Kauffman Stadium

Kauffman Stadium, often called “The K”, is a baseball park located in Kansas City, Missouri, that is home to the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). It is part of the Truman Sports Complex together with the adjacent Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League. The ballpark is named for Ewing Kauffman, the founder and first owner of the Royals. It opened in 1973 as Royals Stadium and was named for Kauffman on July 2, 1993. The ballpark’s listed seating capacity since 2009 is 37,903.

General information

Arena capacity: 40,793 spectators

Address: 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 39.0517° N, 94.4803° W

Year of construction: April 10, 1973

Construction cost: $43 Million

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 330-L, 390-LC, 410-C, 390-RC, 330-R

Seating plan of the Kauffman Stadium

Crown Club

The most expensive and sought-after tickets to a Royals game are found in the Crown Club seats behind home plate. This premium seating area is made up of six sections between the dugouts just mere feet from field.

Ticketholders will enjoy all-inclusive food and drink along with in-seat wait service. Fans will also enjoy access to the private Crown Club Lounge where they’ll find a climate-controlled area with a bar, televisions and comfortable seating.

When sitting in these seats, be sure to take advantage of the early-entry policy (two hours before first pitch) and arrive through the private entrance at Gate C.

Diamond Club

Diamond Club seats for a Royals game are located just behind the Crown Club seats with outstanding views of the field from behind home plate. The club seats are split into two distinct seating options. Sections 126-129 are more traditional stadium-style seats with padding for additional comfort. Meanwhile, sections A-F are box-style seating with movable chairs set up at a ledge.

All Diamond Club ticketholders receive in-seat wait service on select menu items, and access to the climate-controlled Diamond Club Lounge with a private bar and an unobstructed view of the field. Fans will also find open-air tables set up in the Diamond Club Lounge that allow you to enjoy a sit down meal while still having one of the best views of the field.

Best Seats for Kids and Family at Kauffman Stadium

Kauffman Stadium is highly regarded as a family-friendly destination for baseball fans in Kansas City. The Royals offer a number of family days with special promotions and have even built a field for kids within Kauffman Stadium.

If you know you want to bring the family along to a Royals game but are undecided as to which game to go to, consider Friday night and Sunday afternoon games first. From May through August, Friday nights at the K become fireworks nights. The Royals put on an awe-inspiring display of fireworks that shoot off over center field. On these nights, you’ll want to avoid seats in the outfield and far down the line. We recommend sections behind home plate on the 400 level for the best views and a little lighter dent on the wallet.

Another consideration for a family outing is to attend a Sunday afternoon game. The crowds at these games is usually less inebriated than you would find on a Friday and Saturday night. Furthermore, all kids 14 and younger can run the bases after the game. For these games – and all afternoon games – pay close attention to the weather. Kauffman Stadium is one of the hottest stadiums in the country and sitting in the right row can make the difference between a pleasant afternoon and a painful sunburn.

The third base side is the less sunny side of Kauffman Stadium. The sun will set behind these sections – making them the first to get the shade. Loge sections on this side of the field (303-311) are the absolute best way to stay out of the sun. These seats are fully covered and most rows will be shaded – no matter where the sun is. When the forecast is expected to be hot, ticket prices in these sections skyrocket – but we tend to think they’re worth it.

Other considerations for shade include the upper rows of sections 209-225 and 403-415. Between these two options, the 200 level seats are far superior in nearly every aspect (closer to the field, better shade, better accessibility) but also come with a much higher ticket price.

If you’re going to the game on a non-fireworks day and the weather will be bearable, consider sitting in the Sonic Slam seats in Sections 101-103. These seats are in home run territory, and each time a Royals player hits a blast into these sections, all fans seated here win a free Sonic Slush and Sonic gift card. These sections are also situated just in front of the fountains and the Outfield Experience.

The main feature of the Outfield Experience (located behind left field seats) is Little K – a miniature ballpark built for kids. Little ones are encouraged to hit, run and throw on the field before and during the Royals game. Other activities located nearby include mini-golf, batting practice and pitching practice.

Best Seats for Visiting Team Fans at Kauffman Stadium

While Kansas City may not be top-of-mind as a vacation destination, Kauffman Stadium offers out-of-town baseball fans a good ballpark, plenty of in-stadium watering holes and ticket prices affordable on nearly any budget.

