KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Kansas City is preparing for what could be the coldest game in the history of Arrowhead Stadium when it takes the field for a playoff game against the Dolphins Saturday at 7 p.m.
The coldest Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium was on Dec. 18, 1983, against the Denver Broncos. The temperature that day, per Pro Football Reference, was 0.5 degrees. There was also a more recent game in Dec. 2016 against the Tennessee Titans when the temperature was one degree at kickoff.
City officials are urging fans to take this weather seriously.
“If you think you’re dressed warmly enough, still put on another layer, particularly those extremities, your feet, your fingers, etc. Look, Kansas City has had cold weather like this for years. Arrowhead has experienced it many times. It’ll be a sellout crowd, it’ll be full again, but we do encourage everyone to be safe,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes says he doesn’t mind playing in the cold.
”I’ve realized that practice in the cold is a lot harder than playing in the cold just with the heaters and stuff on the sideline, so you just kind of adapt to it, but like you said, I grew up in Texas and didn’t get any games like this, but honestly I just kind of appreciate it, it is kind of cool to be at a stadium like this in the cold weather, you know you are really playing football,” said Mahomes to reporters earlier this week.
The Chiefs are encouraging fans to bundle up. There will be warming stations, fans can bring blankets and there will be free hot chocolate for designated drivers.
The Chiefs say you can prepare for the game with these tips:
• Bundle up with loose fitting layers and cover all exposed skin.
• Guests may carry in blankets (without zippers or compartments), draped over their shoulder during the security screening process, cardboard no larger than 3’x5’, as well as portable chargers and non dry cell batteries (both no larger than 6”x3”x1.5”) to power heated apparel. Battery packs must be disconnected during security inspection.
• Fans needing additional layers on site may visit one of the many Pro Shop locations that will be stocked with warm-wear.
• Stay hydrated. All guests may bring in one factory sealed bottle of water, 20 ounces or less.
• Warming stations will be located throughout the complex:
o Exterior: Warming trailers will be available near parking gates 3/4, 5 and 6, inside Lots B, C, D, F and G as well as the northwest corner of the Ford Tailgate District in Lot M.
o Interior: Nine warming stations will be located inside the stadium:
- One at the bottom of each of the four Field Level spirals.
- Near the Jim Beam (north) and Crown Royal (south) bars located on the Upper Level.
- Near the Red Zones on the east and west sides of the Upper Level.
- The Season Ticket Member Kickoff Countdown tent, located on the Plaza
- Level near Gate G, will turn into a warming zone at kickoff for all fans
• Grab a cup of hot chocolate available for sale at all Chiefs Bars, Tailgater, Blaze and Sheridan’s locations on the Field and Upper Levels.
• Fans who pledge to be a designated driver at one of the Fans First Booths will receive a coupon for a complimentary cup of hot chocolate.
Head to the Chief’s website to get more information about the bag policy, parking and more.