Reflecting on the Chiefs Super Bowl win and championship parade

Our own Ellen Mathis reflects on watching the Chiefs Super Bowl victory with other fans at Power and Light along with Wednesday’s parade.

Hello Super Bowl Champion Chiefs Kingdom!

The dust has settled on an incredible week, and I have had a chance to reflect on the last few days. Boy, have they been a whirlwind. As a lifelong Chiefs fan, I wanted to give my view of the game, the celebration, and the city as K.C. celebrated the culmination of 50 years of frustration.

Let’s rewind to Sunday. My husband, mother-in-law, and myself decided we wanted to be in the heart of it all—truly the heart of Kansas City for the game. We purchased tickets to the Level Up Deck at Power and Light. I’m not a huge fan of standing in large crowds being touched constantly by strangers, so we did opt to spend a little money to have a reserved spot (well worth the money). From our view, we were right in the center of the action. We could see everything: the stage, the screen, and most importantly, the reactions of diehard Chiefs fans.

The party started early. We got there at 10:30 a.m. and it was already crowded. People just kept coming and coming. The beverages flowed freely and the bathroom lines grew. I probably should have prepared myself for that aspect better.

Regardless, with about one hour before kickoff, after games were played from the stage along to pounding music that would have raised the dead to their feet, the broadcast started playing through the system. Every shot of a Chiefs player was met with a roar of the crowd and every 49ers player was met with a boo.

Finally, the anthem. “And the home of the CHIEFS” rang through Power and Light, and we were off. After the first touchdown, the energy was unmatched. Could it really happen?

However, we all know what happened from there. Down 10 with minutes left in the game, the only voice truly telling us to believe came from Nate Bukaty on stage. “We have Patrick Mahomes!” And doggone it, we do! Mahomes led the team to its first Super Bowl victory in 50 years and as I scanned the crowd, I saw strangers hugging, tears falling, and a chorus of “We are the Champions” played as fireworks erupted overhead.

When we finally decided to leave Power and Light, we began our walk through the streets. People were honking and hanging out of car windows. They flooded from their homes to be a part of history. It was as if the city was one big family. It was beautiful.

Fast forward to the parade. I decided to attend the parade part but forego Union Station. Really, I just wanted to see the players and watch the speeches from the comfort of my home where it was 1) warm, and 2.) I could hear. So I left at 6:30 a.m. to meet my dad and brother. We walked the few blocks to the parade route and waited. And waited. Music blasted, flags and t-shirts were being sold streetside. Finally, the parade started. Every single player was there and Eric Fisher was my personal favorite, blessing us with a Stone Cold impersonation.

What was most impressive, though, through these two joyous days was the turnout and passion of Chiefs Kingdom. You could not walk two steps without someone yelling “Go Chiefs.” I’ve never experienced anything like it in my life and I don’t think I ever will again. This city was changed this weekend and the Kingdom has finally been blessed.

Here’s to next year. Let’s do it again, soon.