Nashville, KC Mayors Make Barbecue Bet For Playoff Clash

NASHVILLE, TN -- Metro Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Kansas City Mayor Sly James have made the traditional pre-game bet ahead of the Tennessee Titans trip to the Paris of the Prairies to face the Chiefs in the NFL playoffs Saturday.

The mayor of the losing city will have to send a load of barbecue to the mayor of the winning city following the game. Barry, coincidentally, grew up in the Kansas City area.

“I remember Kansas City barbecue well from growing up outside the city,” Mayor Barry said. “It gets a lot of national attention, which is well-deserved. And I look forward to eating some after the Titans beat the Chiefs on Saturday.”

Regardless of which NFL team prevails on Saturday afternoon, each NFL team will make a $1,000 donation to a local homelessness charity.

“Nashville sports have been on a great run over the past year, and the Titans are doing their part,” Mayor Barry said. “Coach Mularkey and the team have done an excellent job getting us to the playoffs. I’m also very excited about the Titans’ commitment to our homeless population."

If the Chiefs are victorious, Jack Cawthon will send a spread from his eponymous restaurant. And, if the Titans win, Mayor James will be sending some of Kansas City’s finest to Music City.

“Nothing goes better with the sweet taste of victory than some delicious BBQ,” Mayor James said. “I’m only sorry that Mayor Barry won’t get to experience it. Go Chiefs!”

“The playoffs are such a fun time of the year for our fans and for this city and we love having Mayor Barry backing us. This will help those in need while showing our civic pride,” said Amy Adams Strunk, controlling owner of the Tennessee Titans. “We hope there are many more of these bets to come this playoff season.”

“With so much on the line each game, the playoffs are the most exciting time of the year for all of us in Chiefs Kingdom,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Mayor James has been a tremendous supporter of ours and we are proud that he’s on our side. What a fun way to show off our Kansas City barbecue as well as rally around those in need.”

Photo via Office of the Mayor