As a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs or someone attending an event at Arrowhead Stadium, it’s essential to know all about the various gates and entrances. Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs, hosts not only thrilling football games but also a range of other events. In this article, I’ll provide all the information you need to know about navigating the gates and entrances at Arrowhead Stadium.
Located off the 70 and 435 freeways, Arrowhead Stadium has multiple entrance gates to accommodate the large crowds that gather for games and events. I’ll be covering everything you need to make your visit as smooth as possible – from arriving at the stadium to finding your way to your seat.
Not only will this guide enhance your experience at Arrowhead Stadium, but it’ll also help you feel more confident and prepared for your visit. So, let’s dive into the details and get you ready to enjoy a fantastic day at the stadium!
History of Arrowhead Stadium
I remember the first time I visited Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Built in 1972 and opened in 1973, this iconic stadium has stood the test of time. Over the years, it has seen many changes, both good and bad, but it remains steeped in history.
Originally, the Chiefs and baseball’s Athletics shared a stadium, Municipal Stadium, which was built in 1923. However, with the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, the requirements for a professional football teamʼs stadium changed, and the stadium needed to accommodate at least 50,000 people. Municipal Stadium could only hold about 40,000, so the Chiefs had to make a move. That’s when Arrowhead Stadium was built and became their new home.
There’s no denying the significance of 1972 in Arrowhead Stadium’s history. That’s the year it was completed, and on August 12, 1972, the Chiefs played their first preseason game at Arrowhead against the St. Louis Cardinals, defeating them 24-14.
Today, Arrowhead Stadium is known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and it’s still a popular venue for Chiefs games and other events. With easy access from I-70 and I-435, it accommodates guests with various entrance gates around Truman Sports Complex.
In the decades since Arrowhead Stadium opened, it has continued to evolve, but it still retains the charm and history that make it a treasured landmark in Kansas City.
Gate Locations and Their Unique Features
Gate D
I’ve noticed that Gate D is the entrance that provides access to Arrowhead Stadium’s lower level seating. This gate is usually lively and bustling with fans, perfect if you’re looking to soak in that electric pre-game atmosphere. Gate D is also conveniently located near accessible parking spots in lots A, B, C, D, F, G, H, and J, which makes it an excellent choice for guests with disabilities.
Gate F
Gate F is an entrance I discovered that leads directly to the upper level of the stadium. If you have seats in the upper section, this gate is your go-to entrance to save time and energy from climbing steps or navigating through the stadium. Additionally, this entrance is near some of the finest food and beverage concessions in the stadium, including savory barbecue options and a wide range of refreshments.
Gate G
Last but not least, Gate G is the preferred entrance for club level patrons and suite holders. With escalators and elevators available, this entrance provides a seamless entry into the stadium’s premium seating areas. Plus, Gate G offers an exclusive experience with faster entry and less crowded lines. This way, you can feel like a VIP while enjoying your time at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
Entrances Details and Accessibility
Sprint Entrance
At Arrowhead Stadium, the Sprint Entrance is one of the gates you’ll find. As you approach the stadium, look for signs pointing you towards this entrance point. It’s an excellent spot to enter the stadium as I have found it usually has short lines and friendly staff ready to help you get inside quickly.
Hy-Vee Entrance
Another entrance you might consider is the Hy-Vee Entrance. This entrance offers easy access to the stadium, and I often find it less crowded than some of the other gates. Once you’re inside the stadium, you’ll notice nearby amenities such as concession stands and restrooms, which makes settling in for the game a breeze.
Ford Fan Experience Entrance
The Ford Fan Experience Entrance provides a unique entrance option for fans looking to enhance their game day experience. As I’ve discovered, this entrance not only provides access to the stadium but also brings you into an interactive fan zone filled with activities and entertainment. It’s a perfect option if you’re looking to make your visit to Arrowhead Stadium even more special.
ADA Entrance Mappings
Arrowhead Stadium is committed to making their events accessible for all fans. I appreciate how they offer designated accessible entrances and seating areas throughout the stadium. There are ADA entrances located near each of the main entrance gates (Sprint, Hy-Vee, and Ford Fan Experience), which ensures access to the stadium is convenient for fans with disabilities. Keep an eye out for signs directing you to these entrances when you arrive at the stadium.
Security Measures and Prohibited Items
When I visited GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, I realized there are certain security measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment during events. Here’s a brief rundown of some important things you need to know about the security measures and prohibited items at the stadium.
First of all, it’s important to mention that the stadium has a bag policy in place– they only accept clear bags or small clutch purses. No backpacks, fanny packs, belt bags, cinch bags, or larger bags are allowed. This ensures that the security staff can easily check belongings and speed up the entry process.
Now, let’s talk about some prohibited items. During my visit, I couldn’t bring any food or beverage except for a 20oz factory-sealed bottled water. Also, I learned that glass, metal, and plastic thermos, cups, bottles, or flasks are not allowed inside either. And forget about bringing helmets and hardhats of any size, as they are prohibited too.
