The Kansas City Chiefs have announced their plan addressing seating capacity concerns in anticipation of fans returning to Arrowhead Stadium during the 2020 season.
The final seating capacity and adjustments that need to be made have yet to be determined by the Chiefs. However, as the team anticipates guidelines related to seating capacity from the CDC, NFL and local authorities they’ve come up with a plan to offer the most possible flexibility to their season ticket holders.
“People around the country and around the world are getting accustomed to a constantly changing environment and the same goes for all of us in Chiefs Kingdom,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “While our goal all offseason was to have a full stadium as we begin our Super Bowl title defense, it is out of consideration of the health and safety of our fans, employees, coaches and players that we move forward with a reduced-capacity plan that adheres to local guidelines and expert recommendations. As we looked at ways to navigate this unusual season, our first priority was to offer a fair and flexible plan for our loyal and valued Season Ticket Members, and we believe we accomplished that. While it will be a different experience for everyone, we are looking forward to welcoming fans to Arrowhead this fall.”
The team does not believe that their capacity in 2020 will allow for them to fairly re-seat every season ticket holder. Because of that fact, they’ll have two options for season ticket holders to weigh. They can be refunded in full for their 2020 season tickets or they can receive a credit toward season tickets in 2021.
Season ticket holders will automatically be credited toward season tickets in 2021. So if you don’t want that you’ll need to contact the Chiefs’ ticket office. Those with season tickets who do choose to use the credit toward 2021 will be given a number of perks:
- STMs will be automatically included in a single-game presale for any available seats in 2020, once a final capacity is determined.
- Their credit can be utilized to purchase single-game tickets for a reduced-capacity 2020 season, if they choose.
- They will receive their 2020 Season Ticket Member box with exclusive gifts.
- STM pricing will remain flat for 2021 and they will accrue a year of STM tenure for the 2020 season, regardless of if they attend any games or not in 2020.
- In the event that the club is permitted to host a full-capacity crowd for any potential playoff games, STMs that did not opt for a refund will be given the first opportunity to purchase their seats.
- Parking or hospitality club passes purchased as part of a Season Ticket Membership can be managed exactly like tickets – either as a credit for 2021 or a full-refund, if requested.
Without the ability to accommodate season ticket holders, the team will also be issuing refunds to those who have already purchased single-game tickets and parking passes through what is considered a primary ticketing marketplace. Once they have a final idea of seating capacity at Arrowhead Stadium, the team will have a “reduced-capacity single-game on-sale” where season ticket holders will get first dibs at claiming seats before it’s opened to the general public. The team also anticipates only selling tickets for a few games at a time in anticipation of the ongoing changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to changes to seating capacity, the Chiefs pledge to continue working with local health experts to ensure the safety of all fans, staff, coaches and players. All aspects of gameday including parking, tailgating, guest service, food and beverage, retail and stadium operations are under review to finalize procedures for the upcoming season.
To find out more about the Chiefs’ plan, visit their website.
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