Tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium this season? KC Chiefs fans have a new rule to follow
Longtime tailgaters at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium have a new rule to adjust to for the 2024 season.
Fans can no longer “reserve” parking spots at the stadium by walking to their preferred destination and setting up a grill or traffic cone, according to a new stadium policy.
“Unauthorized vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited from accessing the Truman Sports Complex until parking gates have opened on event day, which includes guests attempting to set up tailgate equipment or designate a parking/tailgate spot prior to gates opening,” the Chiefs’ website says.
Many fans would line up in their cars at the parking lot gates hours before it opened. The parking lot opens 4 1/2 hours before kickoff on game day.
So gates would open at 7:30 a.m. for a game that starts at noon. For a night game that starts at 7:20 p.m., like the Chiefs’ NFL Kickoff opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5, the parking lot will open at 2:50 p.m.
While it’s not against the stadium policy to continue to line up early, fans can’t leave their cars and walk onto stadium property. Officials with the Chiefs did not respond to emails Monday afternoon when asked what led to the rule change.
What else should fans know before parking at Arrowhead?
Other than not allowing fans to walk through the gates before it opens, rules for parking at Arrowhead Stadium haven’t changed:
- Only one vehicle allowed per parking space.
- Parking lots open 4 1/2 hours prior to kickoff unless the Chiefs say otherwise.
- Access to the Truman Sports Complex is for fans with game tickets only. Team staff can check tickets at any time.
- Guests cannot stay in the parking lots or outside of the stadium during games. Once the game starts, you have to go inside the stadium or leave the parking lot.
Grills, foods and beverages are allowed in the parking lot, but you can’t bring those inside the stadium. Offensive signs, banners or other displays, including the Confederate Flag, are prohibited, according to stadium policy.
Your total tailgate space is limited to 8 feet behind your parking space.
Parking passes cost $50 before fees for each game and can be bought on Ticketmaster.
If you’re going with a big group and have a bus or RV rented out, passes for each night cost $120. You enter through Gate 1 at Blue Ridge Cutoff or Gate 7 at Stadium Drive.
Buses will park on the north side of Dubiner Circle. Purchase your bus pass for either show here.
If you’re getting dropped off, Arrowhead Stadium has designated spots for Uber, Lyft, Z-Trip, IRIS or other services at the Missouri Welcome Center located between Gates J and 2 on Blue Ridge Cutoff.
