First Time to KC/Arrowhead

Question

Hello fellow TA members,

My wife and I, along with our 2 teens, will be traveling to Kansas City in December for a Chiefs game. As it is our first time, I just had some general questions and was hoping for any and all help/advice.

After doing some research, we got a rental in Old Westport, right by Beer Kitchen restaurant. From what I've read, this area has lots of shops and restaurants, and is pretty active. Is this pretty much true? We're from Houston, so we know how to watch our surroundings in a big city, but is the area relatively safe?

We'll be going to the game on Saturday, 12/21. Would you guys recommend buying a parking pass, or taking a ride share? Also, how bad are we going to get heckled? I'm all about some good-hearted smack talk, but don't want to be put in a situation where I feel my family might be in danger.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice/recommendations!

Answer

Old Westport is one of Kansas City’s most historic and lively neighborhoods, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops in a walkable area. Beer Kitchen is a popular spot, and the surrounding streets have a good mix of dining, casual coffee shops, and local stores. While it is generally safe, like any busy urban area, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Most visitors feel comfortable walking around, but standard city precautions—staying in well-lit areas and keeping valuables secure—are recommended.

For your Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium, here are some points to consider regarding parking and transportation:

Buying a stadium parking pass in advance can be convenient if you prefer to drive yourself. Arrowhead has multiple lots, but prices vary depending on proximity to the stadium. Expect traffic to be heavy before and after the game.
Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are a solid alternative, especially if you want to avoid parking hassles. Pick-up and drop-off points are organized around the stadium, but allow extra time due to congestion.
If you’re comfortable with a bit of walking, combining a ride-share drop-off with walking a short distance can sometimes be faster than trying to park right at the stadium.

Regarding fan interactions:

Arrowhead is known for having one of the most passionate NFL fanbases. Heckling is part of the experience, but it’s typically all in good fun. Wearing the visiting team’s colors will likely get some playful banter.
Families attending the game generally feel safe. Just be mindful of where you sit; sitting in sections designated for home fans is standard, and stadium security is active throughout the event.
For a slightly more controlled experience, you might consider sitting in a family or visitor-friendly section, if available, to balance the energy with a more relaxed atmosphere for your teens.

Other tips for your first KC visit:

Arrive at the game early to soak in the tailgating scene; it’s a major part of the Arrowhead experience.
Explore local eats beyond Westport—Kansas City is famous for barbecue, so consider visiting iconic spots like Joe’s Kansas City or Q39 during your stay.
Dress warmly in December—KC winters can be cold, and Arrowhead is an outdoor stadium.

Overall, staying in Old Westport gives you easy access to dining, shops, and nightlife, while being a reasonable distance from Arrowhead. Using either a parking pass or ride-share works well; if it’s your first time with teens, ride-share might reduce stress with traffic and parking. Heckling is part of the experience but rarely escalates beyond friendly banter.

First Time to KC/Arrowhead

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