Kansas City Chiefs Parade Information
By Joanna Goodman
When KC goes back-to-back for Super Bowl wins, the whole city feels it. The reverberations of Sunday’s win has created our own little holiday week, to the extent that schools all across the metro are closing for Red Wednesday as the city properly welcomes home the Chiefs.
If you’re one of almost a MILLION people (more than that, really, plus the Taylor-Swift-potentially-showing-up effect) expected to line the parade route on Wednesday, you’ll thank yourself later for planning ahead! This mama did it last year, and I can tell you what we did and what some of your options are for this time around!
Weather
I’ll look it up for you, just so you’ll know how to prep, but we already know (or hope?) it’ll be more comfortable weather than last year. Slightly cloudy and lingering in the 40s is expected. Like all good midwesterners (or those who are visiting, welcome!) layer up!
Parade and Rally Time
The Parade itself will start on Wednesday, Feb. 14th at 11am. It will last about 1.5 hours. Then it’s over to the Rally at Union Station which is expected to start at about 12:45.
Parade Route
Many of us have seen this route before, swung our legs out of windows over it, and huddled on the curb for the hours it takes to celebrate with the world’s best. The parade will start at 6th and Grand Blvd., head south down Grand, jaunt west on Pershing Rd., then north on Main to Union Station.
Parking
Just don’t. Ok, maybe that’s not possible, but I’ll tell you from experience that going with the KCATA Park and Ride option was best for us last year. It’s round trip, and the waits did not seem long (maybe 20 minutes, though they advise you to be ready to wait 45 at busier locations). You’ll also avoid the fee of a downtown parking lot, as the Park and Ride is a free service. This is a great option if you’re coming in from the suburbs. For a full list of Park and Ride locations, as well as a full list of the downtown roads closed to vehicles on Wednesday, click HERE.
For ADA Parking, or if you’d like to park in a garage in general, talk to Crown Center or Union Station to make sure you arrive in time for a good space. (WWI Museum and Memorial is already sold out of their parking passes).
Bathrooms
Porta potties will be set up at select location along the parade route and near Union Station. See locations on the map above. Send part of your group at a time — you’ll need someone to save your parade spot!
Businesses
Many restaurants and coffee shops will be open for business downtown on Wednesday morning. They’re stocked up and expected to have a staggering number of transactions for the timeframe. Go them! These businesses are thriving with the shear numbers of incoming visitors and locals who will swing in to support them, share the celebration in the air, and for-the-love-on-Valentine’s-Day get you a cup of hot coffee from Mildred’s.
Taylor
Understandably, Mayor Lucas has “absolutely no comments on the whereabouts of Miss Swift…”, which leaves us trying to do word problem math again on the speed of airplanes in Taylor’s already packed schedule. Since the possibility that she will be joining is in the air, KC can expect to see an influx of Swifties coming for a glimpse and to support the Chiefs. Welcome! The more the merrier, right?
Pro Mom Tips:
Getting to the parade, knowing where to park, and beating the crowd to Mildred’s is one thing. Now you have hours to pass while you protect the piece of real estate that has suddenly become a highly sought after curb. This is where you trust all the Kansas City mamas who are telling you that you should probably:
Bring a picnic, or at least snacks. This is a thousand times more true if you have kids. Shop local vendors, as well, but snacks at the ready are a must!
Bring games and books. And don’t underestimate a nerf football for some friendly play in the street (or up to the people in their window) before the parade starts. Whatever your family enjoys, make it portable and you’ll be happy you did!
Bring chairs and blankets. Listen, I know it’s a lot to lug around blankets for blocks, but once you’re cozied up with your coffee watching nerf football, you’ll thank me. Chairs also help to keep your space from getting too narrowed down by the crowd. (I don’t know this from experience, I just watched others enjoy their chairs last year). Brilliant.
I heard this from another mom and thought it was a great idea: write your phone number on your children’s hands/arms if you have littles. There are reunification areas listed on the map above, as well. Prep like you would for Disney and you’ll be good to go.
What do we get when the Chief’s parade also falls on Valentine’s Day? Be on the lookout for Russell Stover Chocolates, who is partnering with the WWI Musuem and Memorial to hand out over 315,000 heart-shaped chocolates! They’ll be on the North Lawn on the Memorial grounds. While you’re over there, enjoy food trucks and local KC artists and vendors from The Strawberry Swing that are also setting up on the North Lawn. A favorite, Messner Bee Farm will be there. Try some honey cotton candy!
And when it’s time to head home, show some love to others on the way.
Remember before you had kids and when you wanted to go into the grocery store you just… did? No wrangling car seats or waiting for a sister to put her shoes on. Now you have to (or are trying-your-ever-loving-heart-to) grow in patience. You start building in time for finding the shoe that’s still stuffed under the back seat.
When you’re downtown with a million other people, relax your pace. Know that it will take awhile to get in and to get out. It’s all a part of the experience. Enjoy it, and smile!
IF you’d rather stay in, enjoy a watch party with the kids and some friends! The parade coverage will be on KSHB 41 or you can stream it live at kshb.com.
One of my favorite things is watching the city come together in moments like this. And I’m already counting on next year ;)
I’m a local family, maternity, and newborn photographer that values your genuine connections. Go enjoy time with your family celebrating a spectacular (and nail-biting, I saw that, Taylor) game, and what I know is a cherished and well-deserved victory for Kansas City.