Ahead of the AFC Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins at 7 p.m. Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs will once again offer warming stations inside and outside GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Temperatures are expected to be in the single digits, according to weather.com.
As reported by the Kansas City Star, fans can find the warming stations at near four parking gates and inside six parking lots. Nine warming stations are also placed inside the stadium: One at the bottom of each of the stadium's four corner pedestrian spirals. Moreover, the Season Ticket Member Kickoff Countdown tent is available as a warming station for all fans.
The warming stations were last used for the Chiefs’ Dec. 24, 2022, game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Luke Shanno, senior director of corporate communications with the Chiefs, shared these tips from the organization on staying warm:
- Bundle up with loose-fitting layers and cover all exposed skin.
- Guests may carry in blankets (without zippers or compartments), draped over their shoulder during the security screening process, as well as portable chargers and non-dry cell batteries (both no larger than 6”x3”x1.5”) to power heated apparel. Battery packs must be disconnected during security inspection.
- Fans needing additional layers on-site may visit one of the many Pro Shop locations that will be stocked with warm-wear.
- Stay hydrated. All guests may bring in one factory-sealed bottle of water, 20 ounces or less.
- Cardboard is also allowed for the game, as long as it is no larger than 3 by 5 feet, Shanno said. The size requirements for cardboard are the same as the Chiefs’ banner and sign policy. While cardboard is allowed, floor mats and carpet squares are not, according to the Chiefs’ prohibited items list.
Fans who also pledge to be designated drivers for the game at one of the Fans First booths will receive a coupon for a complimentary cup of hot chocolate, the Star reported.
All of these suggestions may seem "old hat" to Kelly Kennedy, the Chiefs Fan of the Year. He told KSNW, the NBC affiliate in Wichita, Kan., that he brings cardboard into the stadium to keep his feet separated from snow or bare concrete, which retains the cold. He added that restrooms, in addition to the Chief's designated warming stations, are a good place to enjoy some heat.
“Layer up, and before you go into the game, make sure you don’t have all your layers on because, if you do, by the time you get up there, you’ll be cold. Try to leave a couple of layers off; layer up at the end of your tailgating,” added Steve Crum, a fellow Chiefs fan and friend of Kennedy, who wears about seven layers, including a heated jacket and hand warmer.
