City NBC affiliate KSHB, Chiefs president Mark Donovan said the team “would just have to look at all our options” if voters rejected the plan and that those options “would have to include leaving Kansas City.”

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In sports-crazed Kansas City, a proposed stadium tax exposes deep divisions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In 1969, when Kansas City faced a funding gap for local summer programs, Ewing Kauffman came to the rescue. The pharmaceutical magnate had started the Royals that year as an expansion franchise, giving the city a new baseball team after the Athletics had jilted the town for Oakland.

Kauffman announced a partnership with the YMCA to fund baseball and softball teams, a choral group and other programs for inner-city high school kids. When a friend told Denise Brown, then a teenager on the city’s East Side, that kids in the programs received free tickets, Brown joined the drill team. She performed at Municipal Stadium between doubleheaders and became a fan for life.

Yet on March 19, she disrupted Royals brass at a listening session at Arrowhead Stadium wearing the colors of an opposing team: the yellow and black of KC Tenants, an influential 10,000-member tenants rights and housing advocacy group. “In this crowd, people want to know,” she asked, “why should us working people subsidize billionaires?”

On Tuesday, the Royals and Chiefs are asking residents of Jackson County, Mo., which includes much of the Kansas City metro area and the stadium complex that houses the teams, to vote on a sales tax that would pay for a new downtown baseball stadium and for renovations at Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs play. The teams have poured $3 million into a campaign committee supporting the tax, and John Sherman, the majority owner of the Royals, was knocking on doors on a recent Saturday to get out the vote. At the end of a pro-stadiums ad, Patrick Mahomes makes an appeal to Kansas Citians: “Let’s keep this rolling,” he says. Who could say no to a two-time MVP with three Super Bowl rings?

But in late March, local TV stations reported a poll indicating voters favored the stadium tax by just one percentage point, with 7 percent of voters undecided. The path to the election has revealed class divisions, ignited complaints about property values and opened rifts between jocks and artists. It underscores how public financing plans are facing new headwinds as pro sports franchises across the country consider new stadiums or upgrades. Diverse political groups, skeptical of how much cities benefit from investing tax dollars in sports franchises, have demanded accountability from teams and mounted organized resistance campaigns.

For opponents, the vote is about more than the stadiums. It’s about whom Kansas City is for.

THAT THE TEAMS COULD face rejection seemed remote when the Royals started publicly discussing a downtown stadium in 2021. But problems mounted as negotiations stalled between the team and Jackson County executive Frank White (D), who has a complicated history with the Royals: He was a second baseman on the 1985 World Series championship team, he is a member of the team’s Hall of Fame, and he worked in the broadcast booth before being let go in 2011 .

In 2006, voters in Jackson County approved a sales tax of three-eighths of a cent to fund work on the current stadiums through 2031. Last summer, to help fund the new ballpark and the Arrowhead improvements, the Royals proposed a 40-year deal for a sales tax of three-eighths of a cent, and they say White delayed negotiations. White told The Washington Post he was trying to get a better deal for the county.

Ultimately, the Royals and Chiefs began to negotiate with county legislators, who voted, 7-2, in January to override a veto from White and put a stadium question on the April ballot. Manny Abarca, a Democratic legislator who has helped lead negotiations, called the process “challenging, obstructed and backwards,” laying blame on White.

In the upcoming election, voters will be asked to repeal the 2006 tax and pay a sales tax of three-eighths of a cent for 40 years, which would total about $2 billion, to partially fund a new baseball stadium and renovate Arrowhead. But when the terms of the ballot question were finalized in January, the scope of the construction plans the tax would finance remained murky. The Royals didn’t announce a location for their stadium and a possible entertainment district until Feb. 13, when they described a site in the artsy Crossroads neighborhood downtown. And the Chiefs didn’t share plans for their renovation until Feb. 28.

Even so, the tax garnered support from unions representing stadium workers, business leaders and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas (D), who said quality venues and events mattered for Kansas City’s “bottom line,” helping the city fund “all the issues we have each and every day.” (Last week, along with Crossroads residents, Lucas convinced the team to reduce the stadium’s planned footprint.) Opponents include Kauffman Stadium nostalgists and the Committee Against New Royals Stadium Taxes , which was concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the contract that would guarantee the teams stay in Jackson County.

Crossroads residents contend the Royals didn’t adequately communicate their plan, and they fear the stadium will cause rents to spike and spoil the neighborhood’s vibe — “diluting and probably displacing … that art community and that artisan community,” said Rick Johnson, who has played music in the Crossroads for decades.

