For long-time fan Roger Orr, the Kansas City Chiefs' victory against the Cleveland Browns Sunday was like a fourth down conversion to extend their drive.
“Well, I didn’t think I would ever see it,” he said. “But I am proud of it.”
Sunday’s win marked a nine-game winning streak for the team and clinched them a playoff spot.
It was a dramatic difference from the beginning of the season, when the team went 1-5.
“I lived up here for many years and I think it’s great,” said Orr. “The Royals [are] World Champions and the Chiefs [are] going to the playoffs… it’s great for the city.”
For many sports fans, Kansas City is now ‘taking it to the house.’
With the Royals winning the World Series and the Chiefs in the playoffs, 2015 marks the first time both teams have made the post-season.
That success is scoring big bucks for the city and local businesses.
“I call it awesome-ly crazy,” said Dee Perkins, who works at Rally House on the Plaza. “You never know when [customers] walk through the door, if they are going to want Royals or Chiefs [gear]. Everyone is smiling, everyone is in a good mood, everyone is so proud of these two teams and what they are doing for the city."
At Rally House on the Plaza, employees are filling the floor with more red.
Customers are also stalking up on gear, taking advantage of the store’s selection before the big, post-season rush.
“It’s exciting, it’s real exciting,” said Megan Mollberg, who was buying her two daughters Chiefs shirts. “They have already asked if they can get Super Bowl tickets too.”
The Chiefs are still working on how playoff tickets will be distributed. That announcement could be made as early as Tuesday.
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Ariel Rothfield can be reached at ariel.rothfield@kshb.com.
