In the shadows of Arrowhead Stadium, where the scent of slow-cooked ribs and the sound of Tomahawk Chops echo through the parking lots, you’ll find the Fan Van Crew—an elite tailgating brotherhood that rolls as hard as their Kansas City Chiefs. Parked in Lot G and proudly waving their signature Fan Van flag, this group of dedicated fans transforms every gameday into an all-out celebration of football, food, and friendship. What began in 2007 with three die-hard fans—Brent Cable, Marc Dipoto, and Kevin Ewing—has evolved into one of Kansas City’s most respected tailgating units, complete with their own custom bus, signature drinks, and a crew of over 20 proud members.

The Fan Van itself is a 1990 Carpenter bus, decked out and reimagined from its original purpose into a full-service tailgate machine. Originally born as a humble 1985 Chevy G10 van, the Crew upgraded to their current ride in 2010, and ever since, it has served as the mobile epicenter of Chiefs Kingdom in Lot G. With grills flaming, drinks flowing, music blasting, and an open invitation to visiting fans, the Fan Van Crew embodies what makes Arrowhead tailgating legendary. They’ve even had the honor of hosting Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt at their spread—proof that their hospitality and game day energy have caught the attention of the very top.

Walking into a Fan Van tailgate is like stepping into a backyard cookout turned up to 11. Early in the season, you might find brats soaking in beer, burgers sizzling over open flame, and Boulevard Brewing Co. cans in hand. But once the regular season kicks in, the menu explodes with flavor. These guys don’t mess around. Brisket, lamb chops, low country boils, fried catfish and hush puppies, BBQ pork steaks, and even lobster tails have graced their grills. Dishes like Molly’s Beans and Brett’s Beer Bathed Brats have become fan favorites. And if you’re lucky enough to experience “Old 85,” their signature cocktail named after the original Fan Van, you’ll understand how they keep warm on those bone-chilling AFC West nights.

Food aside, what really separates the Fan Van Crew is their camaraderie and consistency. When the Chiefs aren’t playing at home, you’ll find the crew gathered at Neighbors Tavern, planning their next party or giving back to the local community through events like their annual golf tournament, trapshooting competition, or their overnight lake retreat featuring fishing, kayaking, and more than a few rounds of beer. It’s a fraternity in every sense—one grounded in tradition, loyalty, and love for their team and town.

The Fan Van Crew isn’t just a tailgate—it’s a lifestyle. Members like Brett Craven, Mike Armstrong, Troy Brooks, Bryon Cable, Justin Callaghan, and many more show up early, stay late, and make sure every guest, Chiefs fan or not, feels like family. It’s the kind of environment where the line between old friends and new acquaintances disappears over a plate of brisket and a shared shot of Old 85. Every game day is an opportunity to make memories, eat like kings, and help fuel the electric atmosphere that makes Arrowhead the loudest stadium in football.

They’ve earned awards like the Hy-Vee Tailgater Award and even starred in the Kansas City Chiefs’ own official documentary. But for the Fan Van Crew, the real reward is the ritual itself—loading the Fan Van before sunrise, arriving in Lot G with the dawn, and building something bigger than just a tailgate. It’s about the shared glances during a Chiefs comeback win, the laughter echoing from the beer tent, and the satisfied silence after a perfect rack of ribs.

Whether it’s your first time at Arrowhead or you’ve been cheering from the upper deck for decades, a visit to the Fan Van Crew tailgate is an experience that sticks with you. It’s not just about football—it’s about fellowship, food, and the fire of fandom that binds Chiefs Nation together. So next time you’re in Lot G, look for the bus, follow the smoke, and come meet the crew that helped redefine what it means to be a tailgater in Kansas City. Just don’t forget to raise a glass of Old 85 while you’re there.