If you’re coming to the K to cheer on the opposing team, you’ll want to target tickets in the first few rows of sections 119-122. Row A is the first row in each of these sections and is directly behind the visitor dugout. Unfortunately, these seats require a relatively long walk to concessions and restrooms. If convenience is important to you, section 119 will keep you close to your favorite team and close to the field level concourse tunnel.

Another consideration for fans of the visiting team are seats in right field above the visitor bullpen. Sections 150-152 are all within four rows of the visitor bullpen – giving you a chance to watch the pitchers as they warm up. Given the small size of these sections, tickets might be difficult to come by. If that’s the case, sections 250-252 are just above the walkway from 150-152 – but don’t have much of a view of the bullpen. If purchasing a ticket in right field, just keep in mind that these are among the sunniest (and hottest) seats in all of baseball. Hats, sunglasses and other sun protection are essential.

One advantage of sitting in the sunny outfield seats is close proximity to a number of features on the outfield concourse. Near the visitor bullpen are the Bud Patio and Bullpen Bar. The area around Kauffman Stadium offers very little in the way of pre-game hot-spots, so we recommend grabbing a drink in one of the outfield bars and keeping an eye on batting practice. If you arrive early enough, you should be able to grab a covered and shaded spot in one of the bars in right field.

As you make your way from right to left field around the outfield concourse, you’ll pass a series of fountains, which are the signature trademark of Kauffman Stadium. Another popular pre-game destination – the Fountain Bar – is located in left field near sections 201-203.

If you’re visiting Kansas City for a baseball trip, you’d be remiss to skip out on the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Just a ten-minute drive from the Royals Stadium, the museum offers highly recommended exhibits for a low $10 admission fee.

Best Seats for Great Views of the Field at Kauffman Stadium

When it comes to ballpark shape, sitelines and seating levels, Kauffman Stadium is a fairly traditional ballpark by today’s standards. The stadium is relatively symmetric without any major quirks or obstructed views to worry about. Generally speaking, when it comes to getting the best view, you tend to get what you pay for.

As with most ballparks, the most desirable views are located behind home plate. These include Crown seats at field level, 100 level sections, lettered Diamond Boxes and seats on the 400 Level. Among these options, the seats on the View (400) Level are far-and-away the cheapest tickets. You’ll also find that these are the only seats behind home plate that do not look through the protective netting. Instead, you’ll have an entirely clear bird’s eye view of the view and a head-on look at the videoboard. For the best overall experience, sit below row M and start your search with tickets in sections 418-422.

If you’re looking at tickets in 100 level sections behind home plate and on the infield, the best views will come from sections 119-135. Specifically, we recommend the last six rows in these sections, labeled S-X. While you won’t be right up against the field, these rows offer a little bit of elevation so you can see side-to-side without turning your neck constantly. Similar views can be found in Diamond sections A-F and the front rows of nearby 200s sections – but the Diamond Boxes come with a higher price-tag and there is a lot of distracting foot traffic in front of the 200s sections.

For fans looking for an all-around comfortable experience, the loge level offers excellent views and excellent protection from the elements. These seats slightly overhang the sections below so that the front rows are closer to the field than the back rows of the 200s – and all loge seats feel closer to the field than you might expect. The seats down the line don’t offer the best angle towards home plate, so we recommend aiming for sections 306-317 as a first choice.

Among seats to avoid at a Royals game, there are three items to consider:

• Outfield seats – especially those in right field – are exceptionally sunny. Especially in the late afternoon and early evening while the sun is setting, there will be a strong glare looking towards home plate.
• The same rows in 200s sections that provide the best cover will also have somewhat-limited views due to the overhang. Sit in rows NN or below for the best views.
• Find out which bookmaker you can get a sign-up bonus from.
• The upper deck is one of the largest in the major leagues – and rows at the top are way up there. Unless you’re attending a playoff game or have to be out of the sun, sitting above row HH in the 400s sections is strongly discouraged.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Reserved seating inside the Diamond Club. These tables are fully covered and shaded and come with wait service.

Sections Crown 1, Crown 2, Crown 3 and Crown 4:

• Great views from directly behind home plate;
• Exclusive club amenities, including wait service, club access and complimentary food and beverages;
• Widely regarded as the best seats at a Royals game.

Recommended Seats for Partying and Socializing

Craft and Draft:

• More than 75 craft and local beers;
• Large pavilion for socializing before and during the game;
• General seating on benches for easy-in and out.

