The Kansas City Chiefs will not hold a rally if they defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Local outlet FOX4 reported on Thursday, January 30, that the Chiefs will not have a public celebration if they win the Super Bowl. Instead, the team plans on arranging a gathering at Arrowhead Stadium for the players, their families, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.
The private event could potentially be broadcast on screens alongside the parade route. A celebration parade with the players will still occur, per the outlet. The proposed route will be limited compared to previous years in order to minimize crowd density. It will also include special experiences for fans.
On Thursday, city officials, law enforcement, hospitals, head of the sports commission Kathy Nelson and many others gathered to finalize the plan for the potential event.
Chiefs Players Reached Out to Children Hospitalized After Shooting
Us Weekly has reached out to the Kansas City Chiefs for comment.
The decision for Kansas City to not hold a rally comes after a mass shooting took place following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win last year. The Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers and celebrated the victory with a parade and rally in their hometown in February 2024.
After speeches made by players and other officials wrapped, police reported gunshots were fired “west of Union Station” and “multiple people were struck.” Twenty-three people were shot and one person died. Local DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan was the sole casualty.
“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the Chiefs said in an official statement in February 2024. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and all of Kansas City.”
Two adults and two juveniles were charged in connection to the shooting. The adult suspects were charged with second-degree murder.
Patrick Mahomes Addresses KC Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Shooting
Nearly one year after the tragic events, the Chiefs have found their way back to the Super Bowl where they’ll face off against the Eagles. The game will kick off on Sunday, February 9, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Chiefs are looking to make NFL history by becoming the first team to win three back-to-back Super Bowl titles.
Earlier this week, quarterback Patrick Mahomes opened up about how “special” this season has been for him and his teammates.
“It’s just so hard to get to the Super Bowl and I don’t take it for granted, and to do it again at Arrowhead Stadium was special,” Mahomes told reporters after defeating the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship. “You get that trophy on that stage and you look around here and there’s not an empty seat. It’s special. I’ve always said it: It’s not about one guy. It’s not about a couple guys. It’s about the whole entire team.”
