An explosive win on the road leads the Kansas City Chiefs to one of the most pivotal games of the season.
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Chiefs Kingdom is already well aware this Thursday the 9-3 Chiefs take on the 10-2 Raiders at home for control of the division. If you're not going to Arrowhead Stadium, you can watch the game on your 41 Action News station.
UPDATE 11:42 a.m. (12/8): Some fans have been waiting in line since 5 a.m. for the gates to Arrowhead to open. One group set up a tent between two toll booths to cook up some breakfast. Fans told 41 Actions News that they hope the cold weather will throw the Raiders off their game.
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The game starts at 7:30 pm, which means fans won't only be battling the cold weather, but rush hour traffic as well.
Times you need to know:
- The toll booth opens at noon
- Fan experience opens at 4 p.m.
- Stadium opens at 6 p.m.
- Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Chiefs President Mark Donovan said game day operations staff have been preparing for Raiders week for quite some time. A few weeks ago they sent a helicopter in the sky on a Thursday to capture normal rush hour traffic.
Courtesy of the Chiefs
The organization is asking for people to arrive early. That's why they're opening the gates at noon.
Game day traffic advice
- Avoid 435 and I-70.
- Scout advises you can use 23rd Street, Eastwood Trafficway or 470 to get to the game.
- Get to the stadium early. If you're on the road after 3 p.m. it could be problematic.
Here's a look at normal afternoon rush hour drive times:
Make sure to check the "Traffic" section of the 41 Action News App before heading out to avoid any major delays caused by incidents on the road.
Local businesses are also counting on a weekday economic boost.
Benetti's Coffee Experience in Raytown is hoping people will stop in during what's expected to be a freezing game for a hot drink.
"We're one of the closer shops; you can just hop off the freeway. A lot of times we get people out of town or who are from the other side of town," said Rachel Smith, owner of Benetti's Coffee Experience.
At Arrowhead
The Chiefs say it's business as usual for its staff.
There will be warming stations and about 40 places to buy hot items, like chili and hot chocolate, to help fans watching in the chilly weather.
“We asked ourselves what can we do to create a better fan experience? What can we do to deal with the fact our fans are going to be cold?” said Mark Donovan, Chiefs president.
A few more tips from the Chiefs:
- Bring seat pads or covers to sit on
- Bring cardboard or newspaper to put your feet on
- Bring tissues and lip balm
- Get inside when you can and take a break from the cold
- Cheer on your Chiefs, get up and move around to keep yourself warm
The Chiefs say the return of TNF on prime time is good for both Kansas City and the Chiefs.
“We’re on a national stage. Our players want on that national stage,” said Donovan. “From a business perspective, from our partners -- we are elevating our brand. That's a great opportunity.”
Tonight in the national broadcast fans will see famous areas across the metro all painted red for the game.
Thursday is a color rush game, meaning the Kansas City Chiefs will be wearing their red uniforms and the Oakland Raiders will be in black.
It is also the Toys for Tots game and donations are welcome.
What if there’s snow?
The Chiefs have its usual plan in place in case of snow. If snow hits it will be removed from the bowl and seating area.
Equipment is already in place if staff need to use it.
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Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
