Seeing the Chiefs at Arrowhead Thursday Night? Leave Early

If you're planning on heading to Arrowhead to catch the Kansas City Chiefs final preseason game of the year, The Kansas City Police Department is recommending you leave early. Based on my limited experience hitting a concert at Arrowhead, that's some good advice.

Last August Mike Pettis and I headed to Arrowhead to see Garth Brooks. It was a Saturday evening show and we thought we left Warrensburg in plenty of time to get into the stadium's parking lots and into the show before it got underway. That would have worked until we got into a massive traffic jam on Blue Ridge Cuttoff a couple of miles before the stadium. What usually would take us five or ten minutes to get into a Royals game, took about ninety minutes to get into the parking lot.

On Twitter, Kansas City Police warn that Chiefs Football combined with rush hour could cause major traffic backups. KC Police Traffic Sergeant Grant Ruark is quoted on the KC Police Twitter page pointing out that being a pre-season game, many who get tickets aren't accustomed to the traffic and parking patterns at the stadium, so the more time you allow yourself to get into the sports complex, the better.

Parking for the game in Arrowhead's lots costs $47.00 for the game and must be purchased in advance here. Parking lots will open at 2:30 PM, and stadium gates at 5:00 PM for the 7:00 PM kick-off. Tailgating in Arrowhead's lots is prohibited during the game and parking is reserved for ticket holders. So don't think of just heading to the game to tailgate.

As usual, the NFL's clear bag policy will be in effect, and Arrowhead Stadium concession and souvenir stands continue to be cashless.

Good luck, and leave earlier than you think so you don't miss the kick-off!

If you can't make the game Awesome 92.3. will be airing it starting with the pregame at 6:00 PM.