Years of loud cheering, big wins, and football legends – all these are tied to one big question: “What is the name of the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium?” Even after more than fifty years, the stadium, with its old customs and popularity, remains a key part in NFL story.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ beginnings started in Dallas, where the team was once known as the Texans. Lamar Hunt, a dreamer, moved the team to Kansas City in 1963, giving them a new name – the Chiefs. For almost a decade, the baby Chiefs shared their home ground with baseball’s Athletics and Royals at the old Municipal Stadium.
However, the mid-1960s brought a change of plans when Kansas City started looking for new stadium locations. Despite early failures, the city’s never giving up led to the creation of the Jackson County Sports Authority. Given the job to buy land, building design, construction, and funding, this authority was about to change the course of Kansas City’s sports history forever.
Dive into this exciting story as we find out the history, the name, and the importance of the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium – an important part of football history that stands tall and proud in the heart of Missouri.
What is the Name of the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium?
As the 1972 season kicked off, a new piece had taken its place in the NFL landscape – Arrowhead Stadium. The stadium, impressively finished in time for the season, celebrated its opening with a thrilling pre-season match on August 12, 1972. The Kansas City Chiefs scored a win against the St. Louis Cardinals with a scoreline of 24–14, starting things off for the Arrowhead legacy.
Just 15 minutes east of Downtown Kansas City at One Arrowhead Dr., the Arrowhead Stadium – now GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – stands as the heart of Chiefs football. Home to the two-time Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, this stadium is a mix of new stuff and old customs.
In a never done before in the stadium’s history, the Kansas City Chiefs, in 2023, announced GEHA as the only name partner for Arrowhead Stadium. This new teamwork gave the stadium its new title – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mark Donovan, Chiefs president, was excited about the teamwork with GEHA, highlighting their strong connection and their bond with the local people.
GEHA, a leader in offering medical and dental plans to over 2 million global clients, including federal employees and retired military, made the connection stronger with the community through this big collaboration. This change is the first time in the stadium’s rich history where the name has been different from just being Arrowhead Stadium.
Since its building in 1972, the stadium has seen several renovations, yet it has always kept the special building design that sets it apart. Known for setting noise records twice in the last decade, the Chiefs’ kingdom echoes with never-ending support at the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, making it a colorful show on match days.
Related: Who owns the Kansas City Chiefs?
More than Just a Game: The Experiences at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Anyone wondering, “What is the name of the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium?” will find that the answer is more than just a name. GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has a exciting vibe that’s alive with much more than just the thrill of football.
The Tradition of Tailgating
Tailgating before Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium is a classic Kansas City custom. The parking lots come alive four hours before kickoff, with fans gathering to party, eat, drink, and show their support. This fun pre-game ritual is a proof of the community feeling that thrives in the heart of Chiefs Kingdom.
Reliving History at Chiefs Hall of Honor
A trip down memory lane at the Chiefs Hall of Honor lets fans remember the most exciting moments in the history of the Chiefs and AFL. Opened in 2010, this treasure trove shows an array of famous memorabilia, including Super Bowl and AFL Championship Trophies, American Bowl Trophies, and stuff from the old Municipal Stadium. Visitors can enjoy Lamar Hunt’s extraordinary journey of starting the AFL, experience a virtual locker room featuring Chiefs Hall of Famers, and a lot more.
A Venue for All
The GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium isn’t just the home of the Kansas City Chiefs; it often hosts college football games as well. From the Big 12 Championship to the Border Showdown between the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri, this stadium has seen a lot of epic fights.
Over the years, the stadium has also embraced a variety of events, from big concert tours, and motorsports events to festivals. Artists like The Rolling Stones, U2, One Direction, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Kenny Chesney have filled the venue with electrifying performances.
A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Since the first game in 1972, the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium has seen a steady stream of improvements. A JumboTron screen was installed in 1991, and a series of big projects between 1994 and 1996 modernized and expanded the stadium. Despite ideas of enclosing the stadium, Arrowhead stayed true to its open-air setup, adding a natural playing surface in 1994.
In 2006, the Jackson County taxpayers approved a sales tax, raising approximately $212.5 million for improvements, helped by additional funding from the state of Missouri and the Hunt family. These renovations started in 2007 and were done by 2010. The Ford Fan Zone was added, including a new press box, premium seats, and luxury suites, expanding the footprint of the stadium and significantly increasing the number of food stands and restrooms.
Over the years, the venue has continuously upgraded its infrastructure, including the installation of a stadium-wide Wi-Fi network, a multimillion-dollar integrated system from Daktronics, high-definition video displays, and a three-year seat replacement project to provide the best gameday experience in the NFL.
Epicenter of Energy
The energy of Chiefs fans is touchable. Their sheer excitement set the Guinness World Record for the Loudest Outdoor Stadium, reaching 142.2 decibels during a Monday Night Football game against the New England Patriots on Sept. 29, 2014. This achievement is a testament to the electrifying atmosphere that fills GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on game days.
For the Fans
With over 600,000+ annual visitors, the stadium makes sure that the fans’ experience is always first. From an array of food options available at food stands throughout the stadium, to a well-stocked team store and a lot of restrooms, the fan experience at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is top-notch. Additionally, ticket reps are always ready to help fans, and tickets can easily be bought online or through Ticketmaster.
Location and Accessibility
Just a short distance away is the Kauffman Stadium, home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team. This closeness to another major sports place enhances the appeal of the location. Parking is easy, with general stadium parking available for buy in advance on a single-game basis, and gates opening four hours before kickoff to accommodate early tailgaters.
Engaging with Groups
For larger groups of 20 or more, special arrangements can be made through the group sales department to make the overall experience better. This commitment to making group experiences better further cements the stadium’s status as a welcoming place for all.
From the “What is the name of the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium?” question to learning about its history, attractions, and offerings, it’s clear that the GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is more than just a place for football. With its historic significance, the strong community bond, the thrilling game experiences, and the opportunities to create unforgettable memories, this place has become a legend in its own right.
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