Planning A Dream Trip to Arrowhead

by Swazi Chief on Aug 25, 2011 9:35 PM CDT

I've been using AP as my primary source of Chiefs info for a couple years now, but I just took the leap and got myself an ID. Now I can comment, post, and feel like I've finally "gone all in" in support of our team!

I grew up in Wisconsin, but have been a Chiefs fan my whole life. For years I endured as the only person I knew who was a Chiefs fan. My older brother chose the Steelers, and everyone else I knew had it bad for Brett Favre. On top of that, whenever anyone found out I was a Chiefs fan, they expected me to have a good reason why... The truth is, I received a hat when I was seven and have been loyal ever since. A random piece of merch that helped shape my life! I had so many people push me to switch to the Packers, especially considering I would only get to see maybe one Chiefs game on tv a year. Eventually people started to accept my decision, and I even had a relative give me the opportunity to go to training camp in River Falls back in '99. That trip solidified my fandom forever, but it still wasn't easy standing alone.

Everything changed two years ago when I found AP. I had never heard people say things about the Chiefs that I also felt in my heart. About that time I also discovered how to watch games online (although even online other games are a lot easier to find and watch). Being able to see and understand what people here were talking about really made me feel like a true fan. I understand there are a lot of "other market" Chiefs fans on this site, and I salute you for standing tall (and often alone) as I have over the years. That's why I'm so thankful for AP! A place where we can come together and not only support the greatest team in the land, but also each other.

Just when it became easiest to be a Chiefs fan though, I moved to Swaziland (Southern Africa) to be a missionary. As if missing Chiefs games was bad enough, now I can't even watch ANY football on Sundays! Unless you count Manchester United or Barcelona... On top of that, I pay for internet by the Megabyte, so watching video (much less streaming live) is NOT an option. If it wasn't for the detailed analysis so many of you provide on this site, I'm afraid I'd fall back into the black hole (not a Raider reference!) of trying to follow National news on the Chiefs...

In case you thought the title of this post was misleading, I'm done introducing myself so let me get to the main reason I want to hear from you all. Despite the fact that I live on a third-world budget (with no salary), and I can only come home and visit family once a year, my brother (the Steelers fan) and I have decided make a dream come true and travel to KC for the game against Pittsburgh Thanksgiving weekend!

The things is, we're trying to save as much money as possible... My bro got our tickets, we know that gas is going to be a killer, and can't skimp on the tailgaiting/beer, but I've got some friends of a friend I'm trying to contact that might let us crash on their floor... So far no such luck, considering we'll be coming "home" well after midnight Sat and Sun night... Anybody on here connected with IHOP (the church) and a big fan of the Chiefs!? Otherwise, we need a cheap motel...

Apart from that, I'm hoping you all can help me make the most of our "once in a lifetime" trip! Do you have advice for tailgaiting? Where's the best place to buy supplies? Could you recommend some great places/bars where we won't get assaulted by some hairy fat dude, but can still "live it up" and celebrate both nights!? And what about merch? Where does a Chiefs fan on a tight budget find great deals on gear in KC? Is WalMart the best option?

Finally, I'm curious about our seats for the game. I've been to Lambeau Field where the cheapest seat is still amazing, and I've been to the Metrodome (pre-collapse) where they have seats BEHIND giant support beams... Anyway, having never been to Arrowhead, what should I expect stadium-wise? Our tickets are for section 320 row 26, anyone know what the view is like from there?

Thanks!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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I can sorta relate

I live in Western Kentucky. I have always been a Chiefs fan. One of the only ones in the area I think with the exception of a few bumper stickers here and there.

A couple years ago, my brother and I traveled to KC to watch his fave team the Cowboys play our Chiefs.
I will never forget it! Best time of my life!

People of KC are great! The locals are very friendly.

I’m sure some of these KC locals on AP will help you with the rest.

Have a great time and great to hear from a new AP member!

