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Taylor Swift in the audience at Arrowhead

Taylor Swift in the audience at Arrowhead

Chiefs finish the first half with a 3-point lead

After two more touchdowns in the first quarter, the second quarter became a battle of field goals. The Chiefs entered the break with a score of 13-10.

Why kickoffs look different this NFL season

Get ready to add the term “landing zone” to your football lexicon.

During the preseason, teams have been getting used to what the NFL is calling its new “dynamic kickoff” rule, trying to figure out what works best.

An area known as the landing zone has been created, which is between the receiving team’s goal line and its 20-yard line. Here are some of the new rules surrounding it.

  • If the ball does not cross the landing zone or goes over the sideline, it will automatically be placed on the receiving team’s 40-yard line.
  • Any kick that hits the landing zone and then bounces into the end zone must be returned or stopped, so teams can’t just let the ball bounce into the end zone and get an automatic touchback if it hits the landing zone first. If the returning team stops the ball in the end zone, it goes to the 20-yard line.
  • If the kicker kicks the ball out of the end zone in mid-air, the returning team receives the ball on the 30-yard line. Under the previous rules, it was placed on the 25-yard line, so it penalizes the kicking teams an additional five yards if they kick the ball out of the end zone.
  • In the fourth quarter, teams may only attempt onside kicks after informing the officials, eliminating the element of surprise.

More information on the new match start rule can be found here.

Moments later, the Chiefs respond with a touchdown of their own.

Shortly after the Ravens scored, the Chiefs responded with a touchdown of their own. Mahomes passed to wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who ran with the ball into the end zone.

After the kick, the score is tied 7-7.

Ravens score first touchdown of the season

Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens scored his first touchdown and extra point of the season to make it 7-0.

Taylor Swift cheers on Travis Kelce while sitting next to his dad

After entering the stadium and taking her seat, Taylor Swift was spotted sitting next to Travis Kelce’s father, Ed Kelce.

Sipping their drinks, the two seemed to be deep in conversation while Chiefs and Raven warmed up.

Throughout the game, Swift was seen cheering on Travis Kelce and the players.

Taylor Swift supports Travis Kelce while sitting next to his dad, Ed Kelce, on September 5. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

She was also photographed standing alongside Ed Kelce and other friends, giving the thumbs up.

Taylor Swift gives a thumbs up during the Chiefs vs. Ravens game on September 5.Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Ed Kelce previously opened up about meeting the pop star, telling People magazine that Swift is a “very, very sweet, very charming, down-to-earth young woman” and “very genuine.”

He added: “She’s very smart. I mean, very smart. You can see that right away.”

Coco Jones performs the national anthem before the match starts

Singer and actress Coco Jones took to the field before the match, which was delayed, to perform the song “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The artist, who wore a red dress for the occasion, sang the national anthem at Arrowhead Stadium.

In addition to her music career, Jones is also known for her roles in the films “Bel-Air,” “Let It Shine” and “Good Luck Charlie.”

Kick-off delayed until 7:40 PM CST

The Ravens and Chiefs returned to the field for warm-ups following heavy rain, but the game will have a 20-minute start delay.

As the sky cleared, a rainbow appeared over Arrowhead Stadium, NBC Sports reported.

In the meantime, check out some photos from the warm-up!

Travis Kelce during warmups.Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Patrick Mahomes during warm-up.Cooper Neill / Getty Images

Donna Kelce shows off her Chiefs jersey with a special message from Travis

Donna Kelce, also known as Mama Kelce, was in attendance to cheer on her son, Travis Kelce. The famous mom dropped by for the Chiefs World’s Largest Tailgate and the pre-game live event.

The mother of the quarterback showed off her matchday outfit, which included a Chiefs-themed denim jacket and a red Chiefs No. 87 jersey with a special message from her son.

In a video captured by TODAY.com, Donna Kelce takes off her jacket to reveal Travis Kelce’s signature on the back and a touching note.

