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'It was special': Chiefs family ready to celebrate together at parade

Family booked hotel rooms two weeks ago
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Posted at 5:20 PM, Feb 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-04 19:41:48-05

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — For the Garcias, going to Kansas City Chiefs games practically runs in their blood.

"My sisters have been season ticket holders for 29 years and myself, for 28 years," Christian Garcia said.

His two sisters, Francine Garcia and Rosanne Bales, also go to every home Chiefs game.

"We started going to Chiefs games when we were kids. Both my parents, they had season tickets since 1972 when Arrowhead opened up the gates," Christian said.

Their parents, Joe and Grace Garcia, always had an extra ticket. However, they had nine kids, so every season the family would write the schedule on a board and decide what kid would go to which game.

"We fought," Francine said.

"Arm wrestled," Rosanne added.

Now, if the family isn't out at Arrowhead Stadium hosting tailgates — that gathered up to 80 people at one point — they're at Rosanne's house in her Chiefs-themed basement.

The events are like family reunions.

"Birthdays, Christmas, Chiefs games. You knew you were going to see your family during that time,” Christian said. “It’s always been a really special time for us.”

Their parents are no longer here, but they were first on the siblings' minds when the Chiefs won the AFC Championship and then went on to win the Super Bowl.

"There were tears flowing, a lot of hugs and celebration," Christian said. "So, it was special."

Now, they're planning to party it up for the parade. They booked three hotel rooms along the parade route two weeks in advance, not even knowing the if the team would win.

"We'll be celebrating this evening into tomorrow, downtown," Christian told 41 Action News on Tuesday.

"Hope we make it to the parade!" Francine said.

The family tradition will continue long after the parade is over.

"Our kids are going to the games now, too," Rosanne said. "My second oldest, he's now a season ticket holder as well, so he's pretty proud that he's a third-generation season ticket holder."