Rivals Sports Bar:

• Open-air bar area with TVs, pub menu, signature cocktails and a variety of beer choices;
• Snag a single seat at the bar rail or an entire table for a group of four;
• Also open to guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Where to buy tickets?

During the offseason, the Box Office Ticket Lobby will be open during normal business hours.

Tickets By Phone

Tickets can be ordered by phone 7 days a week from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. through live ticket agents by calling 1-800-6ROYALS (676-9257).

Ticket Scalping

Re-sale of Royals tickets and/or parking passes is not permitted on the Complex. To avoid problems with counterfeit, stolen or inflated-priced tickets, guests should purchase tickets only through authorized ticket outlets.

Season Tickets

Various season ticket packages are available to fit the needs of any fan and budget. Visit the new Ticket Sales and Services Center located on the Plaza level next to the Royals Team Store. or call (816) 504-4040, option 2 or email: [email protected].

Group Ticket Sales

Enjoy the very best of what the ballpark has to offer by bringing your company, school, club, sports team, church or non-profit organization to the ballpark and create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on Group Tickets or any Suite or Party facility contact the Kansas City Royals Group Sales Department at (816) 504-4040, option 4, or email: [email protected].

Future Game Ticket Window

Future game tickets are available during games at the Future Game Ticket Window, which is located on Plaza Level behind the Konica Minolta Diamond Club. The window is open until 30 minutes after the last out of the game.

How to get there?

Coming from the east:

1. Head into Kansas City on Interstate 70.
2. Take Exit #9 – Blue Ridge Cutoff/Sports Complex.

Coming from the west:

1. Head into Kansas City on Interstate 70.
2. Take Exit #7B – Manchester Trafficway, turn left and proceed to Gate 5 or Take Exit #8B – Blue Ridge Cutoff/Sports Complex.

Coming from the south:

1. Head into Kansas City on Interstate 435.
2. Take Exit #63 C – Raytown Road/Stadium Drive, Sports Complex exit.

Coming from the north:

1. Head into Kansas City on Interstate 435.
2. Take Exit #63 B (left exit) – I-70 East/Sports Complex exit *OR* Take Exit# 63 A – I-70 West, then take Exit #7B – Manchester Trafficway, turn left and proceed to Gate 5.
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Exiting Kauffman Stadium

We have revised our traffic exit plan to enhance vehicle safety and egress times. Please note that I-70 and I-435 highways continue to both be accessible with this traffic plan at any exit.

Changes:

• Gate 1 is not an exit.
• Gate 2 has not changed and still allows guests to turn left or right onto Blue Ridge Cutoff.
• Gate 3 is not an exit.
• Gate 4 will allow guests to turn left and right onto Raytown Road. Guests turning left, please note that northbound Blue Ridge Cutoff is not accessible from Gate 4. Guests turning right, please note that you will not be able to drive past Eastern Avenue and will be directed left onto Eastern Avenue. Guests driving down Eastern Avenue can access I-435 (North or South) by driving down to Eastwood Trafficway.
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• Gate 5 will allow guests to turn left and right onto Raytown Road. Guests turning left, please note that you will not be able to drive past Eastern Avenue and will be directed right onto Eastern Avenue. Guests driving down Eastern Avenue can access I-435 (North or South) by driving down to Eastwood Trafficway.
• Gate 6 will allow guests to turn left and right onto Stadium Drive.
• The Premium Entrance/Bus Exit above Lot J will only allow guests to turn right onto Stadium Drive.

Any guest requiring additional parking instructions or assistance may email [email protected] or call the game day assistance phone line at 816-504-4040, option 5.

Parking Information

Parking at The K was updated as part of the $250 million renovation of Kauffman Stadium. Because of this, you won’t be able to drive your vehicle from the West Parking Lot to the East Parking Lot (or vice-versa) once you’ve entered the stadium complex. Please take a look at the parking map below and decide on which side of The K you want to park before you leave for the ballpark. Be sure to reference the correct interstate and parking gate to enter in order to park on the side of the The K that you prefer.

For additional information e-mail [email protected] or call 816-504-4040, option 5 to speak to a customer service representative.

Bus Transportation

The KCATA via the Metro’s 47-Broadway will provide service along Blue Ridge Cutoff and to Blue Ridge Crossing until 11 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays. The extended hours will allow guests to travel to the Truman Sports Complex for Kansas City Royals night games. 47-Broadway offers service to downtown Kansas City, Mo., midtown neighborhoods, Country Club Plaza, east side neighborhoods, Truman Sports Complex and Blue Ridge Crossing.

