Life
How to Get Game Day Ready
Football season is back! Check out our top tips for hosting the ultimate watch party or gearing up for game day in the Ozarks.
By Jordan Blomquist and Elizabeth VanFosson
Sep 2024
Photo by Brandon Alms
Purchase Photo
As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, it’s time to dust off the jerseys, set your fantasy lineup and grab your good luck charms—game day is here! We’ve got you covered with everything you need for game day, whether you’re headed to Arrowhead Stadium or staying local.
Where to Watch the Game
If you’re not throwing your own or going to a watch party, head to Springfield’s sports bars. Harbell’s Grill and Sports Bar is the place to be downtown on game day. Their TV set-up is next-level, and they just updated their menu. Georgia Mac’s stays open late and has a whopping 26 TVs for watching the big game. They don’t take reservations, so get there early. Wire Road Brewing has more than a dozen beers on tap and different food trucks every day (check their Facebook for the latest food truck lineup). Coyote’s Adobe Cafe takes Chiefs game day very seriously, setting up bleachers and an 8-by-15-foot TV outside for big games.
Get Your Game Day Outfit
Bree’s Little Closet has Chiefs-themed graphic tees and sweatshirts, and for a touch of bling, add this necklace from Staxx. If you’re after something custom, head to Lala Collective to create your own trucker hat, or visit CKL Charm Bar to design a charm bracelet—both with Chiefs-themed add-ons. Rally House offers Chiefs jerseys in red or white in-store, and online you can find merch for every NFL team and most college teams.
You Want to Watch a Game but the Chiefs Aren’t Your Team
The Pitch Pizza & Pub, known as “The Official Springfield, Missouri, Bills Backers Bar,” is the spot for watching Buffalo Bills games (we’ll judge from a distance).
Just Here for Taylor?
We get it. Lots of stores and boutiques in town sell Taylor Swift and Chiefs-themed merchandise. Heart of Dixie Boutique in Ozark has a Chiefs collection you can get in-store and online, and they have a few Taylor Swift-coded options.
3 Things to Grab for Your At-Home Watch Party
Hy-Vee's Cheese Smack
When it comes to game day snacks, dips are the way to go. We’re loving Hy-Vee’s Cheese Smack—created by Dana Osburn, a Level 1 Cheese Specialist at the Sunshine Street Hy-Vee location. It’s a spreadable mix of sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, dill, pimentos and mayo, and it comes in four different flavors. Pair it with your favorite crackers and it’ll be gone by the end of the game.
Cocktail Kit
Grab a cocktail kit from 417 Cocktails. They have tons to choose from and frequently have themed kits. This season, the Red Kingdom Cocktail Kit is back! The kit serves four cocktails and includes Red Kingdom cocktail syrup, a lemon sugar rim, a dehydrated lemon wheel garnish, sparkling water and a recipe card. Stop by their downtown location to pick up yours.
The Wing Recipe
As highlighted in our September issue, give Lot J’s Chiefs Domination Wings a try if you’re on the hunt for a new wing recipe. These wings have their roots in one of Arrowhead Stadium’s most popular tailgates, where they draw crowds of 300–600 fans each game. The wings are smoked and then fried and include a dry rub mix with an Asian Zing Sauce. These wings are perfect for snacking at home or taking to your Arrowhead tailgate. Get the recipe.