The teams also didn’t release county community benefits agreements until late March.

To city councilman Johnathan Duncan, the entire process has lacked transparency. In his office on the 22nd floor of city hall, he pointed to a document regarding changes to a running trail. The approximately $2 million project would mostly affect a tennis court and parking lot. After four public meetings and hours of private meetings with affected residents, Duncan said, he and the other council member in his district were still seeking consensus. “That’s the level of public engagement we do,” he said, contrasting it with the stadium plans.

“In my view, [the teams] consider themselves a public good and a foregone conclusion that the people are going to see them that way,” he added. “And I think they’re facing a very strong reality that times are different.”

BROWN, A RETIRED TEACHER, still feels at home in Kansas City. But over the past few years, her rent increased beyond her pension’s cost-of-living adjustment, beyond what she was willing to pay. She has been living with a friend while looking for something better.

It wasn’t always like this. The National Association of Home Builders declared Kansas City the most affordable metro area in the country in 1995. In the past few years, Kansas City has ranked between 77th and 122nd on the list. It has an affordable housing deficit of 64,000 units , and last summer a Rent.com study found it had the highest year-over-year rent increase of any large metro in the country.

The situation gave rise to groups such as KC Tenants, Stand Up KC and the Heartland Center for Jobs and Freedom. KC Tenants’ members, diverse in age and class, have shown up to council meetings and hearings for developers seeking tax incentives in large numbers — usually in matching yellow T-shirts with a bull logo. In 2022, their voter outreach helped the city pass a bond measure to deposit $50 million into an affordable housing fund. In 2023, several candidates they endorsed won election to the city council, including Duncan, a KC Tenants member.

But the group’s core function, University of Missouri Kansas City sociology professor Michelle Smirnova said, is organizing renters who face rent hikes or unacceptable living conditions, bringing community to people who would otherwise be isolated. “When something comes up that [KC Tenants] have identified as harming some of their base, they’re able to mobilize really quickly because they have these long-standing, enduring relationships,” she said.

More than a year ago, the Royals reached out to KC Tenants and other groups, seeking to establish a dialogue about community benefits agreements for the proposed stadium. But serious negotiations didn’t start until the past few weeks. In late March, the teams agreed to spend about $260 million in the community over the next 40 years. Some groups, concerned about rents rising near the stadium, left the negotiating table, frustrated by the teams’ unwillingness to respond to specific requests and guarantee an allotment of funding for affordable housing. One community member involved in the negotiations said the groups’ exodus pressured the teams to commit more than they originally wanted.

“The Royals can’t solve every problem, and they don’t have unlimited money,” said Sly James, a former Kansas City mayor hired by the political committee supporting the Royals and Chiefs. “And so they come up with enough money to do some good things and try to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Tara Raghuveer, a co-founder of KC Tenants, said she started meeting casually with Royals staff more than a year ago. In late January, the groups met for a formal session. The Tenants said they asked about the stadium’s location, how public funding would be used and why the Royals needed it. They said team officials didn’t provide specific answers.

The Royals said they tried to engage with the Tenants but the group didn’t answer their questions and, after requesting a meeting with Sherman, later declined it. (Raghuveer said the date offered, in late March, was too close to the election.) The sides stopped communicating, and the Tenants did not send a proposal with requests or demands for the community benefits agreement. They believed the Royals were not being transparent.

“It’s just a very basic rule of negotiation that you have to have accurate and complete information about what the other side is working with before a negotiation can be real, before it can be done in good faith,” Raghuveer said. “If you don’t have that information from the jump, it’s a bad faith negotiation.”

In February, the Tenants voted to oppose the ballot measure. They questioned why Kansas City taxpayers — who have subsidized professional sports since the middle of the 20th century, part of the estimated $33 billion of public money spent on North American stadiums from 1970 to 2020 — should fund the stadium construction. The Royals and Chiefs say they each generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars per year. If the new tax passes, they have promised to spend hundreds of millions on the stadiums, plus cover insurance costs and return a park levy they have collected for decades, giving millions more per year to the county.

But the Tenants have stressed that past circumstances shouldn’t dictate the future. “To us, organizing is about changing the conditions of what is possible,” said Magda Werkmeister, a member of the group.

After voting on their position, the Tenants started to organize: canvassing on Saturdays, convening two forums last week to hear how Kansas Citians envisioned their city, interrupting stadium listening sessions and unveiling a “Vote No” banner on Opening Day at Kauffman Stadium. The group also circulated a TV ad, part of $125,000 it’s spending on the campaign, and mailed roughly 55,000 “Vote No” postcards.

