On Thursday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced a multi-year partnership agreement with the City of Branson and the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District that makes the southwestern Missouri region the Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs.
As part of the partnership, Branson and the Lakes Area will receive a mix of experiential and digital activation assets, including an annual in-market season kickoff rally with Chiefs personalities. In addition, Branson will have a major presence around the club's NFL Draft coverage and fan events, including serving as the presenting partner of the annual Season Ticket Member Draft Fest at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
"We are excited and proud to partner with Branson and the Lakes Area to help elevate the exciting opportunities they offer for destination entertainment right here in Chiefs Kingdom," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. "Like GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Branson serves as a bucket-list destination for people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life and is a treasure located right in our backyard. We'd like to thank the City of Branson and the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District for their partnership. We look forward to getting this relationship off the ground and bringing new visitors to this incredible destination."
The Branson and Lakes Area region will take part in the club's annual Red Friday tradition, will have a gameday activation space in the Ford Tailgate District and will serve as the presenting partner of the Hometown Hero program, honoring public servants and frontline workers serving their communities. In addition, fans will see digital assets in Chiefs preseason game broadcasts, on social media, and signage deployed throughout GEHA Field at Arrowhead.
"We are deeply honored as our City becomes the first ever Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs. Millions of fans in Chiefs Kingdom will be exposed to Branson and all we have to offer in live music shows, attractions and family fun," said City of Branson Mayor Larry Milton. "We are incredibly excited for our region to be showcased alongside the reigning Super Bowl Champions and the most popular sport in America."
"On behalf of our citizens, business owners, and millions of annual visitors, we are excited to connect our region's brand of amazing entertainment with an organization that shares in our values," said Derek Smith, Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District Chairman. "Through this innovative alignment, we look forward to educating Chiefs fans across the country about what Branson and the Lakes Area are all about."
Coming off a record-breaking year for visitors in 2022, Branson is located within a day's drive for approximately one-third of the country's population – and less than four hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis. Situated in southwest Missouri's Ozark Mountains, Branson is home to a vibrant entertainment district featuring live music and shows; countless bars, restaurants, and other eateries; and is surrounded by numerous outdoor activity options, including multiple lakes, an award-winning theme park, hiking trails and highly acclaimed golf courses.
