The Kansas City Chiefs will look to elevate their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.
They’ll be playing 7,200 feet above sea level at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a difference of nearly 6,300 feet from Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs typically have one high-elevation game per year in Denver, at an altitude of 5,280 feet, so players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes feel prepared to face any challenges that the elevation may present.
“I’m obviously very excited to play in Mexico with the stadium, the history, the people and fan base that’s down there,” Mahomes said. “It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere. The altitude to me is something that’s just part of it. I’m going to trust what Rick (Burkholder) and Coach (Andy) Reid and their plan and the process. I’ve never been affected, knock on wood, never been affected like in Denver or anything like that. I know it’s supposed to be twice as high or whatever, but I’m going to go out there and focus on the game and what I can in order to have success.”
The Chiefs have done their research and they think the disruption in routine is more harmful than any potential benefits of training at a higher elevation. Their opponents, the Los Angeles Chargers, are training in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy. Kansas City will instead focus on other types of key preparations that will help as they head into the game.
“Obviously you are going to try to stay hydrated and try to get the right amount of rest but I think that’s stuff you do as the season goes on every single year,” Mahomes said. “As the season goes on, you have to make sure your body is in the best condition because it’s a long season. We’re excited to get to go to a place like that and get to play.”
As long as the Chiefs take the right steps in preparation, they’re confident the altitude won’t present them any problems.
“I just stay hydrated, man,” rookie wide receiver Mecole Hardman said. “The best thing you can do anyways is to stay hydrated and just go out there and play.”
Hardman added that he didn’t feel like the altitude in Denver affected him when the Chiefs played there earlier this season. That’s a sentiment echoed by some of his defensive teammates as well, like second-year defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.
“The altitude [in Mexico City] — I’m not really worried about that from what I’ve been seeing,” Nnadi said. “A lot of our coaches did a lot of research when it comes to altitude. When we were in Denver we weren’t really that affected by it, so I feel like we should be fine.”
One thing is for certain: The decision-makers put a lot of thought into the choice to stick to their normal routine, and everyone, including the players, believes that it will pay off in the long run.