KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For the first time since January's AFC Championship victory that preceded a triumphant Super Bowl LIV, Kansas City Chiefs fans were back at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday.
"Oh, we are so excited. Not just to be seeing them back on the field to defend the world championship, but just to have some sense of normalcy," said Overland Park Chiefs fan Jennifer Brown, who was one of the attendees at the first public practice before the 2020 regular season.
Kansas City's faithful have missed the camaraderie since the pandemic began.
"It’s more than just football, people out here tailgating, people I haven’t seen because of the pandemic for a few months, being back here even with camp, I’m really excited," Jason Schuler, of Independence, said. "I’m really excited for the season."
The Chiefs put their Arrowhead Stadium safety procedures to the test for Saturday’s practice in front of 2,000 season ticket holders. Masks were required, seating was socially distanced and cash was not allowed for purchases. One new part of the safety procedure that Chiefs fans did like – spaced out parking, with every other spot.
"Really like the parking lot setup," Overland Park's Stephen Brown said. "It’s spacious, and it looks like it’ll be a good tailgating time for us. It’s a dry run for us, too."
After another season ticket member practice next Saturday that will hold 5,000 fans, the title defense will start in less than three weeks. The Chiefs kick off the season Sept. 10 against Houston, with the game airing on KSHB-TV. Capacity for the regular season has been set for 22%, or roughly 16,000 attendees. Fans know they have a role to play to keep Arrowhead’s doors open.
"We have to do our part to maintain we can come to the games," Brown said.
Every fan is in agreement on one particular football topic.
When asked if the Chiefs can run it back, Schuler answered, "Absolutely."
