Football Fever

Lamar Hunt brought his Dallas team to Kansas City in 1963 and, after considering names such as the Steers, the Mules, and Royals, chose Chiefs in honor of Kansas City’s Native American heritage; Chief was also the nickname of mayor R.H. Bartle. Hunt said Kansas City impressed him with its support of sports, and that enthusiasm grew into a lasting football culture marked by winning seasons, numerous playoff appearances, a Super Bowl title, Red Fridays, and elaborate tailgating despite difficult Midwest weather. City officials first hoped to build a domed stadium downtown for the team, but high construction and energy costs led instead to an open-air stadium complex east of the city. Arrowhead Stadium opened in 1972, and a year later the Royals baseball team moved into its neighboring home at now-named Kaufmann Stadium.

Kansas City, Missouri · United States