New regime leads to new ticket sales for Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Months away from home opener, there appears to be optimism at Arrowhead Stadium for Chiefs football.

According to the Associated Press, new season ticket sales are up 112 percent over this time last year. Season ticket renewals are also up 5 percent over last year.

After a 2-14 season, Joe Anthuis had to think twice before purchasing season tickets for the 24th straight year. He says buying four tickets and paying for parking costs more than $3,600. But he hopes his investment pays off.

"I keep telling myself it can't get any worse, so I'm hoping after last year it's going to be better," Anthuis said.

The new hires of general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid could be the reason for the optimism. But lifelong Chiefs fan JJ Johnson is more of a tough sell.

"We could break 500, but I don't want a 500 team. I don't want a 10-6, I don't want a 9-7. I want a Super Bowl," Johnson said.

He's a tough critic and the Chiefs will face many more of them when they take the field this fall.

Last season's average attendance at Arrowhead was about 66,500. In 2006, that number was much higher at 77,000 average fans.