Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium tour takes you close to the action
Len Dawson. Hank Stram. Lamar Hunt. Their names are there. High above the field at Arrowhead Stadium. They’re part of the Ring of Honor for former Kansas City Chiefs players, coaches and ownership. The Ring of Honor is one of the views visitors get when they take a tour of Arrowhead Stadium.
Two former Nebraska players have their name on the Ring – pro football Hall of Famer Will Shields and All-Pro Neil Smith.
We lucked out in getting to take a tour during the Chiefs’ off-week. Kansas City is fighting hard for a spot at the table come playoff time for The National Football League. But, their stadium is among the best in the 32-team league.
A statue memorializing the late Lamar Hunt stands outside the stadium. If it weren’t for men like Hunt, we may not have the NFL we do today. He, Bud Adams and a few others created the American Football league in the 1960s. The AFL became the only serious challenger to the NFL’s dominance of the game. The AFL was such a threat that the two leagues agreed to merge in 1970. The Chiefs became the last AFL team to win the Super Bowl (Super Bowl IV) before the merger.
Hunt was a brilliant football mind. He helped devise ways to improve the game. He created the name of the Super Bowl. It supposedly came about when one of his children was playing with a “Super Ball.” He also suggested the commissioner name the league title trophy after the late Vince Lombardi, who guided Green bay to the first two championships between the NFL and AFL.
Inside the stadium, fans are treated to impressive views. The field’s views are amazing from several locations. We checked out a few suites and party rooms. Looking at the stands, it doesn’t look like there’s a bad seat in the house.
The suites and party rooms (private or by invitation) were awesome. You can party like it’s 1970 (the Chiefs’ last NFL title).
If spending thousands of dollars a year isn’t in your budget, check out a co-op suite closer to the field. They’re decorated with murals of Chiefs players and coaches, as well as quotes or motivational words.
The tour offers a look at Game Day for the players. You can visit the locker room. Alex Smith (starting quarterback) has his locker decorated for our visit. The equipment inside isn’t his. It was put there for our tour. Who cares? His gear would be stored similarly.
People flocked to their favorite player’s locker for photo opportunities. I went with Erik Fisher, a lineman. That’s what I was when I played.
The locker room is impressive. As soon as you walk in, you know you’re in Chiefs’ territory.
The tunnel to the field has large photos of Chiefs’ history. Hank Stram and the team celebrating back in the day. Former Husker Will Shields setting up to block for his QB. Shields was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
I’m not sure many teams do better than the Chiefs’ Hall of Honor. It recognizes the history of the American Football League, the Chiefs and the National Football League.
The AFL history is highlighted with old gear, including the then-Boston Patriots (now known as New England). I always thought they had one of the best logos ever with the Patriot ready to snap the football.
The Denver Broncos classic horse jumping out of the D on the helmet was great, too.
We had a great time touring Arrowhead Stadium. And, by the way, their stadium is indeed loud. We had 25 people on our tour. We stood on the Chiefs’ sideline at the 50-yard marker and yelled “Chiefs.” The echo was deafening then. I can only imagine how loud Game Day truly is. We will have to find out one season and check out an actual game there.
The Kansas City Chiefs offer an impressive tour. We recommend checking it out or taking your football fan there.
For more information, please visit www.kcchiefs.com or www.visitkc.com.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the Kansas City visitors bureau for the complimentary tour tickets. However, all opinions and views are ours.
