It's a special time of year in Kansas City, as Training Camp begins in just a few weeks and football season – the Chiefs' 60th campaign - is right around the corner. It inspires a certain thirst in the air that can only be quenched with the thrill of a fall afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.
And as the Chiefs prepare to chase down legitimate Super Bowl aspirations in 2019, the excitement surrounding this team will soon become tangible with Season Ticket Member cards shipping this week.
From a ticket to every home game to exclusive access to numerous special events and much more in between, the cards represent a truly unique experience for those that love the Chiefs more than ever before this season. Season Ticket Members were again given the opportunity to customize the name on their cards, allowing fans who share one single account – such as families or groups of friends - to each have their own personalized card.
After all, the commemorative cards – which are adorned by the likes of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, defensive tackle Chris Jones and tight end Travis Kelce – provide an all-around experience tailored to each and every fan.
"The Season Ticket Card is the most-exclusive ticketing experience that we offer," said Chiefs Vice President of Ticketing Tyler Kirby. "Season Ticket Members have their ticket and concession discounts to every Chiefs' home game loaded on one card with the option to be customized exclusively for them. In addition, they can transfer, re-sell and donate their tickets for free all from their online account."
The cards will arrive in a specialized box this week – sheathed in a slick design keen on celebrating the Chiefs' 60th season - alongside a parking placard (if applicable), a 60th season STM-branded decal, magnet schedules and – last but certainly not least – a full-sized Season Ticket Member-branded flag made just for those that wish to show off their devotion to the Chiefs.
Fans can do just that on social media when their flags – which own a classic, throwback look - arrive. After unfolding their flags for the first time, STMs are encouraged to post a photo with it on Twitter using #ChiefsSTMFlag. The Chiefs' social platforms – not to mention this reporter – will be keeping an eye out for some of the very best posts.
And that's all just part of what it means to be a Season Ticket Member in 2019.
Membership includes exclusive opportunities through Chiefs Kingdom Rewards, such as game-used memorabilia, on-field encounters, concession and merchandise discounts, access to Arrowhead event presales, entry into the "Kickoff Countdown" pre-game tailgate area, and a chance to win other unique experiences, such as attending Production Day and Minicamp First Look.
First Look, for example, gave nearly 600 STMs an opportunity to see the Chiefs up close and in person on the practice fields at the team's training facility last month. It was an experience unlike any other, providing fans with a look behind-the-scenes at how a football team prepares for the upcoming season.
"We can't get enough Chiefs – we go to training camp and as many events as we can – and this has all been great," said Billy Wilson, who drove three hours from Oxford, Kan. to attend First Look. "It's worth the drive."
Season Ticket Members also receive invitations to events like Draft Fest, exclusive days at Training Camp (July 28 & Aug. 4), and the "Ticket Pick-Up Party," which will take place at Arrowhead on July 21. The Pick-Up Party is back this summer after the event's inaugural occurrence last offseason – which included an appearance from Head Coach Andy Reid – was an absolute hit.
"This is probably one of the best things the Chiefs have done," said Season Ticket Member Joe Gonzalez, who drove in from Des Moines, Iowa just for last year's event. "Picking up the tickets is one thing, but to meet Coach Reid – that was unbelievable. Here I am in my mid-60s and I felt like a little kid."
The opportunity to create lasting memories like that is why being a Season Ticket Member is so much more than just a seat on game day.
"Season Ticket Memberships are the highest they've been in over a decade and it's important that we deliver an experience that keeps those fans coming back. Understanding that they have more options than ever now to attend games at Arrowhead, we are continually looking for ways to improve the value of being a Chiefs Season Ticket Member," Kirby said. "Last season, the NFL 'Voice of the Fan' report ranked us No. 1 in the league in the 'Year-Long Experience' of being a Season Ticket Member. This should be a really exciting year on the field, and from our exclusive events to the multiple levels of gifts and opportunities available, our Season Ticket Member experience matches that excitement."
It all adds up to a one-of-a-kind membership that provides STMs with an ability to simply be a fan in most-encompassing way imaginable, and for 2019 Season Ticket Members, the cards, boxes, flags and everything that they represent is on the way.
To become a Season Ticket Member or to take advantage of all the benefits of being a Chiefs STM, click here, or call or text 888-99-CHIEFS (24433).