James described the Tenants’ opposition as “unfortunate” and said they hadn’t done anything to improve the deal for their members. But he said they have had a positive impact on Kansas City in the past few years.

“But being positive doesn’t mean that everything you do, say and want is accurate or doable,” James said.

IN LATE MARCH, a city obsessed with the on-field showings of the Royals and Chiefs shifted its focus to the ballot question. Abarca, the county legislator, held a public meeting to display the community benefits agreements. A bar in the Crossroads hosted musicians, artists and an esteemed chef to elegize the neighborhood. Sherman discussed the stadium plan in the 18th and Vine jazz district.

In late 2022, he said at a listening session that the Royals wouldn’t leave Kansas City, Mo. But last week both teams stressed relocation was possible in an open letter from their campaign group to Jackson County legislators.

Kansas City most recently lost a major sports franchise, the NBA’s Kings, in 1985. Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission, was a high-schooler and performed in the Kings’ pep band. She doesn’t want to feel that sting again and see the city lose economic strength and a major part of its identity.

“We can go overseas now, and if you wear a KC shirt, they know what Kansas City is,” Nelson said. “And it’s not because — and I love to read — it’s not because of our library. It’s because our sports teams have put us on the map.”

Brown is less concerned about losing teams. She wouldn’t be surprised if they just crossed into Kansas. Another member of KC Tenants, Justin Stein, thinks they’re bluffing. “I think any decision about how to use public money that is based on and grounded in fear and manipulation is going to be a bad decision,” he said.

In February, Stein helped organize a group of tenants at a building where most residents live off Social Security. When the group first posed for a photo to commemorate the union at a nearby community center, it didn’t feel right. They were preparing to confront their property management and wanted to display strength. So somebody grabbed a cardboard cutout of Mahomes, adding an MVP to the group.

“I think that shows folks really do love their sports teams,” Stein said. “And everybody that I’m talking to still doesn’t like the idea of the sales tax.”

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Chiefs lose stadium renovation vote, leaving their future in doubt

• Charean Williams ,
• Charean Williams

Jackson County voters rejected a sales tax to pay to renovate Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs and build a new stadium for the Royals.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas released a statement after the measure failed 78,352 to 56,606, per KMBC.

“Over the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Chiefs and the Royals to build a stronger, more open, and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come,” Lucas wrote on social media.

Chiefs team president Mark Donovan threatened the team could leave if the measure didn’t pass. It could have been an attempt merely to scare voters into extending the 3/8th cent stadium sales tax.

It didn’t work, though, and now the Chiefs’ future really is in doubt.

“We respect the process. We respect the decision of the Jackson County voters,” Donovan said in a prepared statement Tuesday night. “We’re disappointed. We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We were ready to extend the longstanding partnership that the teams have enjoyed with this county. This is important. . . . We will do and look to do what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward.”

Voters reject sales tax for Chiefs, Royals stadium projects, raising questions about future in KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a resounding manner Tuesday, the voters in Jackson County, Mo., rejected to approve an extension of the three-eighths-cent sales tax on a ballot initiative to ensure the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs remain in the county for at least the next 25 years.

Before 9 p.m. CT, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas used his X account to announce that the vote didn’t pass.

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Less than an hour later, the Royals and Chiefs acknowledged their defeat was by an overwhelming margin. At 10 p.m. CT, 100 percent of the votes were counted — 78,352 voting no (58 percent) and 56,606 voting yes (42 percent).

“We respect the democratic process, we respect the voters of Jackson County and the results of the election,” John Sherman, the Royals’ new owner, said Tuesday night. “We’re deeply disappointed, as we are steadfast in our belief that Jackson County is far better off with the Chiefs and the Royals. This is a belief I both hold professionally and personally, as someone whose roots run deep in this town.

“We will take some time to reflect on and process the outcome and find a path forward that works for the Royals and our fans.”

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For more than two years, Sherman has wanted to build a downtown stadium in Kansas City, one that would ideally be opened by the 2028 season. Leading up to Tuesday’s vote, the Chiefs expressed their commitment to staying in the Truman Sports Complex, which is where the venues for the two teams have been since 1973. The teams are in the middle of sharing a lease that runs through Jan. 31, 2031.

But based on Tuesday’s results, the long-term future of both teams, and where the Royals and Chiefs will host their home games, are unclear.

