One of the great places to visit in the NFL, and a stadium which should be on every football fan’s bucket list—is Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Built in 1972, the iconic and legendary stadium has hosted everything from AFC Championship games, the Pro Bowl, iconic concerts, and most recently; six games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Arrowhead Stadium is home to the four-time Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, and holds the Guinness World Record for loudest stadium in the world.
When visiting Arrowhead, visitors are unable to forget they are in the loudest stadium in the world. From visual reminders all around the stadium, to Chiefs’ fans screaming until their voices are gone; fans are in for a world class experience with a visit to Arrowhead. Arrowhead Stadium is consistently ranked as one of the top venues to see a football game across the NFL, and for good reason.
There is more to see, do, and experience in Kansas City than just a trip to Arrowhead Stadium, however. Located smack dab in the middle of the United States, Kansas City has blossomed from its “cow town” or “flyover country” perception into a world-class Midwestern city. Although Kansas City is the seventh-smallest market in the NFL, it can easily entertain travelers or families of all budgets and interests for a weekend.
Places to stay in Kansas City
One of the downsides to Arrowhead Stadium is the distance from other attractions and amenities in Kansas City. The stadium is about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown and other attractions in Kansas City, without much to do around the stadium. Depending on your itinerary, you may want to stay further from the stadium and drive to the stadium on game day.
- Mid-range: Best Western Plus Kansas City Sports Complex Hotel is located within walking distance of Arrowhead Stadium. If looking for something closer to city center but still relatively close to the stadium, Stoney Creek Hotel is a 15 minute drive in Independence. It offers free hot breakfast, as well as an onsite restaurant.
- Luxury: Loews Kansas City Hotel is located in downtown Kansas City. It offers modern amenities and great views of the Kansas City skyline. Several restaurants are located in the hotel, including 1587 Prime, the steakhouse co-owned by Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
Things to do in Kansas City
There are an abundance of entertainment options to fill almost any person’s interests in Kansas City. Whether looking for something the whole family can enjoy; or interested in history, art, or nightlife; Kansas City has it. Fun can be had across the city, without breaking the bank.
For the family
- The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium: The zoo is over 200 acres (be prepared to walk) and could fill an entire day of your itinerary. A state of the art aquarium opened in 2023 and a new giraffe exhibit opened in the spring.
- Union Station: Kansas City’s historic Union Station boasts Science City, a planetarium, shopping, and restaurants. There is currently a special exhibition on the Berlin Wall.
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: One of the premier destinations for any sports fan visiting Kansas City. Revisit the history of the Negro Leagues in the historic 18th and Vine District. Right next door to the American Jazz Museum!
- Arrowhead Stadium Tour: A great option to get behind the scenes looks at areas many fans don’t see on game day. This includes looks at suites, private clubs, the locker room, the Hall of Honor, broadcast booth, a stop on the field, and more.
For the history buff
- National World War I Museum and Memorial: The official and largest museum in the United States dedicated to the Great War. Several hours or an entire day could be spent here. Don’t stop at just the museum. Visit the iconic Liberty Memorial on the grounds for a fantastic view of Union Station and downtown.
- Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum: The nation’s 33rd president lived in Independence, a suburb of Kansas City. Visit his home, presidential library, and museum to learn more about the influential politician and Missourian. Plan several hours for this stop.
Nightlife
- Kansas City Power & Light District: In the past decade, Kansas City has revitalized downtown. The Power & Light District is a great option for dining, shopping, and bars for any visitor to the city. It does get busy on game weekends. KC Live is a great venue to catch any game.
- Westport or the Crossroads: Both neighborhoods contain many dining or entertainment options to satisfy any taste bud. Highlights include Kelly’s or The Landing in Westport, and Up-Down and The Brick in the Crossroads.
Best places to eat in Kansas City
The first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of food in Kansas City? Barbecue.
And rightfully so, as Kansas City is home to some of the best barbecue in the United States. There are over 100 barbecue restaurants in Kansas City, so there is no way to try them all. You can’t go wrong with finding something delicious in almost every barbecue restaurant in the city. Here are some of my favorites:
If interested in more than barbecue on your visit to Kansas City, there’s plenty of other options as well. There are options across the city for any budget, and for any taste bud. Here are some of my non-BBQ favorites:
After eating at these delectable eateries, you may be thirsty. There are plenty of unique and fun places to parch your thirst:
Arrowhead Stadium parking, rideshare, and transit options
Arrowhead Stadium has ample parking, the reason being it is a tailgating mecca. Parking at the stadium is cheapest if you purchase online ahead of time, and runs at $57. There are parking options around the stadium at various businesses or homes which offer parking spots at a cheaper rate. This just requires a bit more walking to get to the stadium. Parking lots typically open about four and a half hours prior to game kickoff.
There are rideshare options, with drop-off and pick-up being at the Missouri Welcome Center on Blue Ridge Cutoff between Gates 1 and 2. Visit the official website for maps and further information on ride share. The other transit option for transportation to and from the stadium is the Ride KC bus service on the 47 Broadway Line. Visit RideKC.org for more information.
Tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium
Consistently ranked as one of the best overall game-day experiences in the NFL, Arrowhead Stadium is the premier tailgating experience. From the moment you step foot in the parking lot, the smell of barbecue is wafting in the air. Smoke from grills can be seen in the atmosphere for what feels like miles. While the stadium being separated from the city may limit lodging and on-site restaurants or bars, the expansive parking lot surrounding Arrowhead Stadiums allows the fans to make game day special.
Tailgating at Arrowhead Stadium is a religious experience for some. Fans line up in their vehicles hours before the parking gates open in order to park and begin tailgating as soon as possible. This is how some fans spend their vacation money and a hefty portion of their grocery budget. Even if wearing an opposing team’s jersey, you’ll still find a welcoming group of Chiefs fans waiting to offer you some food or a beer—as long as you can take some friendly ribbing.
The Arrowhead Stadium Experience
Beyond tailgating and being the loudest stadium in the world, Arrowhead is also known for its national anthem. The Arrowhead faithful welcome visiting fans and players with a vibrant, “home of the Chiefs!” at the end of the national anthem. On special game days, the national anthem also ends with a flyover of the stadium, often with aircraft from nearby Whiteman Air Force Base.
The Chiefs Hall of Honor is also inside the stadium, with free admission. The Hall of Honor serves as a monument to legendary Chiefs players, moments, and games throughout the franchise’s history. It has been updated throughout the years, and is a great stop for any fan to see memorabilia and reflect on some of the NFL’s greatest.
The Arrowhead Stadium experience is truly second to none. There is no other stadium in the NFL that can match the tailgating, raucous crowd noise, the amazing sight lines, and overall feeling of being in a special place. Chiefs fans are some of the most knowledgeable and welcoming across the league, and no trip to Arrowhead Stadium will leave a fan disappointed.
