Bars across town prepare to host Chiefs fans during playoff run
By Riley Funk
Local businesses are gearing up to bring the playoff football atmosphere to St. Joseph, as the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Miami Dolphins on Saturday.
The matchup will be at 7 p.m. Saturday on the defending champions’ home turf of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Many bar and grill restaurants in St. Joseph will be showing the game, which will air exclusively on Peacock.
Ridge Morgan, owner and operator of Norty’s, said fans in the Chiefs Kingdom are encouraged to come out and support local businesses for the big game.
“We’ll have obviously that streaming on Peacock and everything, we’ve got that all taken care of. Then we’ll have alcohol and food specials going on that night for the game, so it should be a good time,” Morgan said.
Morgan said the drink and food specials have yet to be determined but will be ready to go by game time.
Ryan Gerster, owner of First Ward House, said the bar and grill along St. Joseph Avenue will be all set for kickoff on Saturday night. He said it offers a great alternative for those who don’t want to brave the cold.
“It’s a great day for an indoor tailgate. We’ve got a warm spot to sit, watch the game and order some of the best wings in the city in a building that’s been here for 140 years,” Gerster said.
Gerster said First Ward has also purchased a subscription to Peacock, making the restaurant ready for game day.
“If you’ve been at the First Ward while the Chiefs have won, then you’re going to keep coming back. This could be your first time and you need to be a part of that atmosphere and really feel the joy in a crowd. It’s very different than watching it by yourself, cheering at home,” Gerter said.
Morgan said Chiefs fans who want a watch-party atmosphere should continue to come out to local businesses throughout the playoffs.
He said that while this year might have a different feel since the team will be playing on Wild Card Weekend, fans getting together and showing support is a great way to push the team toward another Super Bowl.
“Let’s spread the wealth. Let’s get everyone going in the Chiefs Kingdom,” Morgan said.
