Record-long lines arrive at Arrowhead ahead of Chiefs, Bengals game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Arrowhead is no stranger to early risers and lines of traffic. However, Sunday morning, was quite the sight.

Lines at the parking gate formed earlier than ever for the highly anticipated matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, with some fans arriving at 7 p.m. Saturday, and others lining up early Sunday morning.

Most of the fans near the front of the line said they came at least two hours earlier than normal because of a recent rule change that was just implemented this season.

The new policy set in place by the Chiefs no longer allows fans to walk into the parking lot to set up their stuff before the gates open.  That means, if fans want the same spot they have always secured, they have to arrive early and drive through the gates before setting up shop.

FOX4 reporter Carey Wickersham returned to Arrowhead Sunday morning to talk to fans about this new policy and how it affects their game-day experiences.

“Why is this spot so important? Superstition,” one fan told Wickersham. “Well, I think we have a great group of people that come there, and I say they are not only a good Chiefs fan, they’re really good people. Their family.”

According to this group of dedicated season ticket holders, their spot at the stadium is more than just a one-time tailgate location. It is a place where memories and bonds are formed, with some even tattooing the spot on their arms and making t-shirts in honor of the piece of pavement.

I guess you could say, over the years, it’s become their “Arrowhead address.”

“The people out in that parking lot, when we see each other it’s the best day ever,” another fan said. “We get together as family and catch up, and we know each other’s names and each other’s families, and it’s truly what’s great about this is we’re all family here.”

Even though some fans find the new policy to be frustrating or unfair, others like the new rule because it gives all fans an equal chance to get a good spot.

Regardless though, whether it’s rain or shine, night or day, spot or no spot; Chiefs Kingdom will always show up and show out at Arrowhead, and fans will always be there to cheer on the reigning world champs.

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