“What do you think about this?” he asks before showing the message.

“I love you, mommy!” – says the inscription on the number 8

It’s really pouring in Kansas City right now

It’s raining heavily in Kansas City now.

What started as a light rain around 6:15 p.m. Central Time turned into a heavy storm around 6:30 p.m. — less than an hour before the match was scheduled to start at 7:20 p.m. Central Time.

Lightning strikes were visible from the stadium, followed seconds later by loud claps of thunder.

The players, who were originally crowded into the tunnel leading out onto the pitch, had to slowly back out from the entrance as rain poured in from the side.

Due to the storm, journalists had to move from the sidelines to a sheltered area.Maddie Ellis / TODAY

It was not immediately clear if the start of the game would be delayed due to the weather. Warm-ups were halted and players returned to their sidelines and locker rooms to wait out the storm.

Local NBC station KSHB reports that following the storm, there is little chance of precipitation for the rest of the evening.

First Look at Kansas City Chiefs’ Hallmark Movie Released

Hallmark Network

Ahead of the big game, Hallmark has released a first look at its upcoming football-themed movie, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.

The romantic comedy stars Tyler Hynes and Hunter King, with TODAY’s Donna Kelce and Jenna Bush Hager. “Holiday Touchdown” will premiere on November 30 at 8:00 p.m. ET, Hallmark announced on September 5. A trailer and various photos from the film were also released.

Hallmark Network

“Holiday Touchdown” was filmed in July in Kansas City and at Arrowhead Stadium.

You can read all about the upcoming film here.


Taylor Swift is in the building!

Taylor Swift is here, ladies and gentlemen.

Swift was spotted in a video shared by local FOX sports director Rob Collins.

In the video, apparently taken somewhere inside Arrowhead Stadium, Swift appears to be wearing an outfit consisting only of jeans, a corset and short shorts, accessorized with thigh-high red boots, and her hair was loosely styled in waves.

TODAY.com sent a news crew to today’s game, but we’ve yet to see Swift in person.

Travis Kelce (and his mustache) arrives at Arrowhead Stadium

Travis Kelce entered Arrowhead Stadium in grand style ahead of the Chiefs’ game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The tight end wore a fitted jacket that changed from white to light brown and then into his jeans. He wore a white T-shirt with a red and white cap, white tennis shoes and sunglasses. His mustache was clearly visible before the game began.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs arrives before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field in Arrowhead David Eulitt/Getty Images

Kelce’s stylist, Danielle Salzedo, previously told Us Weekly of the athlete’s styling, “She spends time shopping online, so she knows what’s available and what’s new.”

“Travis has a clear vision of his personal beauty and definitely cares about his style,” she added.

Meanwhile, fans are hoping the NFL star and his girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift, will have a nice public reunion at the game.

Travis Kelce probably ate this for breakfast before the game

Travis Kelce is a man of routine, it seems. In an email to TODAY.com this week, Kelce said he ate the same meal before all of his games as a Chief: French toast and strawberries.

The more you know!

To read the full story, click here.

Mahomes comes out onto the field to warm up

Patrick Mahomes is on the field warming up, wearing a red Chiefs warm-up uniform, KSHB reports.

Players begin arriving at Arrowhead Stadium

Some players and coaches have already begun arriving at Arrowhead Stadium.

Posts from local NBC affiliate KSHB show Chief’s Harrison Butker is in the building. Butker was criticized earlier this year for his controversial graduation speech for the class of 2024 at Benedictine College.

According to KSHB, Ravens quarterback Derrick Henry has also joined the team.

Will Taylor Swift be there or what?!

How to watch the Chiefs vs. Ravens game

The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching, with the Chiefs and Ravens set to face off in prime time at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

Live coverage begins at 7:00 PM ET with a special edition of Football Night in America NFL Kickoff. Watch on NBC or stream on Peacock.

(TODAY and Peacock share a parent company, NBCUniversal.)