How the Kansas City Chiefs could further enhance the season ticket holder experience

The Kansas City Chiefs are starting to implement better incentives for season ticket holders, but the team could still do more to enhance the experience.

We heard recently that ticket sales last year were the highest they have ever been. That is a highly debatable fact (and one that can pretty easily be disproved—can anyone say fake news?). One thing is true, however, and that is that season ticket holders have been unhappy of late.

My family has had season tickets since the mid-to-late-’90s. We are faithful followers of the Chiefs, starting each Sunday with a cold beer and a plate of BBQ. But that doesn’t leave us without criticism for what the Chiefs organization has done recently regarding season ticket holders. I test-drove being a season ticket holder individually last year, and I have a few thoughts on what the Chiefs could do and what they are doing to make the experience better.

The Chiefs market being a season ticket holder as a huge privilege, as if you are something special. You have the opportunity to purchase your tickets for home playoff games, but that’s really it! There hasn’t been much of a benefit beyond that—and is that really a benefit? Hey, person who has already spent a ton of money: please spend more! This is problematic, especially when ticket sales are not what they used to be. (In the ’90s, there was a waiting list. Definitely not the case anymore.) season ticket holders that purchase every year are required to purchase the two home preseason games at full price. So, for someone who does not live in Kansas City, there’s a possibility that you are throwing away money on the preseason games.

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Additionally, with ticket sales down, there are more tickets available. Oftentimes, our family would find that tickets in generally the same area were available on game day at or below face value. Why then, would they pay for 10 games when they could just play the Stubhub game? It makes no sense.

Given that, Clark Hunt and the Chiefs organization needs to do something different. Recently, they have made some changes to season tickets that show that maybe they are listening? First, season ticket holders were invited to a “pick-up day.” They got to go to Arrowhead and receive their tickets in person. Andy Reid was in attendance, and it felt like something special. season ticket holders also got a box with their tickets that included some phone accessories. Now, I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for those types of things; it makes me feel special. I can walk around with those and feel like I can brag. Look at me and my fancy Chiefs pop socket!

But, I don’t think that is enough. So, here are some suggestions for Clark:

season ticket holders could receive additional “swag” opportunities throughout the year. Honestly, give me all the Chiefs stuff. This doesn’t cost the organization anything and suckers like me will trip over their feet running to get it.
season ticket holders could have a designated entrance. That way when you walk up to Arrowhead, you can have a little swagger in your step. “Look at me! I’m a season ticket holder.”
season ticket holders could receive a free or discounted concession item at every game. Honestly, what does a hot dog, a popcorn, or a soda cost the Chiefs? Pennies. But if I got one of those free, I bet I’m getting something else, too! (It isn’t possible to eat popcorn without soda…or beer). Your cost is made up!

These are just a few suggestions to make season ticket holders feel special. At the end of the day, they are paying money to brag and feel like they are above regular attendees. These types of options would not be expensive to implement and would likely result in more people requesting season tickets.

Here’s to hoping Clark and the rest of the Chiefs organization listen and make their season ticket holders feel appreciated. Any other suggestions on what the Chiefs could do to make season ticket holders feel appreciated? Sound off in the comments.

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