Kansas Citians line up early to attend the Chiefs game, advance voting on Monday

KSHB 41 reporter Charlie Keegan covers politics on both sides of the state line. If you have a story idea to share, you can email Charlie at [email protected].

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Kansas City Chiefs fans lined up outside the GEHA Field parking lot at Arrowhead Stadium more than 12 hours before kickoff Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“It’s a family affair,” Ron Bowling said of why he shows up so early. “We do it as a family, so we get our place, so we have space.”

Across the city, voters also lined up before dawn.

Voters have consistently waited in line for about two hours at Jackson County’s two voting locations since Oct. 22.

“I brought my water bottle, my bag and my family,” said voter Jennifer Cernech.

The time, preparation and passion that voters and sports fans devote to their goals have many similarities.

Bowlin spends Chiefs games with his family. He also encourages his family to vote.

Cernech brings water and family members to every football match.

There are also some differences.

Tailgaters definitely win the food equation. Fans like Bowlin and Seth Teague bring smokers, propane flattops and other cooking supplies.

Teague believes tailgating is more fun. He said fans will have more opportunities to perfect their craft as there are about 10 home games each season and elections take place less frequently.

“I would say the same thing, but the voting public is not as prepared as we are,” Teague said.

Lupe Zavala waited in both lines Monday. He voted in the morning and then planned to attend Monday night’s game.

“Mentally you have to do it,” Zavala explained. “You have to be ready to get this done, go out there and beat this traffic.”

Faith Jobe has never been to a Chiefs game, but the 19-year-old voted for the first time on Monday.

She struggled to see the similarities between choosing a favorite player and voting for her favorite candidate.

“You’re stretching a little bit,” Jobe told KSHB 41 News.

American flags at the football stadium and polling stations showed that there are more similarities than differences.

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