Kayla Shepherd and Emily Manley
1 hour ago
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — The Missouri State Capitol was transformed into an extension of the Chiefs’ kingdom this week, and fans are flocking from across the state to see one of the sport’s most sacred grails.
It was an unusual day in Missouri politics Tuesday at the Capitol as the Super Bowl trophy stood front and center in the rotunda. Thousands of fans flocked to Jefferson City to see the Chiefs’ Lombardi Trophy at its first stop on the team’s Chiefs’ Champions Tour.
“It’s so cool,” said Cameron Stephens just moments after snapping his picture with the trophy. “It was like being a kid again and dreaming you were holding it. You’re in the NFL.”
Hundreds lined up Tuesday to pose for a photo op with the Kansas City Chiefs’ LVII Lombardi Trophy.
“We didn’t get to see the parade or the trophy, so that’s what we wanted to do and it’s sort of a check off the wish list,” said Andrew Barnes of Jefferson City.
Even heads of state became children for children when the trophy was displayed to fans of all ages from across the state.
“It’s a very special day to say the least and being a lifelong Chiefs fan is pretty cool too, being governor when you have a Super Bowl trophy in your office,” Gov. Mike Parson said.
When asked why 9-year-old Elliot Stierferman, from Frankenstein, Missouri, is a fan of the Chiefs, he said, “Because they’re the best team in the NFL.” Stierferman stood with his family for more than an hour the snake and waited for the trophy.
“I only saw it on TV,” Stierferman said.
When the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, fans couldn’t celebrate with the team because of the pandemic, so this time the team is making up for it.
“I mean, regular people, working people, there are no special tickets, there is no one better than anyone that comes in, everyone has a chance to be there alongside this trophy,” Parson said.
Barnes came with his wife Claudia to view the trophy. Jefferson City residents are hoping the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win will become a trend.
“I think the game was another highlight of my life, especially with the likes of Kelce and Mahomes,” Barnes said. “We just have everything and I hope we can try again.”
Share your love for the Kansas City Chiefs as you await your moment with the Lombardi Trophy. Others are waiting for the next season to start.
“You can see the Capitol too, it’s like two for one,” Stephen said. “And then it’s a long off-season, so there’s everything to fill the void that’s waiting for the next kick-off.”
Myles Wilson and his father and brother traveled from Hallsville Tuesday morning to be second in line to get their photo with the trophy. When asked why he was wearing Patrick Mahomes’ jersey, he replied because he was the best.
“He’s my favorite on the team,” Wilson said. “Go, chiefs!”
The Lombardi Trophy will be on display again on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. The next stops on the tour will then be in Kansas.
The Chiefs’ Champions Tour is a branded mobile experience bringing the Chiefs to communities across the region.
- July 16: Helzberg Diamonds in Leawood, Kan.
- July 17: The Kansas State House in Topeka, Kan.
- July 23: The INDYCAR race weekend at the Iowa Speedway
- July 29: Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, MO.
- August 12: Lenexa Farmers Market in Lenexa, Kansas.
- August 19: Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market in Des Moines, Iowa
- September 1: First Fridays with the Chiefs in Kansas City, MO.
