Chiefs Host Broncos on Christmas Night: What Fans Need to Know for Arrowhead Gameday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Christmas night football at Arrowhead Stadium is always something special, and this year, the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) are set to host the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (12-3) under the lights. With the season winding down and playoff hopes dim, the Chiefs will be looking to play spoiler against a red-hot Broncos squad - and they’ll do it in front of a primetime holiday crowd.
Gameday Essentials: When to Arrive and What to Expect
If you're heading to Arrowhead, plan ahead. Parking lots open at 3 p.m. on Thursday, and you’ll need to have your parking pass purchased in advance - no cash or card on-site. Stadium gates open at 5:30 p.m., with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 p.m. sharp.
Weather-wise, it’s shaping up to be a mild December night in Kansas City. Expect mostly cloudy skies with temperatures dipping to around 48 degrees. Not too cold for late December football, but you’ll still want to layer up if you’re sitting in the upper bowl.
Tickets and Broadcast Info
Still looking to snag a seat? Tickets are available online, with resale prices starting at $42 as of Thursday morning. For those staying home with holiday leftovers, the game will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime.
Holiday Vibes and In-Stadium Highlights
The Chiefs are leaning into the holiday spirit for this one. Players will be sporting festive patches on their uniforms, and the stadium will feature several fan activations to celebrate the season.
The national anthem will be performed by Mikaela Ayira, a singer-songwriter and contestant on Season 26 of The Voice. She’ll be joined by the Leawood Police Department’s Honor Guard, who will present the colors during the pregame ceremony.
At halftime, the Kansas City Symphony will take the stage with a special holiday performance. Expect appearances from KC Wolf, the Chiefs Rumble drumline, the cheerleaders, and the team’s flag runners - all part of a show designed to keep the energy high through the break.
Drum Honoree and Fan Light Show
On the GEHA Deck, former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green will return to Arrowhead as this week’s Drum Honoree - a familiar face who knows a thing or two about big moments in this stadium.
Fans in the stands will also be part of the show. The team is encouraging everyone to take part in a coordinated light show using their smartphones during player introductions and again at the end of the third quarter. Just open the Chiefs mobile app and follow the in-app instructions to join in.
Looking Ahead
After Thursday night’s matchup, the Chiefs will close out their regular season with a road trip to Las Vegas to face the Raiders on Sunday, Jan. 4. Kickoff time for that game is still to be determined.
For full details on stadium policies, accessibility services, and the complete gameday schedule, fans can visit the official Chiefs website.
So whether you’re bundling up for Arrowhead or watching from the couch, one thing’s for sure - Christmas night football in Kansas City is bringing the lights, the music, and a matchup that’s got plenty of storyline, even if the playoff picture is out of focus.