[BigRedChief]

Atlanta Tailgate Update and Statement

First and foremost, thank you to all who traveled to Atlanta, planned to tailgate and trusted this group to provide an event. There is no question the result was a complete disaster, and we understand the anger at the outcome. I want to make a few things transparent, update everyone of the status, assure you everything is being addressed, and work toward rebuilding trust with this group.

Tailgates are a blast and a huge part of CHIEFS Kingdom culture. They also have the potential to become massive beasts full of costs and moving parts when scaled. We are blessed with Arrowhead in that it provides a simple scenario: arrive early to a large, singular outdoor parking space, pull out your supplies and make some friends. Atlanta, like most other places, is not like this, which adds a level of complexity. Things start with securing space. Those who attended Jacksonville in 2023 know we had our own lot. What was not made public is the fact that Catherine fronted over $3K to simply secure the space. All that prior to food, drink, DJ and other expenses. A huge risk was taken by a small group.

This year it was decided to do what has been done before: hire a vendor. Carolyn (Bird Lady) Freeman was picked for a few reasons. First, she was a prominent and positive member of various all- NFL social fan groups. Second, she was recognized multiple times as a key part of the fan community by the Atlanta Falcons. Finally, she provided a contract with specified terms and a noted LLC. This constitutes a very reasonable, and what most would consider thorough, vetting process. In short, she passed the same tests as other vendors we have hired and have run successful events.

Carolyn is an unscrupulous individual and fraudulent vendor. Our group learned that firsthand this past Sunday. Unfortunately, we were not her first victim. Stories started coming out of the woodworks in real time when we were significantly past our start time. Carolyn did a great job hiding her sketchy past.

Catherine and Tammy handled everyone’s hard earned money meticulously and provided to Carolyn up front per the terms of the contact. This is standard practice in the event hospitality space as many know firsthand from planning events like weddings and company events. Both Catherine and Tammy were in direct contact with Carolyn often prior to Sunday and no red flags arose. Furthermore, Carolyn assured both them and me personally via phone that she was coming as late as 5pm Sunday, day of event.

At roughly 5:30 pm a decision was collectively made by the names tagged to formally abandon the event and demand full financial restitution from Carolyn. She was informed of complete breach of contract in writing, and we worked to join the rest of the group in enjoying a beautiful stadium and an excellent game. As many of you know Carolyn chose to do the same.
Making this right is a top priority. It is being taken as seriously as possible. Catherine and Tammy are sick, losing sleep and will continue to do so until this is resolved.

Prior to leaving the lot and throughout the game these things were done:
1. The contract was thoroughly reviewed to confirm breach on Carolyn’s part
2. Everything was properly and thoroughly documented
3. The Atlanta Falcons football club was made aware of the situation
Starting Monday and continuing through the present we have also:
4. Contacted a lawyer
5. Filed a report with the GA State Attorney General Consumer Protection office
6. Filed a report with the IRS Complaint Center against Carolyn’s 501c3
The Falcons are actively reviewing the situation in their legal department. They are committed to helping us resolve and ensure this is Carolyn’s last fraudulent activity. The lawyer has advised us to let the Falcons interaction fully play out prior to taking further action in filing suits. The GA Attorney
Catherine and Tammy are committed to getting everyone refunded. This is a large amount of money, a contract situation, and involves an NFL team. It will take some time.

Additionally, Arrowhead Kingdom is committed to ensure this never happens again.

We appreciate your patience, good vibes and grace as we work through this unprecedented situation. Please allow Catherine and Tammy the space to focus on working through the resolution process as opposed to follow up messages. Any and all updates will be communicated here.