Attending Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp with Kids

Kansas City Chiefs mania is poised to begin once again with the inaugural kick-off of training camp! Located in St. Joseph, Missouri, Chiefs training camp is a free, family friendly event for any and all Chiefs enthusiasts. It might not feel like football weather outside, but that won’t stop us from cheering on our home team. So grab those Mahomes jerseys, load up the car, and head north because this is a weeks long event you will not want to miss!

Tips for Making the Most of Chiefs Training Camp

Training Camp Tickets

Tickets, although free, must be reserved online via the Chiefs mobile app or website. Total tickets are limited to allow for a quality fan experience. All but three days (July 23, 29 and August 5) are free. The last practice is August 17. While purchasing, go ahead and get a $5 mobile parking pass.

Schedule

Practice begins at 9:15 a.m., but gates and attractions open 30 minutes prior. Practices are usually only two hours in duration, and attractions close soon after.

Mom tip: Arrive promptly at 8:45 a.m. to avoid long lines and blistering heat, then head straight for the fan experience to get the most out of the activities! If avoiding crowds is important, avoid weekend training dates.

Reference the daily schedule to see the positions planned to attend camp each day, as they do not all practice at once. If it is important for your little ones to see a particular player, this is a critical first step in arranging your outing.

If player interaction is what your family is looking for, make your way to the field at the end of practice, where players often stop and interact with fans, sign autographs and give high-fives. Pack jerseys, footballs or memorabilia for signing opportunities, and have them ready at this time. A pro shop is on site for those who prefer to purchase during camp. Don’t forget a Sharpie!

Attractions

Attractions for kids include: bounce houses, rock climbing, field goal kicking, football toss, drill running and obstacle courses. Kids will work up a sweat! With Midwest heat waves looming, this is another reason to arrive early.

Shade is non-existent, emphasizing the need to pack water, sunscreen, hats and cooling towels. If you feel yourself getting overheated, visit the misting tent provided on site.

kids at Chiefs Training Camp

Chiefs Gear

Aligning with stadium policy, only clear bags and purses are allowed on premises. I purchased this one at a local Rally House and it was a great size to stow a wallet, any purchased items, a water bottle, sunscreen and snacks. Looking for additional Chiefs gear to show your support during training camp? Here’s some favorite local stores you’ll want to hit on your way to St. Joseph:

Concessions

Concessions are available for purchase. Families wanting to avoid the steep concession food may want to keep a cooler in the car with a picnic lunch and extra cold beverages. Fans are welcome to tailgate, but alcohol is prohibited on the MWSU parking lot.

Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first serve basis. Grassy areas near the end zones are available for families wanting to spread out, so consider bringing a blanket!

Have a memory making day cheering on our Chiefs!

Kristin Ruthstrom
Kristin is a Lee’s Summit suburb transplant, after living in the Brookside and Plaza areas for over eight years. Raising three young boys with her husband, Jake, has helped her to embrace the messy, wild side of life where love is expressed in bear hugs and body slams. Professionally, she can be found teaching classes as an adjunct professor in the areas of Business, Marketing and PR. She is able to provide her students with applicable, real-life knowledge as she draws from several years working in the corporate sector. “Free time” (ha!, what's that again?) is spent on an occasional date night to favorite local restaurants, reading blogs on everything from home design to politics, riding her sweet beach cruiser bike and thinking of ways to convince her husband to do yet another home improvement project.