Well, now, that was a fine evening’s entertainment…
I’m talking, of course, about the Chiefs’ 21-13 win over the Raiders last night at Arrowhead Stadium.
First game I’ve been to in several years, and it was well worth a little chill to the feet. (Best game-preparation tip I got was from a Kansas City Star story Tuesday that said something like, “Don’t even think about wearing cotton socks.” That spurred me to drive down to the Plaza and buy a pair of Smart Wool socks, which helped immensely.)
A friend named David Fowler, who has seats on the club level, invited me to the game, along with two other friends of his. Three of us who drove together got to the stadium about 5:30 (the fourth guy arrived late), and we walked around the parking lot for a while, watching the tailgaters. It was a happy, raucous atmosphere, and I think the fact it was a nighttime game pushed the fun quotient up a few notches.
From that point, I’ll let the photos tell the story…
I’d never heard of the Tailgate Suites, but it’s the creme de la creme of the tailgate areas, with tent-ready spots available for rent.
This barbecue brisket was delicious…The cook offered us samples.
The club level, from the outside looking in.
We chatted with some very friendly, and very intense, Raiders fans.
No Raiders fans in this Chiefs’ lair.
Refueling the heater.
In from the cold.
Not sure what the deal was with these two bros.
That’s Jack Foster (left), me and our host, David Fowler.
Three para commandos dropped in before the game.
Second-half action…the Chiefs with the ball.
Next to me for part of the game was a guy I dubbed Wolf Man (see hat). This was one of the few times he didn’t have drinks in both hands. He was a mighty friendly fellow…Why, after the Chiefs scored one first-half touchdown, he put one arm under my left armpit and about lifted me off the ground.
JimmyCsays: At the juncture of journalism and daily life in KC 
Great pictures, Jim!! They should have been in The Star.
Glad you survived. Quite a game! Am sure you helped the Chiefs to victory.
Cheers,
Laura
Thanks very much, Laura. I take very small credit for helping boost the sound level to 142 decibels! (Fortunately, where we were it wasn’t deafening.)
They were saying everyone’s gloves would probably muffle the sound somewhat — ‘course the cold wouldn’t affect the thunder sticks! Good game.
Good clen fun. Well, except for the drunken brawls up in the stands. These games are not family fare.
I was absolutely shocked to hear about fighting taking place in the upper deck. I’m just sorry I wasn’t up there to help restore the peace. I’m sure a little reasonable conversation would have straightened things out.
Ah, you dear, naive man. You honestly think testosterone-laden drunkards are going to be soothed by “reasonable conversation”? This really is the season of miracles.
I hate how cynical I’ve become.
It’s the power of a soothing, rational voice, Gayle…makes the lion purr.
Right, I can see the headline now. “Drunken fans from both teams unite to throw elderly man over side of stadium for interfering in their fun”
Plausible scenario…
One of the few places you see a cross section/demographic of “ALL” elements of “The Kansas City.” This is a good image to put in your mind when writing….a KC face when trying to reach an honest KC audience.
Of all the complaints about how local governments are mediocre, this part seems to be pretty much a “nice thing.” Credit where credit is due.