The Kansas City Chiefs are the designated home team for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany. AFC teams have been awarded a ninth home game for the 2023 season, and the Chiefs will still play eight home games in Kansas City. This is the third time the Chiefs have played an international game.
It’s a benefit for the Dolphins to play a “road” game against the Chiefs in Germany instead of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This is the seventh regular-season international game in franchise history.
Why Are the Kansas City Chiefs the Home Team?
It was determined when the schedule expanded to 17 games that the AFC and NFC teams would alternate seasons where they have nine home games. The NFL decided to designate host teams for international games from the conference with the ninth home game.
The Chiefs wanted to host a game in Germany this season because they have international home marketing rights in the country. A team will be the designated home team once every eight years for an international game.
MORE: NFL Prime-Time Games 2023
Chiefs president Mark Donovan said in July 2022 that the team was hoping to play this season in Germany and was willing to give up a home game to build the fan base.
The team is docking a Chiefs-themed boat on the banks of the Main River that will serve as a fan fest. There will be a number of activities, including spots for fans to take pictures holding up a jersey or with the Super Bowl LVII Lombardi Trophy.
What are International Home Marketing Areas?
In December 2021, the NFL launched a program that gives teams access to international countries for marketing and fan engagement in a long-term, strategic effort to allow franchises to build brands in those areas.
During the 2022 NFL Draft, 10 teams used the event to take advantage of the international marketing rights. The Pittsburgh Steelers had running back Najee Harris announce a draft pick from Mexico City, while other teams made selections from international stadiums that will host future NFL games. Kansas City announced a pick from a Munich bar during a draft party on Day 3.
After the Kansas City-Miami game was announced, Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said, “Ever since the Chiefs were awarded International Home Marketing Rights for Germany, we have engaged with fans and partners throughout the DACH region. We look forward to bringing Chiefs Kingdom to Germany and to sharing the game with our fans in Europe.”
Along with the Chiefs, the Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have home marketing rights. Kansas City also has rights in Mexico and Switzerland, and the Dolphins have rights in Brazil, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!