Pubs & Bars Near

Concessions

The outfield experience will have three concession stands for your enjoyment. Look for Sluggerrr’s Training Table located across from the Carousel, featuring a kids’ menu for smaller appetites.

Barbeque Pit

It wouldn’t be a Kansas City day without a little barbeque! Stop by the Barbeque Pit sponsored by Sweet Baby Ray’s for a full menu of our favorites and don’t worry about missing any of the action on the field. We installed a large flat-screen television in the picnic area.

Boulevard Concessions

Enjoy beverages from Kansas City’s own Boulevard Brewing Company at the Radler Station and the Boulevard Hop Stop in section 252.

Belfonte’s Ice Cream

1969 marked the beginning of two great Kansas City traditions. Sal Belfonte founded Belfonte Distributing Inc., and your own Kansas City Royals were formed. Now we bring these two hometown favorites together at Kauffman Stadium. Fans can enjoy fresh dipped ice cream at the Belfonte Ice Cream Shop in the Outfield Experience, and Belfonte pints at various concession stands throughout the stadium. Enjoy great tasting Belfonte Ice Cream while cheering on our Kansas City Royals! For it’s one, two, three scoops for you, at the Royals ball game!

Custom Crust

Custom Crust, located both in the outfield and in Craft and Draft, is a customize-your-own pizza stand which allows you to choose from a variety of toppings to make your own pizza masterpiece! Made to order, these pizzas can be as classic or creative as you’d like! Chefs will also feature specialty pizzas, giving you an opportunity to try something new each time you visit The K!

Miller Lite Fountain Bar

The Miller Lite Fountain Bar has been expanded into an area that you don’t want to miss! Enjoy your favorite Miller beverages while eating delicious loaded tots & gourmet brats, which are exclusive to The K! Embrace the experience by playing outdoor games such as bags & Jenga, while watching the Royals from an amazing view!

Rivals Sports Bar

Rivals Sports Bar, located just beyond the stadium’s signature fountains in right field, boasts one of the best vantage points at Kauffman Stadium! The 150-seat restaurant is home to the 360 Vodka Bullpen Bar on the lower level and the Blue Moon Tap Room on the top floor. The menu features made-to-order ball park favorites with Chicken Wings, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches and Burgers available thru the 7^th inning.   Rivals Sports Bar will be open for each of the Royals 81 home games on a first-come, first-served basis to any guest with a game ticket.

In addition, guests may reserve a table with advanced purchase of a Rivals Front Row Seating package that includes a $20 loaded ticket for Food & Beverage. Blue Moon Tap Room is also available to rent for private group outings of 100-200 guests on a game-by-game basis. Alcohol sales end with the completion of the 9^th inning in the Rivals Sports Bar. Any alcohol purchase made beginning in the top of the 8^th inning may not be removed from Rivals or Blue Moon Tap Room. Stadium Management may cease alcohol sales at its discretion.

Price Chopper Market Place

Looking for healthier & faster options in the stadium? The newly renovated Price Chopper Market Place is the perfect place for you. You will be able to choose between customizable salads & wraps, grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers & hot dogs, and a variety of healthy snacks. In addition to healthier options, the Price Chopper Market Place is also the place to get the quickest service in the stadium. With the Mashgin 3D self-checkout kiosk & the DraftServ self-service draft system, you are sure to get a one of a kind experience!

Kansas City CHZ Steak

Enjoy the following menu items at the Kansas City CHZ Steak location above section 249: Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Philly, Veggie Philly.

Hotels

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center
Official Hotel of the Kansas City Royals
18011 Bass Pro Drive
Independence, MO 64055
816-908-9600
stoneycreekhotels.com

Harrah’s
1 Riverboat Dr
North Kansas City, MO 64116
816-472-7777
www.harrahsnkc.com

Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa
777 NW Argosy Casino Parkway
Riverside, MO 64150
816-746-3100
www.argosykansascity.com

Features

Kauffman Stadium was the last baseball-only park built in the majors (not counting temporary facilities) from 1966 to 1991. It was one of the few baseball-only facilities built in the majors during the heyday of the cookie-cutter stadium era, and is one of two such facilities (Dodger Stadium is the other) that are still active and were never converted for use as multi-purpose stadiums.1

Although it is a baseball-only facility, its design took several stylistic cues from the multi-purpose stadiums of the day, plus the Googie style that was more prevalent in the decades prior. The main stadium itself is primarily concrete, with a smooth, uncovered concrete facade. The stands wrap around the infield and end at the foul poles, with smaller bleacher sections (or “outfield plazas”, as the Royals call them) in the outfield.

