KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - For the first time in 11 years, the Kansas City Chiefs are opening their new campaign not celebrating a postseason appearance, let alone a Super Bowl showing, the year prior.
After having won nine consecutive AFC West titles, the Chiefs fell well short of that mark in 2025. The division winners last year: the Denver Broncos, who will travel to Arrowhead Stadium on Monday against the Chiefs to kick off the 2026 season.
The biggest storyline of the game, and perhaps in the entire NFL, is Patrick Mahomes starting under center for the Chiefs, exactly nine months from the day he tore his ACL in a home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Meanwhile, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix will play in his first game since recovering from a broken ankle in the AFC Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills.
The matchup will feature the first-ever Denver road contest at Arrowhead Stadium to open the season.
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Here is everything you need to know ahead of kickoff:
Gametime
7:15 p.m.
Forecast
Morning rain is expected to give way to heat. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 80s by kickoff and the upper 70s by the fourth quarter.
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Parking lots open
The Chiefs listed parking lots to open at 2:45 p.m., but officials began directing cars into the parking lots at 1:45 p.m. Parking passes are accessible via the Chiefs Mobile App. To learn more about how to access your parking pass and/or tickets, visit the mobile ticketing help guides.
@kctv5 GATES OPEN AT ARROWHEAD! The Chiefs opened parking lots an hour early for the Monday Night Football game against the Broncos on Sept. 14. LETS GOOOOCHIEFS!! #arrowhead #chiefs #kc #chiefskingdom #parking
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Stadium gates open?
5:15 p.m.
Bag Policy
The Chiefs have implemented the NFL’s clear bag policy, which limits the size and type of bag that can be brought into Arrowhead Stadium. You can find more details here.
Water bottle policy
Fans are permitted to bring in a water bottle that is factory-sealed and up to 20 oz.
Bus Service
Bus transportation is available to Arrowhead Stadium through KCATA on the RideKC 47-Broadway line. Visit www.ridekc.org for more information.
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Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Guests and ride-sharing services may drop off and pick up at the Missouri Welcome Center located between Gates 1 and 2 on Blue Ridge Cutoff.
To enter the Truman Sports Complex, a parking pass must be purchased in advance and can be done so at www.chiefs.com/buyparking.
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