Super Bowl-champ Chiefs expect ‘reduced capacity’ at Arrowhead. What that means for you
The Chiefs will open the season by celebrating their Super Bowl championship, but Arrowhead Stadium won’t be filled to the brim.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chiefs said Wednesday they expect guidelines are coming from the NFL about stadium configuration changes and reduced capacity. It means not all of the 76,416 seats will be filled at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Because the club cannot fairly re-seat the entire season ticket base across a limited number of seats, all Season Ticket Members will automatically have their 2020 payment credited for the 2021 season without any action on their part,” the Chiefs said in a news release.
The Chiefs said when stadium capacity for games is determined, season-ticket holders will be included in a single-game presale for available seats for 2020 games. The credit for the 2021 tickets instead can be used to buy those single-game tickets.
Season-ticket prices for the 2021 season will be the same as this year, the team said, and if full crowds are allowed for a potential playoff game, season-ticket holders “that did not opt for a refund will be given the first opportunity to purchase their seats.”
The Chiefs said season-ticket holders who want a refund should contact their sales representative. They will be issued a 2021 renewal for their same season ticket location(s) and will maintain their tenure.
“People around the country and around the world are getting accustomed to a constantly changing environment and the same goes for all of us in Chiefs Kingdom,” team president Mark Donovan said in a news release. “While our goal all offseason was to have a full stadium as we begin our Super Bowl title defense, it is out of consideration of the health and safety of our fans, employees, coaches and players that we move forward with a reduced-capacity plan that adheres to local guidelines and expert recommendations.”
Single-game ticket holders
Because they won’t be able to accommodate all of their season-ticket holders, the Chiefs said fans who purchased single-game tickets through the primary market will be issued an automatic refund using their method of payment. The same is true of parking passes.
Fans who bought tickets on the secondary market should consult the site where they made their purchase.
“The club will announce and conduct a reduced-capacity single-game on-sale once the final number of available seats is determined based on the guidance of the NFL, as well as local government officials and public health experts,” the Chiefs said. “Season Ticket Members who retain their 2020 funds as a credit for 2021 will be given first access to purchase single-game tickets in a priority order, based on their tenure.”
‘Fair and flexible plan’
The Chiefs anticipate making tickets for preseason games and “first few games of the regular season” available in the early going. If conditions improve and more fans are allowed into the stadium for games, the Chiefs would sell more tickets.
“As we looked at ways to navigate this unusual season, our first priority was to offer a fair and flexible plan for our loyal and valued Season Ticket Members, and we believe we accomplished that,” Donovan said in the release. “While it will be a different experience for everyone, we are looking forward to welcoming fans to Arrowhead this fall.”
This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 11:27 AM.
