Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs Travel Guide: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

How to Get There

• Flying In: You'll fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI). In 2023, the airport opened a massive, state-of-the-art single terminal that completely transformed the arrival experience. It is heavily serviced by Southwest and Delta, but all major carriers fly here.

• Airport Transit: MCI is located in the Northland, about 20 miles from downtown and almost 30 miles from the stadium. Kansas City is heavily spread out and public transit to the sports complex is extremely limited. You absolutely need to rent a car at the airport or prepare for hefty Uber/Lyft bills to get around the metro.

Where to Stay

Arrowhead Stadium sits inside the massive Truman Sports Complex (right next to the Royals' Kauffman Stadium) on the eastern edge of the city. While you can find a few highway hotels nearby for pure convenience, staying closer to downtown or the Country Club Plaza offers a much better city experience for the weekend.

Budget Options

• Best Western Plus Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel: If your only goal is to be as close to the stadium lots as possible, this is your best option. It is located right across the highway from the Truman Sports Complex. It offers a free hot breakfast, free parking, and keeps your game-day commute down to mere minutes.

• Holiday Inn Express Kansas City Downtown: Located right in the heart of downtown, this provides a great budget-friendly launchpad if you want to be near the Power & Light District. It’s about a 15-minute drive east to the stadium and gives you much better access to local nightlife and restaurants.

Higher-End Options

• Loews Kansas City Hotel: This is the premier luxury stay in downtown KC. It is a stunning, brand-new high-rise located within walking distance of the Power & Light District and the Crossroads Arts District. It features an indoor saltwater lap pool, high-end dining, and sweeping views of the city skyline.

• Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza: The Country Club Plaza is a beautiful, upscale shopping and dining district with Spanish-style architecture. This highly-rated Marriott puts you right in the center of the action, featuring elegant rooms and immediate walkability to some of the best restaurants in the city.

Nearby Activities

• The National WWI Museum and Memorial: Located just south of downtown, this breathtaking, world-class museum features a towering monument you can ride to the top of for the best panoramic view of the Kansas City skyline.

• The Kansas City BBQ Trail: You cannot visit KC without eating burnt ends. Take the weekend to debate the locals on the best spot—whether it's the legendary Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que (housed in an old gas station), the upscale Jack Stack, or the modern craft barbecue at Q39.

Pregame Food and Drink

Arrowhead Stadium tailgating is a bucket-list experience. The smells of hickory smoke and barbecue hit you the second you open your car door. You don't go to local sports bars before a Chiefs game; the party is entirely in the parking lot.

• The Parking Lot Tailgates: Chiefs fans are famous for hosting the best tailgates in the world. People arrive hours early with massive custom smokers, TVs, and tents. If you walk the lots with a friendly attitude and a 12-pack of local Boulevard beer, you will almost certainly be invited to share some brisket.

• The Ford Tailgate District: If you didn't bring your own grill, head to this massive, official public tailgate area located in Lot M just outside the Hy-Vee Gate. It is free to enter and features live entertainment, tailgate games, appearances by Chiefs Cheerleaders, and plenty of local food trucks.

• Tickets For Less Tailgate: If you want an organized, hassle-free pregame, you can buy passes for this dedicated VIP area. Also located in Lot M, it offers an all-inclusive food and drink buffet starting three hours before kickoff.

Getting to the Event

• Driving: Driving to Arrowhead is practically a requirement. The Truman Sports Complex features massive surface lots, but traffic bottlenecks heavily on I-70 and I-435. Crucial Note: You must pre-purchase your parking pass online; the toll booths do not accept cash, and you will be turned away if you show up without a digital pass.

• Rideshare: There is a dedicated Uber/Lyft drop-off and pick-up zone in the Missouri State Welcome Center lot near the stadium. Getting dropped off is easy, but getting a ride out after the game is notoriously difficult and expensive due to severe cell tower congestion and traffic.

Where to Sit at Arrowhead Stadium

Arrowhead is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the loudest outdoor stadium in the world. The architecture traps sound incredibly well, making it a deafening, electric atmosphere.

• The Best Lower Bowl Views: The 100-level seats put you incredibly close to the action. If you want to sit behind the visitor's bench, look for Sections 118-120. Try to grab tickets in rows 15-25; this gives you enough elevation to see over the massive players and coaches standing on the sideline.

• Beat the Heat/Sun: Arrowhead has no canopy. If you are attending an early-season game and want to stay in the shade, you must buy tickets on the West sideline (the Chiefs' side), specifically in Sections 114-124, 218-230, or 319-329. The sun will set behind you, whereas the visitor's side will be staring directly into the sun for hours.

• The Premium Experience: The CommunityAmerica Club Level (the 200s) offers the best overall sightlines in the building. Aside from the perfect viewing angle, you get access to massive, climate-controlled concourses with premium food options and multiple full bars, which is a lifesaver during freezing December games.

• The Budget Seats: The Upper Level (the 300s) features the most affordable tickets. Arrowhead is a very steep bowl, meaning even the highest rows in the 300 level feel like they hang right over the field. You won't miss any of the action, but be prepared for a long hike up the concourse ramps!