The Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back champions, and we’re excited to celebrate this great city on Wednesday for the victory parade!
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14 in downtown KC and will run approximately 1.5 hours. The parade route starts at 6th and Grand and will proceed south on Grand and turning west on Pershing Road, North on Main, ending at Union Station where the Chiefs Kingdom Champions Rally will take place beginning at approximately 12:45 p.m. and will last about an hour. Read on for tips for families on how to enjoy Chiefs Kingdom, make the best memories, and stay safe!
Getting to the Parade
- Park and Ride. Park and Ride shuttles will run from 7 a.m.-10:30 a.m., and then again from noon to 4 p.m. from spots around the metro including Oak Park Mall, Hy-Vee Arena, Swope Park/Zoo and more. Be prepared for a 45 minute wait at popular locations.
- Be prepared to walk. If you do decide to drive toward the route understand that you will be walking a bit of a distance. With road closures and crowds, parking isn’t always easy to come by. If you see a parking spot, don’t hesitate to take it. You’ll find organizations and businesses offering paid parking lots.
During the Parade
- Set realistic expectations. You’re there to tell your grandkids you were there. You might not be able to see everything, but you’re experiencing Chiefs Kingdom with one million of your best friends.
- Sign up for text alerts. ALERTKC is keeping you in the know with parade notifications. Text KCPARADE to 888-777 for the most updated information on transit, public safety and more.
- Be prepared for port-a-potties. in the past 700 port-a-potties were available for one million and counting people. If you have a potty training kid, consider a one-day return to pull-ups and pack some hand sanitizer.
- Bring blankets or carpet squares to stand on. Little bums and feet on cold concrete won’t last long! If you can handle it, bring a chair. It’s a lot of time standing.
- Bring snacks and water, and bring more than you think you’ll need. There will be street vendors but you don’t want to lose your spot searching for food and lines could be heavy. You will probably be gone longer than you anticipate!
- Bring cash. With hard to get service in the area, Square payment options could be
down. - No crossing the street. For security purposes, parade goers are not allowed to cross the street except in designated locations. Keep that in mind when you decide where you want to view the parade.
- Have an air-tight exit plan, and stick to it. You might not be able to connect with your peeps through cell phones as service is often limited if not non-existent.
- Navigate the crowds. If you have littles and want to avoid the biggest crowds steer clear of the most congested parts of the parade route; near Power & Light and Union Station.
- Embrace the chaos. Anytime you gather a million+ of your closest friends to celebrate a big win, things will always be a little chaotic. Going into it with the right mindset will help you enjoy the day more.
Safety
- Write your name and a phone number of a trusted adult who is NOT at the parade on your kids’ arms for easy identification should you get separated. If cell service doesn’t work, it’s nice to have someone to call who is likely to be reached.
- Make a solid plan if you get separated that does not involve a cell phone. During past victory parades cell service was down due to congestion.
- Familiarize yourself with the map – lost child centers, bathrooms etc. Print a copy to take with you.
- Take a picture of everyone you are with so that if you get separated, you can remember what they were wearing.
- There will be seven reunification locations where families can reunite with lost children. More than 100 children were separated from their parents during the last big parade!
- Emergency personnel will be wearing bright green. Flags will be posted so those calling 911 can help identify their location.
Enjoying the Rally
- The rally begins at 12:45 p.m. on the stage in front of Union Station. There will be NO public access to Union Station until after the festivities.
- Purchase tickets now to the WWI Museum for the Chiefs Kingdom Champions Rally. While admission to the rally is free tickets to the WWI Museum will give you access to restrooms, the Museum Café, the Museum store and exhibitions. Tickets are $10 and children 5 and under are free. You can purchase parking passes for $50 until they sell out.
- To avoid the biggest congestion at the Rally, stake out a spot further up the hill.
- Fans can watch from the north lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. In the past, the roads around the area were closed, which included: Kessler Rd., Main St., Memorial Drive, Pershing Rd. and Wyandotte St.
How to Enjoy it All With a Guaranteed Parking Spot
- The Chiefs Kingdom Parade will air live on Kansas City TV stations.
- Host your own watch party. With many districts canceling school on Wednesday, host your own watch party at home. Whether you keep it small with just your family or invite over the neighbors, all of Kansas City deserves a bit of jubilation on Wednesday.
This post will be updated as events are announced!
