Attendance at Arrowhead? Here’s how many Chiefs fans have shown up for playoff games
All eyes will be on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this weekend.
On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs continue their quest for a third consecutive Super Bowl title against the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional Round. It will be the second matchup between the teams this season.
The Chiefs won 27-19 over the Texans in late December. This time, KC is well rested after a first-round bye. The Chiefs will have home-field advantage throughout the remainder of the playoffs.
It’s a luxury that has dubbed Saturday’s game the “Arrowhead Invitational” by some media outlets.
So what makes Arrowhead a tough place to play? Several NFL players noted the iconic venue is extremely loud. ESPN polled 111 players and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium was named the toughest atmosphere in the league.
Chiefs fans also show up in record numbers. In the 2024 regular-season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs announced 73,611 fans were in attendance. Those fans were treated to a close game that ended on the final play.
It’s likely Saturday’s game will draw a similar crowd. The Chiefs are looking to make NFL history if they can capture another Super Bowl title. And several celebrities have joined the Chiefs bandwagon including music sensation Taylor Swift.
Here is a look at the official attendance numbers from every Chiefs home playoff game during the Andy Reid era.
2016 AFC Divisional Game (1/15/2017)
Official attendance: 75,678
The Chiefs faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in their first postseason home game under Andy Reid’s leadership. It was an electric atmosphere despite the Chiefs losing 18-16.
2017 AFC Wild Card Game (1/6/2018)
Official attendance: 73,319
KC went home early again in the playoffs. The Chiefs welcomed the Tennessee Titans to Arrowhead Stadium. In a close game, the Chiefs were held scoreless in the second half and were eliminated at home.
2018 AFC Divisional Game (1/12/2019)
Official attendance: 76,765
Reid finally got his first home playoff victory at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-13 as future superstar Patrick Mahomes led the charge.
2018 AFC Championship Game (1/20/2019)
Official attendance: 77,034
The Chiefs fell one game short of their first Super Bowl appearance in the Andy Reid era in 2018. The New England Patriots won 37-31 in overtime as the Chiefs were eliminated on their home field.
2019 AFC Divisional Game (1/12/2020)
Official attendance: 73,503
A lot of Chiefs fans remember this game. KC scored 51 points to defeat the Texans despite trailing 24-0 at one point.
2019 AFC Championship Game (1/19/2020)
Official attendance: 73,656
KC scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to punch its ticket to the Super Bowl. This game was filled with memorable moments, like Mahomes’ touchdown run down the sideline and multiple touchdown passes to Tyreek Hill.
2020 AFC Divisional Game (1/17/2021)
Official attendance: 16,730
There wasn’t a large crowd at Arrowhead Stadium due to COVID-19 affecting the 2020 regular season. However, the Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns and advanced onward toward defending their Super Bowl title.
2020 AFC Championship Game (1/24/2021)
Official attendance: 16,993
The Chiefs found a way to outlast the Buffalo Bills at home. The victory sent KC to the Super Bowl before the Chiefs lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady.
2021 AFC Wild Card Game (1/16/2022)
Official attendance: 73,253
The Chiefs looked to make the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season. This time, KC dispatched the Pittsburgh Steelers early 42-21 at home.
2021 AFC Divisional Game (1/23/2022)
Official attendance: 73,242
Both teams battled in this iconic slugfest, later known as the “13 seconds” game. The Chiefs emerged victorious as Patrick Mahomes carried the offense to a 42-36 overtime victory.
2021 AFC Championship Game (1/30/2022)
Official attendance: 73,377
The Chiefs endured another overtime game against the Cincinnati Bengals. This time, it was Joe Burrow who led Cincinnati to the Super Bowl as KC fell just short.
2022 AFC Divisional Game (1/21/2023)
Official attendance: 73,220
The Chiefs beat the Jacksonville Jaguars as tight end Travis Kelce hauled in 14 receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
2022 AFC Championship Game (1/29/2023)
Official attendance: 73,426
KC got a measure of revenge on the Cincinnati Bengals after being knocked out of the playoffs a year prior. This time, the Chiefs held on to win 23-20 and went on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
2023 AFC Wild Card Game (1/12/2024)
Official attendance: 71,492
Frigid temperatures were not enough to deter the Chiefs from defeating the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card Game at Arrowhead Stadium. KC entered unfamiliar territory as it needed to win and hit the road to make the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs accomplished both tasks as they won their second consecutive Super Bowl over the San Francisco 49ers.
