Gracie Hunt Gives Rare Access to the Kansas City Chiefs’ Game Day in Behind-the-Scenes Photos (Exclusive)

Pre-Game Workout

While players on the team are known to have their pre-game rituals, Gracie Hunt has a pre-game routine of her own.

“I always get up early on game day to get a workout in,” she tells PEOPLE. “It helps get any jitters out and also sets a positive tone for the day ahead.”

Tunnel Walk to the Field

If there’s one person who’s always by Gracie’s side, it’s her sister. “Ava is my best friend, and we actually share the same birthday… seven years apart to the day!” she says.

“I love doing game days together,” continues Gracie, who’s pictured walking through the iconic Arrowhead Stadium tunnels as the siblings make their way to the football field for the team’s pre-game warm-up and sideline rituals.

Game-Day Outfit

As a fashion influencer who recently launched her own collection with Erin Andrews’ Wear line, Gracie’s game-day looks never disappoint.

“My game-day outfit was inspired by my favorite styling approach, both on and off the field, combining sporty and chic elements,” she tells PEOPLE.

Since Kansas City is known to get brutally cold winters, Gracie knows how to dress appropriately (yet stylishly, too!). “The Ramy Brook coat not only kept me warm and insulated against the chilly Kansas City weather but also added an effortlessly polished touch,” she explains.

Gracie “celebrated the iconic Chiefs red” with “bold” Dolce & Gabbana pants, along with a top and shoes to “tie the look together with team spirit.” In another clever (and chic) nod the game, she topped off her look with a playful accessory.

“The Monse football bag was the perfect statement piece, proving that football and fashion can go hand in hand… and that women can love the game just as much as men,” she says.

The Sideline Scene

Nothing compares to the energy before the game, especially during the playoffs. The Chiefs took on the Texans at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, so Gracie hit the sidelines early.

“I enjoy spending time with family and friends on the sidelines before the game,” she says. “Watching the warm-ups and seeing the stadium fill with fans always creates a thrilling and energetic atmosphere.”

Sideline Staples

“I’m grateful for special moments on the sidelines with football family and fans,” Gracie tells PEOPLE.

Fan Frenzy!

There’s no denying the Chiefs fandom has grown in recent years, so you never know who may make an appearance at games. The Jan. 18 game was star-studded, attracting everyone from Taylor Swift to Caitlin Clark in the stands.

For Gracie, there was one person in particular who stood out. “We met the Rizzler, a new member of Chiefs Kingdom,” she tells PEOPLE of the viral internet phenom.

Almost Game Time

While there are many exciting moments throughout a game, there is one that means a lot to Gracie. “The national anthem is one of the most special parts of game day for me,” she says.

“Those who serve or have served our country are true heroes,” she continues. “I’m so grateful to get to live in a free country where we can celebrate life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the beautiful game of football.”

Fourth-Quarter Energy

Fans were on the edges of their seats as the Chiefs and Texans headed into the game’s final quarter. “Energy and excitement radiated through the stadium as the fourth quarter began,” Gracie recalls of the adrenaline-filled moments as the clock ticked down.

Game-Winning Smiles

The Chiefs beat the Texans 23-14 on Jan. 18. Gracie celebrated the victorious moment with her parents, Clark and Tavia, before heading down to welcome the players off the field.

“For us, football is family,” Gracie tells PEOPLE. “It’s so special getting to celebrate sweet moments and Chiefs victories with the people I love most.”  

Let’s Hear It for the Team!

Gracie and her family have a sweet tradition of “welcoming the team into the locker room” after every game. In the photo, she can be seen cheering alongside her sister Ava as the players walked by on a celebratory high.

“My favorite moment of every game is standing in the tunnel, cheering and celebrating as the players come off the field,” Gracie notes. “It’s a special tradition filled with energy, pride and unforgettable memories.”

Family Fun Post-Game

Next, Gracie enjoyed a “post-game celebration” with her family. She posed with her parents and coach Andy Reid’s wife Tammy.

“A very joyful moment celebrating the win with friends and family in the tunnel,” Gracie says. “This is where we welcome the team in postgame before heading into the press conference.”

She adds, “Tammy Reid is one of the kindest and most optimistic people I’ve ever met. As wife of the head coach, she brings an infectious energy to both game days and every day in between.”

Suite Sweets

The taste of victory is… sweet! What better way to celebrate an exciting win than with Kansas City Chiefs-inspired treats?

“Cami’s Cake Co. made this amazing cake of Arrowhead Stadium for the Signature Suite Lounge,” Gracie tells PEOPLE. “You might recognize her name because Travis [Kelce] also had her make the cake for Taylor [Swift]’s birthday,” she notes.

The Road to the Super Bowl Continues

The Chiefs will continue their quest in the playoffs in pursuit of the first-ever “three-peat” in NFL history on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m.