By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Thousands have attended the opening days of the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on the Missouri Western State University campus in St. Joseph.
St. Joseph Chamber President Patt Lilly says training camp is always an exciting time for St. Joseph.
“To be a resident here and enjoy the Chiefs and all that brings, certainly from an economic standpoint it gives a really nice shot in the arm to the community and gives a lot of folks an opportunity to experience St. Joseph,” Lilly tells host Barry Birr on the KFEQ Hotline.
The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is working to welcome those from out of town to explore the city while they’re here.
The Red Rally is tonight at Coleman Hawkins Park in the Felix Street Square in downtown St. Joseph, sponsored by Mosaic Life Care and the St. Joseph Downtown Association. The Red Rally is being held in conjunction with the “Sounds of Summer” concern series sponsored by the St. Joseph Downtown Association. Phil Vandel begins at 6:30 this evening.
It will look different this year, due to NFL coronavirus pandemic protocols. No coaches or players will be in attendance, though KC Wolf and Max the Griffon will be on hand. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors on hand.
Lilly says it’s evident the Chiefs have been pleased with the move the team made from River Falls, Wisconsin to St. Joseph years ago.
“I think the proximity to their fan base here is a really great thing. I think they get that, certainly,” Lilly says. “I’m not taking anything away from River Falls, but that was pretty far away from the fan base. But right here, you’re right in the middle of it here in St. Joseph.”
The atmosphere of the training camp for an NFL team makes a difference as well.
Fans can sit on the aluminum risers or on the new end zone berm, relax, and watch the offense or the defense run through a series of drills, including seven-on-seven drills.
Lilly says the Chiefs Training Camp reminds him of trips to his grandparents in Florida during baseball spring training.
“It was just so much fun, because of the informality of it, just the ease of it, if you will,” Lilly says. “It’s not like having to go to a big stadium, get parking, walk forever, the huge crowds. Even though certainly we have our crowds here at Chiefs camp, just the atmosphere is so enjoyable. I hope people will get out and enjoy it while they’re here.”