Chiefs vs. Royals: Here’s how KC fans viewed their Super Bowl and World Series parades
You had to fight. For your right. To parade, Kansas City.
Through the pre-dawn chill and the predictable traffic and the predicted, but largely no-show snow, you came, by the hundreds of thousands, to celebrate this city’s first world championship since the Royals’ World Series win in 2015 — and the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl victory or even appearance in 50 years.
So, we have to ask, because, you know, journalists are always keeping score: Which parade was better?
We queried 14 fans who went to both — and while each parade held its own merits, the Chiefs won this contest over the Royals, 7 to 3, with four ties.
Upon further review, the Chiefs had a few unfair advantages. Their fanfare was obviously in the moment, and that’s always an edge. Several spectators also mentioned the greater emotional intensity that NFL football arouses.
And then there’s the 50-year buildup, which was the deciding factor for some we talked with.
“Chiefs football, man! Fifty years vs. 30,” said Emily Tobin, referring to the gaps between Chiefs’ and Royals’ championships respectively.
“I would say the Chiefs’ was better,” said Kelsey Pederson. “First of all, the confetti. But the spirit and commitment of the fans really showed up today. It’s been 50 years — we’ve got to make up for 50 years!”
“I’ve got to go with the Chiefs’ just because it’s been 50 years in the making,” added Kathy Bledsoe.
Another key to the parade game is the city’s organizational skill, and the Chiefs no doubt benefited from going second. Glitches that emerged in the Royals parade were smoothed out this time around, and city officials and police executed at a high level Wednesday, allowing fans to get in and out of downtown with relative ease.
“This was, I think, a little more organized. I think they learned a lot of good lessons from the first one,” fan Joel Buchmueller said.
“Definitely a lot more people here, but it was way more organized for this parade,” added Brett Palmer. “Absolutely more organized.” Who won the battle of the parades? “The Chiefs, obviously,” Palmer said. “I love the Royals, don’t get me wrong.”
Like several others, Kirk Lakebrink called the parades a tie, and happily so. “I always have a great time celebrating my city,” he said. “We’re all winners here. I’ve never been more proud of downtown’s atmosphere.”
Then again, your view of the two parades depended in large part on — well, your view. The mild-weather mass of fans in front of Union Station for the Royals’ rally was a dealbreaker for Ron Rhynerson: “It was packed. It was too packed for us. We couldn’t move. There was just no elbow room.”
“It wasn’t too crazy,” Darius Boyd said of the Chiefs’ parade experience. “We were only like four or five rows back, and we just walked right up and got there. It was a pretty good view. I’m glad they were up on double decker buses instead of little pickup trucks this time.”
Ah, but those pickups in the Royals parade included the names of the player or coach on the side — so fans knew they were cheering on replay coach Bill Duplissea. While the Chiefs’ superstars are easily recognizable, some fans would have liked some help identifying the others.
It even mattered which side of the bus the players were on.
“If Pat Mahomes had gone to the left side instead of the right side, it would’ve been a lot more awesome,” smiled Tobin.
Seeing the Chiefs’ players better, a la the Royals’ pickup trucks, would have enhanced the parade experience Wednesday, agreed Michael Lowderman.
“The reason I tell you this is, there’s going to be more Super Bowl parades and I want them to be better,” he said.
We can think of several hundred thousand parade-goers who hope he’s right.
This story was originally published February 5, 2020 at 4:39 PM.