Chiefs fans travel from Finland and England for Sunday's game
Red Machine Party Bus owner Mark Coronado says international visitors now ride his bus for nearly every home fixture.
By Madison Darwish ·
Fans from Finland, England, and Canada are traveling to Kansas City to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the New York Jets. The influx of international supporters is becoming a regular feature at Arrowhead Stadium. Mark Coronado, owner of the Red Machine Party Bus, reports that he carries overseas passengers for almost every home game.
Coronado stated that his most recent home game included customers from seven different countries. For the upcoming matchup, he noted that his longest-distance passenger is arriving from Finland. He attributes this growth to the strong sense of community among supporters. Coronado said, "Chiefs Kingdom has spread so far, so wide that people just want that feeling of being alongside other people that are Chiefs."
Michael Collins and Simon Connor are among the international fans making the trip. Both men traveled from England to join the party bus. Collins explained that he is originally from Derby but currently resides in London. Connor confirmed the details of their origin.
The journey required a 13-hour flight in each direction. Collins and Connor described the travel as a trek but said they have enjoyed the experience. They arrived in the city on Friday and spent the previous evening in Kansas City. The pair emphasized the hospitality they have received from local residents.
Collins said he has been a fan of the Chiefs for 40 years. He traced his interest back to his childhood, when he was 10 or 11 years old. At that time, he had a pen pal in the United States who supported the team. That connection established his loyalty to the franchise decades before his current visit.
The visitors said locals have been welcoming in bars and other public spaces. Collins and Connor noted that residents often express appreciation for the visitors' long journey. Coronado said this sense of belonging encourages fans to return. He stated, "When you find other Chiefs fans and everything, you bond. You do feel like you're part of a family, which gets them coming again next year and the year after."
The presence of international fans adds to the diversity of the crowd at Arrowhead Stadium. Coronado said the tradition of hosting global supporters is one he intends to maintain. The team will face the Jets in the upcoming game, with fans from multiple countries expected in the stands.