"Nobody scares us," Dion Gales said. "Where I’m from, it ain’t how big or small a man is, it’s the size of the fight in them.

"I’ll be doggone if I let another man beat me, that’s just my attitude. I’m not scared of another man."

by Matt_Grbac on Aug 25, 2011 9:45 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Dude....we're sitting right next to each other.

I’m row 27 though. What seats are you, and do you know how much your bro got the tix for? That’s awesome haha. We share a pretty similar story (well sorta). I’m from England originally, now SoCal, and I’ve been dying to make the trip to Arrowhead. Like you, I’ve bought tickets to the Pittsburgh game. I’ll share a lil bit of info that I’ve grabbed since figuring out my trip.

I dunno how you feel about hotel rooms, but you can get a pretty decent one for around 40 bucks a night on priceline. Definitely check it out. I’ve had several people hit me up about tailgating when I’m at the stadium, post a fanshot closer to the game and I’m sure people will be more than willing to help you out.

When I was there in May, I went to the local Walmart. 2 Chief hoodies, a duffel bag, an umbrella, and socks all under 30 bucks and that was during the offseason. Loads of Royals gear there, so I’m guessing there’s gonna be some good Chiefs stuff.

Also, I’ve heard 320 is a pretty good view. It’s higher up of course, but from what I’ve heard, there isn’t a bad seat in Arrowhead. I was told to avoid the corners of the stadium, but other than that everything should be good.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 26, 2011 1:15 AM CDT reply actions

Also, here's a view supposedly

http://www.seathound.com/venue/arrowhead-stadium-47/football/upper_reserved_320.html

Here’s where our seats view should look like:

Also, check out the Chiefs website and see about a tour of Arrowhead on Saturday or monday. They won’t let you near the locker room but you should be able to go everywhere else. It was only like 10 bucks and was definitely the best 10 bucks I’ve spent in my life.

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 26, 2011 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions

And ignore the third line repeat

Maybe it’s time for me to go to sleep….

by SoCalChief17 on Aug 26, 2011 1:18 AM CDT up reply actions

Every seat will do you justice.

Not a bad seat in the house. Generally places like Walmart, kmart and target will have the cheap merchandise. Make plenty of time for tailgating and honestly Hyvee has good supplies and are not to badly priced. Enjoy the game

On a side note is every APer going to this Chiefs Steelers game? Seems like everyone and there uncle is going to this game I even have a lot of friends going. Me and my Dad will be there of course. I take him to one game a year and last year we were there for the MNF Chargers game. I’m curious to see how this one compares.

by kc_okerix on Aug 26, 2011 9:22 AM CDT reply actions

KC native

there is a walmart one exit east of arrowhead
If you don’t eat at Gates BBQ while you’re here, your life will remain incomplete. I recommend the one on Emmanuel cleaver or Main.
Jack Stack is a good option for out of towners.
Brookside is a nice place to have a nice evening. Southwest part of town.
I don’t drink so bars aren’t my forte. Westport is the flagship area to get drunk in though. Power in light is fine if you can pass the paper bag test.
The plaza is always worth a visit. typically on thanksgiving is the plaza lighting ceremony. you MUST go if you’re here for it.
Stay out of the northland and Kansas. Nothing culturally relevant is there. Just suburban yuppies who will rave it’s posh.

by SillyHatDay on Aug 26, 2011 9:44 AM CDT reply actions

First of all, thanks!

You’re service spreading the love abroad is greatly appreciated. 2nd, you will have an unbelievable time at your first Chiefs game! The atmosphere cannot be matched.

by MURanger on Aug 26, 2011 10:27 AM CDT reply actions

Rec'd

I enjoyed your post. Thank you for reaching out to the people in Swaziland. I hope your trip to Arrowhead is the most amazing time. I have been once and it remains one of my fondest memories. Have a safe and awesome trip.

It's great to finally trust the men making the important decisions at 1 Arrowhead Drive.

by OnlyKCFanNVA on Aug 26, 2011 3:28 PM CDT reply actions