Arrowhead Stadium holds 76,416 fans and is officially the loudest stadium in the NFL. The Guinness World Record was set in 2014 at 142.2 decibels—louder than a jet engine at takeoff. Gates open two hours before kickoff. Parking lots open five hours before, turning the surrounding sea of red into the greatest tailgate party in professional sports.
Stadium Location and Access
Arrowhead Stadium sits in the Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri, adjacent to Kauffman Stadium (Royals). The rolling hills of the Truman Sports Complex create a natural amphitheater effect that amplifies crowd noise and makes Arrowhead one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams.
Parking Overview
Parking Lot Pricing (2026 Season)
- Stadium Lots (A-G): $45-60 (closest to Arrowhead)
- General Lots (H-P): $35-45 (moderate walk, tailgating popular)
- Outer Lots (Near Kauffman): $25-35 (farthest, 15-20 min walk)
- ADA Accessible: Designated spots in each lot tier
Lots open five hours before kickoff. This extended window is intentional. Chiefs tailgating is not a quick beer before the game. It is a multi-hour event with smoked meats, elaborate setups, and generations of tradition.
Tailgating at Arrowhead
Arrowhead tailgating rivals any experience in the NFL. The parking lots transform into a sea of red pop-up tents, smokers, and Chiefs flags. The smell of KC BBQ fills the air hours before kickoff.
What Makes Arrowhead Different
- Smokers: Full-sized offset smokers producing brisket, ribs, and burnt ends
- Generators: Powering TVs, heaters, and sound systems
- Hospitality: Strangers offering food and drinks without expectation
Tailgate Rules
- Charcoal and propane grills: Permitted
- Smokers and offset grills: Permitted
- Open flames without containment: Prohibited
Seating Guide
Lower Level (100 Level)
The best sightlines are between the 30-yard lines: Sections 101-108 and 132-139. End zone sections are cheaper but deliver limited views for plays on the opposite side of the field.
Upper Level (300 Level)
The upper deck is steep but delivers excellent sight lines. The crowd noise concentrates in the bowl, making upper deck seats feel more immersive than they look on a seating chart.
Food Inside the Stadium
- Gates BBQ: Kansas City institution, burnt ends and pulled pork
- Joe's Kansas City: Z-Man sandwiches, brisket
The Noise Factor
Arrowhead is designed to be loud. The bowl shape captures and amplifies sound. On third downs, the crowd noise becomes physically disorienting. Bring hearing protection if you are sensitive to loud noise.
Quick Reference: Game Day Essentials
- Gates open: 2 hours before kickoff
- Lots open: 5 hours before kickoff
- Must try: Gates burnt ends, Joe's Z-Man
- Bring: Hearing protection, patience for traffic