ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Excitement was building for months and Saturday, Kansas City Chiefs fans were finally able to see their favorite players at practice.
Saturday was the first training camp practice open to the public in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Thousands of people showed up to watch, and many believe the turnout was the largest the Chiefs have ever seen at an open practice.
Hours before the 3:30 p.m. practice time, fans tailgated in the parking lots and lined up early for entry into Spratt Stadium.
“This year’s just different, it’s like, everybody’s here,” Chiefs fan, Julius Wells said.
With the hype surrounding the Chiefs this season, fans new and old came out to watch, many for the very first time.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been to training camp, but with Mahomes, of course, gotta come see him,” fan Brandon Key said.
The offseason can be difficult for Chiefs Kingdom. With no football to watch, many fans said they were paying close attention to the draft and free agency moves by the Chiefs.
“I think my big thing this year, after seeing everything they’ve done with changing the defense and the defensive scheme, I’m excited to see them bring more fire into that defensive this season, I think it’s going to light up this time,” fan Patrick Donohoo said..
“I’m expecting a great year from both sides of the ball, and I think Pat is going to approach those MVP numbers again,” Wells said.
After practice, players took time to interact with fans and sign autographs. Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were a few fan favorites.
“I’ve got Priest (Holmes) and I’ve got Dante (Hall), trying to get Pat (Mahomes), trying to get Kelce, we’ll see how it works out but I’m excited to be here,” Wells said.
On Sunday, practice will start at 8:15 a.m. Admission is free for season ticket holders and $5 for non-season ticket holders.
