Power & Light District, KC businesses, fans say Super Bowl Sunday will have a special flare this year
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
There's a different feeling in the Kansas City air this year, locals and businesses say.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a chance to become the first franchise in the NFL to win three consecutive Super Bowls, something those who live in the city are taking special pride in.
"I think it (winning a third straight Super Bowl) is just bringing everyone together and I think that's what we need, especially after what happened last year with the parade and everything," life-long Chiefs fan Dana Ferrell said.
The Kansas City Power & Light District is preparing for another watch party on Sunday night.
Senior Account Executive Savannah Otto told ABC 17 News via email that this is something the district plans year-round. Those who attend the watch party can expect live performances and contests.
"The energy in Kansas City is very exciting right now, this year feels extra special," Otto said. "The fans' passion and excitement are amplified by the team's historic run and that creates an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else."
Tickets for the event are available on Power & Light's website. Otto says she expects them to sell out quickly.
The Chiefs have become an NFL franchise that many other fan bases have come to publicly dislike on social media after their many years of dominance, making seven consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances and five Super Bowl appearances during the Patrick Mahomes era.
Some fans say they view the criticism as fuel.
"The more you win, the more you're going to be hated upon," Chiefs fan Joshua Ybarra said. "You know, we play a hard game. Our boys are tough. We feed off this stuff. You know, we thrive off that negativity."
Next door to the Power & Light District is Johnny's Tavern, a business who has also spent the past few weeks gearing up for Sunday night.
Owner Kyle Witherspoon said since the Chiefs have been making a run in the playoffs, he's chosen to prepare for the large crowds sooner, rather than later in anticipation of the Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl.
He said the Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl brings a different energy to his business.
"This is one of the events where you know, everybody's rooting for the same team, right?" Witherspoon said. "So, there's not a college rivalry involved and there's not a lot of out of town teams who brought their fan base in to play. Everybody's down here in the red and the gold rooting for the Chiefs."
