KANSAS CITY, MO (NewsNation) — The Kansas City Chiefs announced Thursday that game attendees are banned from wearing Native American-inspired headdress and face paint at their home stadium among other changes.
In a statement, the Chiefs announced new changes to rules after consulting with a national organization that works with American Indian people and tribes.
Among the changes are:
- Fans are prohibited from wearing headdresses into Arrowhead Stadium
- Face paint is still allowed for all fans, but any face paint that is styled in a way that appropriates or references American Indian cultures and traditions will be prohibited.
- Fans will be asked to remove any face paint referencing American Indian culture before passing a security screening outside the stadium.
“As an organization, our goal was to gain a better understanding of the issues facing American Indian communities in our region and explore opportunities to both raise awareness of American Indian cultures and celebrate the rich traditions of tribes with a historic connection to the Kansas City area,” the release said.
The Chiefs officials have also said they are reviewing the Arrowhead Chop. The Drum Deck is also being reviewed to be replaced with ” a unifying effect between our fans and our players but better represents the spiritual significance of the drum in American Indian cultures.”
The Chiefs plan to continue with traditions implemented over the past six years including the Blessing of the Four Directions, the Blessing of the Drum, and inviting members of tribes to participate in the team’s American Indian Heritage Month Game.
The Chiefs 2020 NFL season is scheduled to begin in September. The Chiefs won the Super Bowl in 2020.