A Kansas City Chiefs game day is something any football fan should experience live at least once in his or her life. After all, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is known for its legendary tailgating and welcoming atmosphere. Moreover, it’s one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
To make sure you get the full experience of a Chiefs home game this season, we’ve put together this Kansas City Chiefs game day guide complete with everything you need to know.
Attending an Arrowhead Stadium Chiefs game
The Chiefs are six-time reigning AFC West champions and 2020 and 2023 Super Bowl champs. During the 2022 regular season, Chiefs welcomed fans into Arrowhead Stadium eight times, beginning with their Week 2 home opener on Sept. 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Keep in mind — Missouri sports betting has yet to launch. So if you’re looking to place a wager on the Chiefs, you’ll have to visit the Kansas side of the river before kickoff.
Once you’re ready to head to the game, directions are fairly straightforward. Arrowhead Stadium sits about 15 minutes east of downtown Kansas City within the Truman Sports Complex and is visible off I-70. The complex, which also houses the Royals’ Kauffman Stadium, features ample parking for events.
Arrowhead Stadium parking & tailgating
Fans can secure a parking pass ($47) within the Truman Sports Complex in advance of the game. Gates open 4.5 hours before kickoff; so to avoid traffic, attendees should arrive as early as possible. Arriving early allows you plenty of time to settle into your seat ahead of kickoff. It also lends time for some beloved Chiefs tailgating.
With such ample parking onsite, tailgating has been a Chiefs tradition for decades. Canopies stretch throughout the parking lots, with cookouts and pre-game celebrations taking place as far as the eye can see.
Fans can either come prepared with enough game-day grub to share with fellow tailgaters, or find a sponsored tent and pay for a generous plate of barbecue and fixins.
Handicap accessible parking is also available throughout the premises. All lots except Premium Lots E and M have parking for those with corresponding legal plates or placards.
Kansas City hotel & lodging options
Kansas City’s reputation as a football town remains strong, meaning many game-goers aren’t necessarily K.C. natives. Those traveling from out of town can find three hotels located just outside the stadium:
- Best Western Premier Kansas City Sports Complex
- Hotel Lotus Kansas City Stadium
- WoodSpring Suites Kansas City Stadium
Downtown Kansas City offers additional hotels, as does the Kansas side across the river.
Those looking to do some sports betting on a Chiefs game can benefit from a lodging option situated in Kansas rather than in Missouri. The city of Overland Park — located just southwest of Kansas City — is a 30-minute drive to the stadium and offers multiple lodging options and sightseeing opportunities.
Kansas City Chiefs 2023 home schedule
Chiefs fans had numerous opportunities to catch their team at home during the NFL regular season. Once the 2023 season rolls around, those opportunities will abound once more.
Here’s a rundown of this coming season’s Kansas City home games at Arrowhead Stadium:
| Date | Day | Time (CDT and CST) | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 7 | Thursday | 7:20 p.m. | Detroit Lions |
| Sept. 24 | Sunday | 3:25 p.m. | Chicago Bears |
| Oct. 12 | Thursday | 7:15 p.m. | Denver Broncos |
| Oct. 22 | Sunday | 3:25 p.m. | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Nov. 20 | Monday | 7:15 p.m. | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Dec. 10 | Sunday | 3:25 p.m. | Buffalo Bills |
| Dec. 25 | Monday | Noon | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Dec. 31 | Sunday | 3:25 p.m. | Cincinnati Bengals |
Choosing the perfect Chiefs home game seats
Arrowhead is a loud, loud place. The closer to the field you are, the more that noise reverberates. The last few rows of the lower bowl (100 Level) have shade, as do some seats in the club section (200 Level). The rest of the stadium is exposed to the elements.
If you want to sit on the Chiefs sideline, look for tickets between Sections 118-120. For the visitors, sit in Sections 101, 102 or 136.
For some of the best views, consider a seat in the middle of 100 Level or in one of the first few rows of the upper 300 Level. Otherwise, the stadium’s upper deck is one of the largest in football, and you may quickly find yourself escalating to the top of the stadium.
The east half of the stadium remains sunny during games — a handy perk for day games as the weather gets colder. These seats include Sections 114-124 in the lower bowl and 318-330 up top.
If you do arrive early, take a few minutes to go peruse the stadium’s unique design from the top of either endzone before the game.
Know before you go: Arrowhead Stadium rules
The following list outlines some of Arrowhead Stadium’s game day policies:
- Gates open two two hours before kickoff.
- Outside alcohol of any kind is not allowed.
- Autograph requests will not be honored as a team policy. You can join the Chiefs Kingdom Rewards to try and earn autographed memorabilia.
- The NFL’s clear bag policy is in effect. Fans can possess a 4.5-inch by 6.5-inch clutch bag or a single one-gallon clear bag.
- Cell phones are allowed, but taking videos is prohibited. Selfie sticks are also prohibited.
- Tablets and iPads smaller than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches are okay; laptop computers are prohibited.
- Guests who use profanity will be asked to leave the stadium without a refund.
- Re-entry into the stadium is prohibited.
Make sure to reference Arrowhead Stadium’s complete policy and regulation list to make sure all your game day items are permitted.
Grabbing grub at Arrowhead
As mentioned above, tailgating is a big deal at Chiefs games Get there early and fill yourself up on barbecue. That’s the best food option at Arrowhead.
If you get hungry again inside though, the stadium features several standard fare options like Burger Kitchen, Eat Drink Taco, Slice and Tailgaters. If you want more BBQ, Buck Tui is at your fingertips.
There are also elevated options, which include Cowtown Burgers, Connected Concepts, Mac Shack and Jon Dough Pizza Co. Several locations throughout the stadium also serve vegetarian and gluten-free burgers, dogs and pizza.
The Chiefs app provides a complete list of the stadium’s amenities. It is available for download on all mobile devices.
While you’re there, grab BBQ in the city
Lastly, no trip to Kansas City is complete without a BBQ experience somewhere in the city. Everybody in town has their preference, which speaks to the number of excellent choices.
Joe’s KC, Q39, Arthur Bryants, Jack Stack and Harp are a few to look into, but you really can’t go wrong taking anyone’s recommendation. As long as they’re from Kansas City.
