Local economy sees millions from Chiefs playoff games, says Visit KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Chiefs playoff football is back in Kansas City, which means a big boost for local businesses.

“Visit KC estimates that for each Chiefs home playoff game, we will see an estimated economic impact of $16 million,” said Makenzie Wolters, Visit KC’s Communications Manager.

That’s seen through hotel room bookings, attendance at the games, shopping, dining and more across the city every playoff game weekend.

On game days, restaurants and bars like The Quaff in downtown KC can get pretty packed.

“We get pretty busy,” said Anthony Bonino, the owner and general operator. “We’re normally, we’re almost completely full.”

Despite Saturday’s playoff game being at Arrowhead, Bonino says they are still expecting lots of fans before, during, and especially after the game.

“We’ve been preparing for weeks,” said Bonino. “We all knew this way coming, so all the servers are ready, getting rested up, trying to get prepared for this weekend. We are one of the only places in Kansas City that serves food after 11 o’clock. So from 11 to 2 a.m., we get all of the people from out of town that are looking for a place to eat.”

They aren’t alone in preparing for what’s expected to be a busy weekend.

“A lot of local businesses tell us consistently time and again whether it’s a playoff game or regular season Chiefs game that they see hordes of people come in and celebrate with them,” said Wolters. “They are seeing 2, 3 times as many people come in or 50 percent increase in revenue.”

Wolters says as the Chiefs have continued to succeed, it’s put eyes on Kansas City and the economic impact has continued to grow.

“More and more people to be part of the electric atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium, but also to be part of the energy here in Kansas City, even if they don’t have a ticket to the game,” said Wolters.

It’s a sentiment Bonino shares.

“Everybody knows when the Chiefs win, everybody wins,” said Bonino.

The Quaff can be found at 1010 Broadway Blvd.

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