Super Bowl LIV

KCADC launches national "KC Heartland" brand campaign

To celebrate and maximize Kansas City’s first NFL Super BowlTM appearance in fifty years, ambassadors from the KC region will attend watch parties in select cities across the U.S., including Miami, LA, DC, NYC and Chicago, doubling down on the region’s “KC Heartland” identity.

“The idea spurred from a recent tweet from Chiefs official reporter, BJ Kissel, who asked for pictures of the best Chiefs watch parties at bars/restaurants around the country,” said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC).

“Chiefs ‘embassies’ waved flags from major cities around the world in support of our beloved KC team - grabbing the attention of not only KC natives but fans across the U.S. The ultimate rationale behind this innovative and proactive effort is to drive awareness of KC as an ascending location for relocating companies and talent,” Cowden said. 

In the wake of the Chiefs’ January AFC Championship win, the economic impact of a global spotlight on Kansas City today versus fifty years ago is unprecedented. The opportunity has prompted business and civic leaders to strategize a way to amplify the momentum already underway in major markets, and mini-Chiefs Kingdoms, across the U.S. 

“There are only two cities who have the opportunity to be crowned the best American football team in the world each year, and this is our year. We are just following the lead of our MVP quarterback and ‘doing something special’ with this moment in time, letting the world know, KC is ‘just getting started.’” Cowden said.

Small teams of three to five civic and business leaders will attend watch parties at designated locations where Chiefs fans gather in Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. KCADC’s communications and media team is on the ground in Miami with key spokespeople from the KC region. 

“Pairing these ground activations with digital advertising in 23 target markets and several regional college campuses, KC heart branded flags, stickers and social media guides - the goal is an increased awareness and following of the KC Heartland channels and storytelling. We are inviting the world into a relationship with our KC region - as visitors, customers, employees and investors - which all impact our region’s growth and prosperity,” Cowden said.

The brand will not only be making a splash in watch parties across the nation on Sunday, but also at the heart of it all in Kansas City - The KC Power & Light District. Ambassadors will be engaging fans with KC Heart props, photo opps, KC Live screen presence and more.