Red Friday began in 1992 as an idea pitched to Lamar Hunt by the first president of the Red Coaters, the late Jim Shultz.
“The Red Coaters represent one of the longest histories of this organization,” Chiefs historian Bob Moore said. “Literally, these people were the building blocks for the attendance of these games.”
The Red Coaters were founded in 1963 after the club moved from Dallas to Kansas City. In Dallas, Hunt had a similar group called the Spur Club. Members were obliged to sell tickets and received a red coat after selling so many.
Red Friday was start as a charitable organization but, it’s true calling was to get excitement and buzz around the first home game rather it was at home or away to revive the love of the game for the city. Newspapers were sold on the corner with special Chiefs additions and proceeds went to charity.
After winning Super Bowl IV, Chiefs teams had only two 10-win seasons and two playoff appearances from 1970 to 1989.
“It was a period of time when the Chiefs represented their greatest growth,” Moore said. “After 20 years of failure, this was a period where the Chiefs sold out games and made it to the playoffs.”
And over the years, one group’s idea and the man who made it happen inspired a city to believe again.
“[Hunt] was a very active participant in Red Friday,” Moore remembered. “He never missed it.”
So, when you celebrate Red Friday cheer on your Chiefs but, remember it is also about something a bit more. Go Chiefs!
TOMORROW (1/24/25) IS CHAMPIONSHIP RED FRIDAY. SO PUT ON YOUR FAVORITE SHIRT/JERSEY. GGGGOOO C H I E F S…!!!