Arrowhead parking lots will open earlier for Chiefs-Steelers playoff game

[ UPDATE: The NFL has changed the kickoff time to 7:20 p.m. New gate times are in this updated story. ]

Fans hoping to revel before the Chiefs’ first home playoff game since 2010 will have more time to do so.

On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Arrowhead Stadium parking lots will open at 6:30 a.m. for the Chiefs’ 12:05 p.m. AFC Divisional playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Parking lots typically open four hours before a Chiefs home kickoff. Gates to the stadium will open at 10 a.m.

From 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., fans will be allowed to “open park” in any approved grass areas or lots C, D, F,G and the perimeter of Lot N, as long as it matches their parking pass. Starting at 7:30 a.m., fans will be directed to the next available spot.

Parking passes can be purchased at chiefs.com/parking. They are $35 in advance. Cash parking will be $60.

“I don’t want anybody to pay $60 to park here,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said. “Buy in advance. The reality is we’re creating the incentive so that people can get through the gates quicker so that we can process them, and that impacts the majority of the fans. That person who comes up and try to pay for parking creates a delay. If we can eliminate that through passes, we’re going to incentivize you to do that.”

Donovan also warned fans not to hand cash to anyone outside of the Truman Sports Complex parking booths on Sunday. Apparently people not affiliated with the Chiefs have been collecting money from people in vehicles who are line to get in.

“You will not be asked for cash until you get to a tollbooth,” Donovan said. “So if someone asks you for cash before you’re at a tollbooth, do not pay them cash.” 

This story was originally published January 4, 2017 at 2:11 PM with the headline "Arrowhead parking lots will open earlier for Chiefs-Steelers playoff game."