The 2024 NFL season opener between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium faced an unexpected delay due to a thunderstorm, pushing the kickoff from 8:20 p.m. ET to 8:40 p.m. ET. The weather interruption forced fans and players to take cover, but the storm passed quickly, allowing for a relatively short 40-minute delay. The rescheduled start time gave players an opportunity to complete their warmups and prepare for the unveiling of the Chiefs’ banner celebrating their second consecutive Super Bowl win.This highly anticipated matchup features the Chiefs, who are aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory, a feat not accomplished since the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. They face a formidable opponent in the Ravens, led by reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson, who is seeking revenge after losing to the Chiefs in last season’s AFC Championship.Adding to the game’s intrigue is the presence of pop superstar Taylor Swift, who arrived at Arrowhead Stadium to support her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift’s attendance has become a notable subplot to Chiefs games, with the team boasting a 10-3 record in games she attended last season, including their Super Bowl LVIII victory. Kelce’s performance also tends to improve when Swift is present, averaging nearly six catches and 78.8 yards per game compared to 50 yards when she’s not in attendance.The Swift-Kelce relationship has not only captivated fans but has also had a significant impact on the NFL’s viewership. Last season saw the highest regular-season female viewership in over two decades, with notable increases across various age groups. Despite the attention, Chiefs president Mark Donovan stated that the organization is ‘not trying to capitalize’ on the relationship but rather ‘celebrate it’.As the NFL season kicks off, all eyes will be on this star-studded event, both on and off the field, as the Chiefs begin their quest for a historic ‘three-peat’ and the Ravens seek to establish themselves as top contenders in the AFC.
Key points
- The 2024 NFL season opener between the Chiefs and Ravens was delayed 20 minutes due to a thunderstorm.
- The Chiefs are aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
- Taylor Swift’s presence at Chiefs games has coincided with improved team and Travis Kelce’s performance.
- The Swift-Kelce relationship has significantly boosted NFL viewership, especially among female audiences.
