The Chiefs in Super Bowl LV + a Playlist
Image credit: Brock Wegner
The Kansas City Chiefs making it back to the Super Bowl is a HUGE achievement in and of itself, and we are so proud of our Chiefs! Though it didn’t turn out the way we expected and left us with some late night conspiracy theory reading (but really, how does Tom Brady do it?). We also just need to take a minute to relish in just being able to be there. We were just so excited and proud to see KC up on this major platform, for the second year in a row. The truth is, there are just truly some really cool things that a Super Bowl can do for a city. We are entrepreneurially-spirited after all, and cannot pass up the opportunity to look into what this presence can mean. The Chiefs have helped spread some big time Kansas City love, Nellies! Win or lose, we will always be grateful for that.
Small Business Boom
Simply said, the more popular a team- the more gear and goodies sold. Small businesses able to sell products and services during the event are likely to see an increase in sales, according to the Houston Chronicle. We have so many wonderful makers in Kansas City! Peep Loni LaCour and her woodworking skills. Or Carly Rae with her whimsical prints and cozy KC sweatshirts. Not to mention all the fabulous bakeries like Dolce Bakery and McClain’s Bakery, who have created adorable game day cookies and treats.
Tourism, Baby
More often than not, in tv and film when a midwestern city or state is mentioned- it comes with a dig. How many times have you heard “you’re not in Kansas anymore,” in some variation? Eye. roll. We know better. But many outside of the Midwest still do not. We have been part of the so-called “flyover states” for far too long. We love our Pacific and Atlantic coast friends, of course, but a true Kansas Citian knows there is so much to love and learn about the heartland. More visibility on our town is honestly good for our branding. SNL was stacked with Kansas City references this past weekend. Heidi Gardner repeatedly shows up loud and proud in Chiefs gear, sending a message. This kind of exposure (also, “Queer Eye”, tyvm for those epic production stories in KC) is doubling down on what we already know: it is a great place to explore, live, eat, drink, enjoy and be a part of! And yes, we like when new money comes back into our local economy especially after our local favorites have had such a tough year.
Ok, but Data
We love a spreadsheet (data and percentages just make us calmer, ya know?). There have been studies that examine the number of times a city has received a media mention across various digital platforms. This is often quantified in terms of advertising rates that correspond to when the city appears in various platforms. Data analytics on digital platform such as Google can also provide insight into search terms and what is trending (this, allow according to the Philly Voice). This information essentially says that visibility in a Super Bowl gives a city a destination image bump. Daniel Funk, professor and Washburn Research Fellow at Temple University, breaks it down like this: “...the increased level of publicity and exposure along with related news coverage on the team and event will spillover and provide some destination branding for the city.” So again, this team has give our city a giant gift. The gift of representation and exposure, in a year unlike any other.
We love our Chiefs, what a helluva season. We are already looking forward to next year and can honestly say thank you SO much for bringing us so much joy and helping our city with all of your hard work and dedication!
As a personal aside, I would like to include that I learned the Chiefs organization has actively listened to their players and staff and welcomed conversations following the murder of George Floyd. I have been lucky enough to work with some of their staff on a pilot program called Kingdom United. Kingdom United is a youth-focused education program to help fight systemic racism in Kansas City, and beyond, by strategically teaching the next generation about race, diversity, inclusion and acceptance. The program has used diversity-themed books, multi-media resources and discussion questions to educate students about appreciating the uniqueness of every individual. I can honestly say I’ve seen little eyes light up when they have heard a player, cheerleader or a team doctor read to them each month (and the Chiefs donated a book with a theme, to every student in this program). Beyond just performing at a world champion level, there are some truly exceptional people working within the organization! Thank you, again. xoxo abby
Dear Chiefs,We Love You So!