You may have little to no cell service in Kansas City at Chiefs parade. How to prepare

If you’re preparing to brave the crowds in Kansas City for Wednesday’s Super Bowl champions parade, you may be anticipating spotty or even nonexistent cell service. The large crowds for past celebrations have overwhelmed nearby cell towers, causing calls to drop and messages to fail.

Parade organizers warned spectators that “cell phone reception may be extremely limited.”. City officials have estimated a turnout of around 500,000 people.

Are cellular service providers ramping up coverage ahead of the parade?

Network providers have told The Star that they’re up to the challenge of large crowds as parade day approaches.

“T-Mobile has made coverage and capacity upgrades along the parade route including locations such as Union Station and the World War I Museum,” company spokesperson Lyssa Hansen told The Star.

T-Mobile is also a sponsor of the parade.

Verizon spokesperson Steve Van Dinter added that his company has been making coverage improvements in anticipation of the recent playoffs and upcoming NFL draft.

“Given these enhancements, we’re ready for the celebration,” he told The Star.

AT&T noted that it has enhanced its network infrastructure in popular locations like the World War I Museum and Power & Light. The company is also deploying one COW (Cell on Wheels) for the parade to boost its cellular capacity.

What should I do if I can’t contact my group?

In preparation for the big day, organizers recommended a handful of safety tips for spectators without cell service during the event:

• Make a plan in case you become separated from your party, including identifying meetup points in case of separation.

• Take photos of your family in the event that you need to locate them and identify what they are wearing.

• Ensure children have contact information for their parents or guardians on their person.

• If you become separated from your group, locate a police officer. Here’s a list of the seven reunification stations where missing children and others will be taken.

Do you have more questions about Wednesday’s Super Bowl parade? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.

This story was originally published February 14, 2023 at 1:05 PM.

Natalie Wallington

The Kansas City Star

Natalie Wallington was a reporter on The Star’s service journalism team with a focus on policy, labor, sustainability and local utilities from fall 2021 until early 2025. Her coverage of the region’s recycling system won a 2024 Feature Writing award from the Kansas Press Association.