On the other hand, there are some items that are actually permitted within the stadium. For instance, small personal cameras under 6 inches, small collapsible umbrellas, and blankets were all allowed. Additionally, signs and banners under 3×5 feet were also okay as long as they didn’t obstruct anyone’s view.
As for the gates and entrances, the GEHA Gate is located on the south endzone near the home sideline. This gate might be the best choice if your tickets are for sections 112-116 or 216-220. Remember to make sure you’re aware of these rules and restrictions before heading to the stadium, and enjoy your time at Arrowhead Stadium!
What to Know Before You Go
Tailgating Tips
I always recommend arriving at Arrowhead Stadium at least two hours before kickoff to fully enjoy the tailgating experience. This gives you enough time to set up, relax, and socialize before you head into the stadium. Remember to bring your essentials like a portable grill, food, beverages, chairs, and games! It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the tailgating rules and regulations beforehand to avoid any issues on game day.
Parking Information
Parking at Arrowhead Stadium is easy when you know where to go. Accessible parking is available in the front of Lots A, B, C, D, F, G, H and J, with registered state issued disabled person license plates or placards. Lots E and M are premium lots only. To make your parking experience as smooth as possible, I recommend purchasing your parking pass in advance and reviewing the lot maps and directions before you head to the game.
Public Transportation and Drop-off
If you’re planning to use public transportation or get dropped off at Arrowhead Stadium, you can use the KCATA’s bus service, which offers a convenient and cost-effective option for getting to the stadium. The bus schedule is available on the KCATA website. If you prefer getting dropped off, there are designated drop-off and pickup areas for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft near the stadium.
Stadium Policies
Before heading to Arrowhead Stadium, it’s important to know the stadium’s policies. Some key policies include:
- A clear bag policy requiring all bags to be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Small clutch bags, the size of a hand, are allowed as well.
- Prohibited items, which include, but are not limited to: large bags, coolers, backpacks, weapons, alcoholic beverages, banners or signs obstructing the view of other fans, and noisemakers.
- Re-entry to the stadium is not permitted once you exit.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for a fantastic visit and game day experience at Arrowhead Stadium!
Stadium Amenities and Services
As a visitor at Arrowhead Stadium, I would love to share my experience about the various amenities and services offered at the stadium. The following are the sub-sections I’ll be covering in this section: Food and Beverage Outlets, Rest Room Locations, and Accessible Seating.
Food and Beverage Outlets
During my visit, I noticed a wide variety of food and beverage options available within the stadium. From classic stadium fare like hotdogs and popcorn, to BBQ and local favorites, there was something to suit everyone’s taste buds. The beverage selections were also impressive, with a range of soft drinks, beer, and other alcoholic options. I appreciated the self-service kiosks and electronic payment methods, which helped to keep the lines moving and expedite the ordering process.
Rest Room Locations
In terms of restrooms, I found them to be conveniently located throughout the stadium. They were well-maintained and clean, which is always a plus in my book. Moreover, there were enough restrooms available to avoid long waiting times, which allowed me to return to the game or event quickly. I also appreciated the presence of family restrooms and changing stations for those with young kids.
Accessible Seating
Finally, let me talk about the accessible seating options I noticed in Arrowhead Stadium. The stadium provides numerous accessible seating locations in various sections, ensuring that guests with disabilities can comfortably enjoy the events. In addition to the accessible seating, I noticed that there were ramps, elevators, and courtesy carts available to help guests with mobility issues reach their desired locations. These amenities made my experience at Arrowhead Stadium a welcoming and inclusive one.
Events and Tours at Arrowhead Stadium
Arrowhead Stadium is home to the Kansas City Chiefs and a variety of other events throughout the year. I’ve learned that there are both private and game day tours available for fans and visitors to enjoy.
When planning a visit, it’s crucial to be aware of scheduled events, as tours will not be scheduled during these times. Some notable 2023 events that are off-limits for tours include Monster Jam (May 13th – 23rd), Luke Combs (June 5th – 12th), BBQ Fest (June 22nd – 25th), Taylor Swift (July 2nd – 10th), Ed Sheeran (July 31st – Aug 7th), Billy Joel (August 14th – 21st), and Beyonce (September 12th – 19th).
Private tours have a range of pricing depending on the number of guests participating. Currently, it costs $60 per person for 1-4 guests, $50 per person for 5-10 guests, and $30 per person for groups with 11 or more guests. Requests and full payment for private tours should be submitted at least 5 days before the desired tour date, and please note that there are no tours offered the day after a home game.
Game day tours are available with limited spots, making them a unique opportunity to enjoy Arrowhead Stadium during the excitement of a game. These tours are perfect for die-hard fans or visitors seeking an immersive experience with the Kansas City Chiefs.
To ensure a smooth visit to Arrowhead Stadium, be sure to familiarize yourself with the stadium’s parking, tailgating, prohibited/permitted items, accessibility, and COVID-19 guidelines before attending an event or tour. And finally, don’t forget to stop by the Pro Shop to grab some souvenirs and show off your Chiefs pride！