“The people of Kansas City and Jackson County love the Chiefs and the Royals,” Lucas wrote on his X account. “Today, they rejected plans and processes they found inadequate. Over the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Chiefs and Royals to build a stronger, more open, and collaborative process that will ensure the teams, their events and investments remain in Kansas City for generations to come.”

If the voters had approved the extension of the sales tax, that money would’ve generated about $2 billion, a sizable portion that would’ve helped fund a state-of-the-art baseball stadium and several renovations to Arrowhead Stadium, a 52-year-old structure that will be one of the host sites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When the terms of the ballot question were finalized in January, the construction plans the tax would finance weren’t finalized.

This past fall, the Royals announced two potential locations for their ballpark district: One east of downtown and the other in Clay County, Mo., across the Missouri River. The Royals, though, failed to meet their own deadline to finalize their top location. On Feb. 13, The Royals announced a different location for their new stadium — and a possible entertainment district — in the Crossroads district. The Chiefs shared their plans for Arrowhead’s renovations — changes that would enhance suites, video boards and club lounges — on Feb. 28.

Days ahead of the vote, Sherman said the Royals would pledge at least $1 billion from their ownership group for their project. Arrowhead’s projected renovations were expected to cost $800 million. Chiefs team owner Clark Hunt said he and his family would contribute $300 million.

“Our focus and our belief is that the voters are going to approve the extension of the sales tax,” Hunt told The Athletic last week during the NFL owners’ meetings. “We’re not focused on what happens if it doesn’t pass. But certainly, we’ll have to consider all of our alternatives.”

Last month, the Chiefs and Royals reached community benefits agreements with the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority, which included more than $260 million in support and more than $200 million in economic relief for the county by eliminating the obligation to pay stadium insurance premiums and park levy to the teams.

Several leaders in the city and county, however, felt the financial commitments from the Royals and Chiefs weren’t enough. Jackson County executive Frank White, who is in the Royals Hall of Fame, never fully agreed to the proposal. KC Tenants, a tenants’ rights and housing advocacy group that has 10,000 members, also campaigned against the proposal, urging voters to reject the extension by stressing that taxpayers would pay too large of a percentage to help build a new ballpark and further modernize Arrowhead.

“Two billion dollars in taxpayers money, man, could do a hell of a lot to develop our community,” Michael Savwoir, one of the union leaders with KC Tenants, told Kansas City television station Fox4 on Tuesday night. “The billionaires don’t finance my follies. Why should I finance theirs? I think we can all agree it was a pretty shabby job of selling anything, pretty shabby in terms of how it was delivered — the message, the deceit, the strong-arming and the extortion.”

Sherman has said multiple times that the Royals’ last possible season playing inside Kauffman Stadium, which opened in 1973, will be the 2030 season. Prior to Tuesday’s election, Sherman and Clark each said they didn’t have a plan B if the extension of the sales tax wasn’t passed. If the Royals are unable to move to a new downtown stadium before 2030, one possible outcome is that the franchise could leave Kansas City altogether for another market willing to build a new ballpark.

In 2032, the Chiefs could be playing in front of their fans in Kansas, as developers from across the state line have sent the team proposals in the past few years. In those discussions, developers have recommended multiple sites that are attractive for a state-of-the-art NFL stadium and training facility. A logical destination could be in Kansas City, Kan., near the Kansas Speedway and Children’s Mercy Park, the home venue of Sporting Kansas City.

“We’re disappointed,” Chiefs team president Mark Donovan said Tuesday night. “We feel we put forth the best offer for Jackson County. We were ready to extend the longstanding partnership the teams have enjoyed with this county.

“We will do, and look to do, what is in the best interest of our fans and our organization as we move forward.”

Tim Smith, the campaign manager for the Committee Against New Royals stadium Taxes, celebrated the result of the election by praising voters who demand more from the Royals and Chiefs.

“The people all across Jackson County, no matter what their political persuasion was, took a chance to fight Goliath,” Smith told Fox4. “I’m happy to report we slayed Goliath tonight. This is the message to the billionaires that regular people still matter.”

Required reading

• Chiefs, Royals reiterate commitment to Jackson County in joint statement

(Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

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Nate Taylor has been a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Kansas City Chiefs since 2018. Before that, he covered the Indiana Pacers at The Indianapolis Star for two years. He has also been a sports features writer for The New York Times and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A Kansas City native, he graduated from the University of Central Missouri. Follow Nate on Twitter @ ByNateTaylor