Tailgating before Taylor Swift’s Kansas City shows? Tips for Arrowhead from Chiefs fans

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium is known for its tailgating scene. When it’s football season and the Chiefs are in town, barbecue smoke fills the air.

The same rings true for concerts at Arrowhead. Fans still arrive early, set up their cooking stations and have a good time before the gates open.

Kansas City will see thousands of Taylor Swift fans descend upon the stadium in a week. For many, this could be their first time at the home of the Super Bowl champions. Tailgating can be a chance to befriend other fans before the show — and to trade a few bracelets.

Back in November, The Star talked to Chiefs superfans for tips on how to tailgate for first-timers. The tips they shared back then also apply to any tailgate at the stadium.

GET IN LINE EARLY

For Chiefs games, the gates for the parking lot open 4-and-a-half hours before kickoff. For example, the parking lot would open at 2:50 p.m. for a 7:20 p.m. game

Arrowhead officials haven’t yet revealed when gates will open for Taylor Swift, but tailgaters recommended that for you to have a good time at the tailgate, arrive around four hours before the show starts to try and get a good parking spot.

They also said you should get some sleep the night before.

HAVE YOUR FOOD AND BEVERAGES READY

Arrowhead tailgating veterans buy everything they need a few days before. This includes foods, cups, plates, forks, knives and drinks. You can pre-order some of these Swift-inspired treats from local bakeries to add to the theme of the show.

They also recommend bringing enough ice to store your food in a cooler once the tailgate is over. You don’t want the food to spoil sitting in a car for 3-4 hours.

It’s also great to have if you’re stuck in the parking lot in traffic after the show. At least you’ll have leftovers.

PREPARE FOR THE WEATHER

Dress for the occasion. It’s expected to be hot on both nights. Dress comfortably so you don’t overheat.

If you’re still putting together your outfit to represent your favorite era of Swift, consider the weather so you don’t overheat before she sings your favorite song.

The weather can also dictate what you cook for the tailgate. If it’s hot outside, maybe you don’t want to bring a grill and instead pack pre-made sandwiches, chips, healthy snacks and a lot of water bottles.

CLEAN UP

The tailgaters The Star spoke to said they start cleaning up around an hour before the gates to the stadium open.

Develop a system if you’re going with a large group. Pack up the big items, like tables, tents and chairs, and then wrap up the food. You don’t want to miss opening acts MUNA and Gracie Abrams because you’re cramming everything inside your car.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Get your parking passes ahead of time. Each pass costs $47, and the toll booths do not accept cash.

Arrowhead also has regulations for tailgating:

• Parking spaces can’t be used for tailgate equipment alone.

• Maintain an aisle that is clear of tailgate equipment. Your total tailgate space is limited to 8 feet behind each parking space, so emergency vehicles can get through.

• Parking is for ticketed guests only. The Chiefs have the right to confirm that fans have tickets before letting them enter the parking lot.

• You can’t tailgate during the game.

• Signs and banners that can be deemed offensive can’t be displayed.

“Taylorgating,” the phenomenon of Swift’s biggest fans who missed out on tickets going to the venues to listen from the outside, is not allowed at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. If you don’t have a ticket to the show, you won’t be allowed inside the parking lot and you won’t be able to stay in the lot.

Once the headliner goes on stage, you have two options: Go inside the stadium or leave the lot. Arrowhead officials said staff reserve the right to check if you have tickets at any point, including prior to allowing you inside the parking lot.