Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt recently answered reporters’ questions about the team’s upcoming game in Mexico City against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Clark Hunt was quick to answer any concerns about the field this year in Mexico City. When asked whether or not he was sure the playing surface would be up to NFL standards for the Kansas City Chiefs game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, his reply was terse: “We are sure.”
The Chargers gave up a home game to maintain the ability to play in Mexico City just one year after a last-second debacle that forced the NFL to move its international exhibition in the few days before the Chiefs and Chargers were scheduled to play at Estadio Azteca. The field conditions last year were so poor that the NFL decided to alter plans entirely and shift the game to L.A.—the right move given that some players weren’t even sure they would voluntarily suit up to play on it.
“So our field staff has been in contact with the league who has been in contact with the reps in Mexico City who have been taking care of the field. It’s a completely different field and it’s in much better condition than it was last year,” said Hunt in his explanation.
For any fans who were frustrated that the Chiefs have to go anywhere internationally, the good news is that Arrowhead didn’t lose a game. Instead the Chargers took that loss. For both teams, however, there’s a hunger to spread not only the team brands but the greater NFL flag into new territories, as seen in the NFL’s London exhibitions. Mexico City represents another exciting international venture for the league to develop.
“I was hopeful that we would have a chance to go to Mexico City,” says Hunt. “I think all the international games are important for the league and they’re important for the Chiefs from a branding standpoint. I frankly did not expect that we’d be going to Mexico City so fast. It’s not something we lobbied the league for. When I looked at our schedule, I didn’t think it would work out from a scheduling standpoint. At the end fo the day, the Chargers were willing to give up a home game to play down there even though we’re a division team.”