Once upon a time, photographers from the Kansas City Star covering Chiefs games focused solely on the action on the field. However, as the Chiefs rose to become the NFL’s most popular team and players began showcasing their style before games, someone started waiting in the Arrowhead Stadium tunnel to capture their arrivals.

Everything shifted on September 24, 2023, when global superstar Taylor Swift attended a game to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Chiefs at GEHA Field. Swift, one of the world’s most recognizable figures, made her presence at Chiefs games major news, prompting The Star to ensure a photographer was on site for her arrival.

Swift’s arrival time is unpredictable, often leading photographers to wait up to two hours. Though they don’t receive prior notice, they are alerted by enthusiastic fans, or “Swifties.”

“There are fans at the tunnel’s entrance, and people watching from an overhead deck,” said Emily Curiel from The Star. “When she arrives, the fans usually scream—if it’s early enough. If she’s late, it’s often silent.” Capturing photos of Swift has become increasingly difficult; the number of people in the tunnel has swelled from just a couple to as many as 15.

“While players walk down a brightly lit ‘red carpet’ section, Taylor typically comes through a darker, poorly lit area, flanked by security, which complicates getting clear shots,” explained Tammy Ljungblad from The Star. “Photographers scramble for the best angles while security constantly reminds us, ‘Step back, the players need to get through.’”

Curiel added, “There’s now a designated area for photographers, and no one calls out her name when she enters. It’s usually quiet and respectful.”

“A couple of hours after the Buffalo Bills defeated the Chiefs 20-17 on December 10, 2023—one of the first games Taylor Swift attended—I received a text from another photographer near the elevator, informing me that the couple was leaving the stadium,” Ljungblad recalled. “I quickly positioned myself on a stairway landing and captured the first Kansas City Star photo of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce leaving arm in arm. By the time I got home, my photo had gone viral, appearing all over the internet and on television, often without my byline or any credit to the Kansas City Star.”