KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City officially turns into Chiefs Kingdom today.
The Friday before the first Chiefs home game of the season is Red Friday. Many of the city’s fountains are dyed red, and flags are waving in the Plaza, Westport, and downtown.
Kansas City is turning red and #ChiefsKingdom is ready. pic.twitter.com/3lcf5tIouS
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 15, 2017
Beginning at 6 a.m., fans can purchase their own commemorative Chiefs flags from McDonald’s locations in the Kansas City metro area. The flags are available for a suggested donation of $5. Proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald Charities of Kansas City. The organization provides housing to families near hospitals while relatives receive medical care.
Today your @KCMcDonalds are collecting donations for these #ChiefsKingdom flags. Sales benefit @rmhckc Last year KC raised $250,000+ pic.twitter.com/3gjz0WXhfF
— Charlie Keegan (@CharlieKeegan41) September 15, 2017
On this, the 26th year of the Red Friday tradition, there will be a select number of limited-edition golden flags spread throughout McDonald’s locations.
Should you receive one of the golden flags, you’ll win two tickets to Sunday’s game with a Chiefs VIP experience, plus Big Macs for one year from McDonald’s.
Red Friday was in full swing at the McDonald's at 151st and Black Bob Road in Olathe. Fans were able to pick up their Chiefs Kingdom flags and see Chiefs cheerleaders and the Chiefs Rumble drumline.
Now: @ChiefsRumble is waking #ChiefsKingdom up!!! It's officially #RedFriday on @41actionnews pic.twitter.com/HIsprUYx0J
— Charlie Keegan (@CharlieKeegan41) September 15, 2017
We spoke with Chiefs Hall of Famer Bobby Bell and Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt about Red Friday and how they think the Chiefs will do this season.
.@Chiefs chairman & CEO Clark Hunt w/ fans on #RedFriday @KCMcDonalds in @CityofOlatheKS pic.twitter.com/Dh2iBVTkFy
— TJH (@THellhake) September 15, 2017
New this year, Chiefs fans in Springfield will be able to participate in the Red Friday tradition. Flags will be available in that city for the first time. Springfield joins Wichita and Omaha as cities outside the metro celebrating the beginning of the season.
Last year, the Chiefs raised nearly $250,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities from flag sales.
The Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles at noon Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
For a list of McDonald’s locations selling Chiefs Kingdom flags, click here.