In their book, The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip, Josh Pahigian and Kevin O’Connell wrote that it is essentially one-third of a cookie-cutter stadium, containing only the seats in a cookie-cutter stadium that provide the best views for baseball. The upper deck is quite steep, though not as high as other parks built during this time.

All of the seats were replaced by blue seats, the lower section seating also getting cupholders.

The park’s best-known feature is the fountain and waterfall display (known as the Water Spectacular) behind the right-field fence. At 322 feet (98 m), it is the largest privately funded fountain in the world. The fountains are on display before and after the game and in-between innings, while the waterfalls are constantly flowing.

When the stadium was originally built, Kansas City was the westernmost major league city other than those along the Pacific Coast (1,600 mi. [2,600 km] away), which was a major reason why the Royals initially decided to use a faster-draining AstroTurf surface. The Royals’ home territory included a large swath of the Great Plains and Rockies, and Kauffman didn’t want fans who drove many hundreds of miles to go home without seeing the game completed.

The Truman Sports Complex’s legendary groundskeeper, George Toma, best known as the head groundskeeper for every Super Bowl, thus had the job of maintaining two carpets for most of his career. He also maintained the surface at Arrowhead Stadium, which had AstroTurf. However, Toma has said that artificial turf requires a good deal of maintenance as well; his crews were able to keep Royals Stadium’s original carpet for two decades, somewhat longer than the typical lifetime for a turf surface.

This is also due to the fact that Kauffman Stadium has never hosted a football game, and has no movable seating, thus avoiding the wear and tear typical of cookie-cutter stadiums.

The arrival of the Colorado Rockies, however, removed virtually all of the western portion of the Royals’ once-vast home territory. Partly due to this, the stadium’s turf was replaced by grass. When the Royals ripped out the turf, 4 inch (10 cm) perforated tiles were installed at 12.5-foot (3.8 m) centers across the entire field. As a result, the current grass field drains very well. Many newer facilities (and some older facilities through retrofitting) have similar drainage systems to minimize downtime after rain delays.

In 2014, the Royals started placing a “W” on the Hall of Fame wall for every home win, similar to the Chicago Cubs hoisting a white flag with a blue “W” at Wrigley Field for every Cub home win.

Renovations

Jackson County, Missouri voters approved a 0.375% sales tax increase to fund plans to renovate the Truman Sports Complex. As part of this measure, every Jackson County residential address was to receive vouchers good for 50% off two tickets at Royals games on certain nights.

The construction began with a ceremonial groundbreaking inside Kauffman Stadium with completion of Kauffman Stadium in time for Opening Day in 2009, and full renovation of the complex (including nearby Arrowhead Stadium) by 2010, depending upon cost overruns. The team committed to a lease that will keep them in Kansas City until 2030, an extension of their current lease expiration of 2015. The improvements to Kauffman Stadium included the following:

• Reducing capacity to 37,903;
• New high definition scoreboard, dubbed “Crown Vision” and control room;
• Fountain view terraces;
• Outfield concourse;
• Kids’ area;
• Taste of KC;
• Right field sports bar-themed restaurant;
• Left field hall of fame and conference center;
• New group sales areas;
• Wider concourses;
• New and upgraded concession and toilet amenities on all concourses;
• Enhanced vertical circulation to all levels;
• Four new entry ticket gates;
• New press facilities.

The new high-definition scoreboard was one of the first features to be installed. It replaced both the old matrix board in the shape of the Royals logo that had been in the park since its opening, along with the video board. The new scoreboard was ready for Opening Day 2008. It is 84 ft. wide and 105 ft. tall, and was, at the time it entered service, the largest high-definition LED display in the world.

The Kauffman Stadium screen was eventually surpassed by the new scoreboard at Seattle’s Safeco Field in 2013. The display was assembled in 55 separate segments, including an active bottom taper to resemble the shield in the Royals logo. The video scoreboard alone cost $8.3 million, and the control room that operates it is staffed with 17 people on game days. It was adorned with a crown. Strobe lights atop the scoreboard flash after every Royals home run.