Kansas City fans will take to the streets Wednesday to celebrate the team's second Super Bowl win in four years. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be pushed to Thursday.
If you were lucky enough to take part in 2020’s celebration, you already know one thing — planning ahead is key.
We'll continue to post updates as we learn new information, but here’s what we know so far:
When is the celebration?
Soon after the Chiefs clinched Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles, Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas tweeted "LET’S HAVE A PARADE WEDNESDAY!!!"
It will begin at 12 p.m., with a victory rally at Union Station at approximately 1:45 p.m., according to city officials. The National WWI Museum and Memorial will host viewing opportunities on its north lawn.
LET’S HAVE A PARADE WEDNESDAY!!!
— Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) February 13, 2023
What's the route?
Kansas City city manager Brian Platt told KCUR Monday morning that the parade will begin at the City Market and continue down Grand Boulevard before turning on Pershing Road to finish in front of Union Station.
The Kansas City Sports Commission advises parade-goers to watch for additional details across several channels:
- Visit the parade website at www.chiefsparade.com
- Sign up for text notifications from AlertKC. Text KCPARADE to 888-777.
- Follow the City and the KC Sports Commission on Twitter @KansasCity and @SportKC, or on Facebook and Instagram.
How will it affect traffic downtown?
Traffic downtown will be severely limited — Platt said the city will begin closing roads by Tuesday afternoon.
We love a parade! We’ll drive!
— RideKC (@RideKCTransit) February 13, 2023
Here are the streets that will be closed along the parade route:
- Grand Boulevard from Berkley Park to Pershing Road, starting Tuesday at 12 p.m.
- All east-west streets between Walnut and McGee from Berkley Park to Pershing Road, starting Tuesday 12 p.m. (Some vehicle crossings will remain open until Wednesday 9 a.m. )
- Main Street from 20th Street to Pershing Road will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians.
- Main Street from Pershing Road to 31st Street will be closed to vehicles, but open to pedestrians.
- Kessler Road from Pershing to the west side of the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
What will the weather be?
The National Weather Service is forecasting a beautiful day — mostly sunny, with highs in the upper 40s. But temperatures will likely drop significantly into the evening, with a forecasted low around 23 and a chance for snow.
Will schools be closed?
Many area school districts have already announced school closures Wednesday so families can enjoy the festivities.
In Kansas:
- Shawnee Mission School District
- Blue Valley School District
- Gardner-Edgerton School District
- Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Schools
- Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
In Missouri:
- Kansas City Public Schools
- Lee’s Summit School District
- Grandview School District
- Fort Osage School District
- North Kansas City Schools
- Liberty Public Schools
- Kearney School District
- Center School District
- Smithville School District
What is the security plan?
The Kansas City Police Department will likely have all hands on deck at the parade. Platt says they will also get help from neighboring police departments.
“Police departments from the entire metro region are going to be involved in this," Platt said. "Hundreds of police officers will be coming in from other municipalities and neighboring and partner agencies to assist with this. We've got equipment and resources coming from all over the place.”
Can you get around using the KC Streetcar?
No. The Kansas City Streetcar will suspend operation early Wednesday morning and will reopen as soon as conditions allow.
However, RideKC will offer additional buses to replace streetcar service. More information on streetcar and bus service can be found here.
Can I take a bus?
You can take the bus for free. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is also providing park and rides at five locations:
Worlds of Fun
- 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave., Kansas City, MO 64161
- Event Drop-off and Shuttle Pick-up: Truman Road & Lydia
HyVee Arena / West Bottoms
- 1800 Genessee St., Kansas City, MO 64102
- Event Drop-off and Shuttle Pick-up: 18th & Troost
Swope Park/Kansas City Zoo
- 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO 64132
- Event Drop-off and Shuttle Pick-up: 31st & Gillham
Oak Park Mall
- 11149 W 95th St., Overland Park, KS 66214 (95th and Neiman Road Park & Ride location)
- Event Drop-off and Shuttle Pick-up: 25th & Southwest Boulevard
47th and State Metrocenter
- 4601 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102
- Event Drop-off and Shuttle Pick-up: 31st & Gillham
These locations will run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. After the parade, they will run until everyone is back where they need to be.
What about cell phone service?
Cell phone reception may be extremely limited due to the large numbers of cell phone users in a small area. Parade-goers should make plans in case they get separated.
I can't attend the parade. Where can I watch?
Visit KC will host a livestream of the parade on Wednesday at noon.
The rally will take place in front of Union Station and the National WWI Memorial north lawn.
Do I still have to show up to court Wednesday?
Kansas City Municipal Court will be closed. For people who have hearings scheduled for Wednesday, a new court date will be issued. Other city services that require visits to City Hall will also likely be unavailable.
“We will likely be limiting City Hall offices and operations,” Platt said.
Platt says most basic city services should be in place.
How much will it cost?
The celebration will be free to attend, but will cost at least $2.25 million to put on, according to estimates presented at a Kansas City Council meeting earlier this month.
Kansas City, Missouri, allocated $750,000 for the event and Mayor Quinton Lucas guessed that overtime costs for police and fire fighters would add up to more than $1.5 million.
The Kansas City Sports Commission also expects more than $1 million in private sponsorships.
When was the last time the city had a celebration on this scale?
That would be the 2020 Chiefs parade. That event started at 11:30 a.m. and included a rally at Union Station around 1:30 p.m. that featured several Chiefs players and coaches.
Hundreds of people camped out in front of Union Station the night before the event and thousands were lined up along the parade route before dawn. In all, about half a million people attended.
