Fans can take Patrick Mahomes home from Arrowhead. A 3-foot, $1,800 version, that is
With the Kansas City Chiefs readying to open their season, officials on Wednesday announced a few changes to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium’s concessions and merchandise — perhaps most notably, the addition of quarterback Patrick Mahomes bobbleheads.
That is, $1,800, 3-foot-tall Patrick Mahomes bobbleheads, complete with a replica Super Bowl LVII ring.
Only 30 are available, and Chiefs retail manager Kevin Bayus says they aren’t making more.
The merchandise is part of a new line of T-shirts, shoes, jackets and hats sold only at Arrowhead. Fans can purchase a bedazzled Chiefs jean jacket for $150 or a comic book-style shirt for $44.
Representatives of Aramark and Levy Restaurants also unveiled several new menu items that will be available at concession stands, including plenty of barbecue.
A bone-in rib sandwich topped with barbecue sauce and onion straws will be available for $26. Other prices weren’t available.
Staff collaborated with Kansas City restaurant Chef J BBQ to create a loaded barbecue tots dish (golden tots topped with brisket, cheddar sauce, crema and fresh onion).
SMOAK Craft BBQ in Olathe is offering the “Big Red Sandwich,” which has sliced brisket and coffee-brined pork topped with cheese, sitting on a toasted brioche bun. The menu item is, of course, named after Big Red himself, Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
Aramark’s general manager Matt Miller said SMOAK sent barbecue for players to sample during training camp in St. Joseph.
Other updated menu items include one pound of cheeseburger fries and the “Tailgate Dog” — a cheesy foot-long hot dog covered in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
“We want to bring something new every year,” Miller said.
Also new: The Kingdom Grill concessions stands have implemented cashier-free service.
Fans will scan their card before entering the concession gate. Cameras surrounding the stand track the items picked out by fans and charge their cards automatically.
Customers are then given a QR code with a digital receipt.
The technology is in other stadiums, but not to this scale, according to Miller.
Miller said the new technology has been successful this summer, as the stadium welcomed in hordes of Taylor Swift fans.
“Everybody’s loved it so far,” he said. “We’ve had multiple customers come back through.”
Similar cashier-less technology can be found at the Primo Italian stand and Kingdom Market.
The innovations aim to keep lines moving quickly, said Matt Kenny, executive vice president of Arrowhead operations and events.
“The operation here is massive — 76,0000-plus people coming to a game,” Kenny said. “We’re always looking at how we can improve.”
The Chiefs will open their season against the Detroit Lions at 7:20 p.m. Sept. 7 at Arrowhead.
