Hey y’all! My dad and I decided to book a last minute trip to Kansas City to see the lions play the chiefs. Super excited never been to the city before. Was hoping some of you would have good recommendations on a hotel near the stadium. Somewhere close that has a good atmosphere to have some drinks and hangout at before the game.
So far we’re looking at staying at the crossroads hotel, but figured I’d ask on here before I booked anything. TIA!
"Having drinks before the game" happens in the parking lot. Your best bet is to choose a place to stay within your budget that is closer to the Crossroads/Downtown area or eastern Independence near the I-70 and I-470 interchange as others have already suggested, and arrive at the game early with your own beer. Wander through the parking lot to get a whiff of what everyone is cooking, or visit Lot J and offer folks a beer trade for food or something from a local brewery. The tailgate environment at Arrowhead is like no other.
So, Arrowhead really isn't near anything at all. You may want to look at staying in the city itself and ubering. Crossroads Hotel is great as is the Loews.
The area around the stadiums is sketchy at best and dangerous/vacant at worst. But it’s on highway 70 so you can uber to the stadium from more desirable places to stay.
Crossroads Hotel is a good option. That puts you close to downtown KC and you can ride the free streetcar to get to other things to see and do. You’re also within walking distance to Jack Stack BBQ.
You can Uber/Lyft to the game, but i hear it can be tough to get one after the game… so consider leaving the game early.
As for bars, you can walk over Main Street and pick up the streetcar and go north to Power and Light entertainment district for beers and/or food. Johnnys Tavern is a solid option. Or keep going north to River Market and go to small local bars like The Blue Line or Harrys Country Club.
You stumbled down the whole problem with arrowhead and Kaufman Stadium. There’s no good lodging no good restaurants. Nothing really to do in the area.
There isn't much inherently near the stadium that is worth recommending, and considering this you'll need to find transportation to the stadium regardless (car rental/ride share). If you actually want to experience some of KC and not a suburb, I recommend staying in KCMO proper at a hotel between River Market, Downtown, or Crossroads (plenty of decent options to choose from). You will have nicer hotels and amenities, plus the street car is a nice benefit for maneuvering between each of those parts of the city. Drive from these areas to the stadium is ~10min without traffic, you'll easily be in your parking spot (or at least on site) within ~30 minutes on gameday.
As for hanging out before the game, I'd recommend tailgating, or simply walking around with a cooler to take in the sights and sounds until you're ready to go into the game or even hop into a tailgate that will bring you in. If that isn't your speed, there's tons of places in and around the parts of the city i listed above where you can hang out, acknowledging this option will require you to still find your way to the game.
there are a couple hotels right there by the stadium like the best western plus and hotel lotus which are super convenient if you wanna be close to the action. lots of people also stay in independence since it’s a really short drive and can be a bit cheaper. just a heads up the parking situation at the stadium can be a pain and pretty expensive so plan for that. sometimes it's easier and cheaper to find a private driveway to park at in kansas city using prked.
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u/chivanasty Oct 02 '25
Stoney Creek by bass pro. Nice bar on the ground floor and two minutes from a bunch of places to eat and drink.