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| DESCRIPTION: Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, is known as one of the most beautiful ballparks in baseball. After a massive renovation before the 2009 season, visitors to "The K" will now experience the modern facilities in addition to the tradition of Royals Baseball. |
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| ADDRESS: One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 |
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| LOCATION: 15 minutes east of downtown Kansas City |
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| PHONE: 816-504-4040 |
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| WEB SITE: http://www.royals.com |
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- Tours of the stadium allow visitors to access areas that are not usually open to the public. Depending on the specific tour, areas visited may include the press box, interview room, dugout, bullpen and luxury suites. Check the Web site for details.
- On game days, the stadium opens its parking lots several hours prior to the first pitch and visitors come early to tailgate outside the stadium before the games.
- The new Outfield Experience has a mini golf course and areas where kids can practice their baseball swing and compare their pitching speed with the pros.
- New Outfield Plaza areas include the open-air Miller Lite Fountain Bar, the standing room only Pepsi Party Porch terrace and the DRI DUCK Fountain Seats. DRI DUCK seats are general admission and cost $7 ($10 for premium games). These seats are only available at the ticket office the day of the game.
- The Royals Hall of Fame, opening July 2009, will educate visitors about the history of the franchise and the Royals Hall of Fame players as well as display unique baseball memorabilia.
- A burst of fireworks follows every Royals home run. A full fireworks display also takes place after every Friday night home game.
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HOURS: Games: On game days, the ticket office and call center are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or game time, whichever is later) Mon.-Fri. and 9 a.m. to game time Sat. and Sun. On non-game days: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. The Outfield Experience will open one hour prior to the stadium gates.
Tours: Tours of the stadium are offered Mon.-Sat. until Sept. 30. Beginning Oct. 1: tours are available on Tues., Thurs. and Sat. Please check the Royals Web site for specific tour times. Please note: tours are not available on days with scheduled day games. |
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| ADMISSION: Games: Tickets range from $7 to $250 and may be purchased online through the Royals Web site, by phone at 1-800-6ROYALS or in person at the ticket windows. Tickets are also available at Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka and St. Joseph Hy-Vee Food Stores. Tours: Check Web site for details. |
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| ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: About 1.5 million |
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HISTORY: Since it opened as Royals Stadium on April 10, 1973, Kauffman Stadium has been known as one of the world's most beautiful ballparks. Many exciting games have been played here, including the 1985 World Series when the Royals won the championship. The stadium also hosted the 1973 All-Star Game, three no-hitters and several playoff games. On July 2, 1993, the stadium was officially renamed in honor of the franchise's late owner, Ewing M. Kauffman.
Prior to the 1995 season, the artificial surface on the playing field of Kauffman Stadium was replaced by real grass. Additional field level seating was added to the stadium before the 1999 season. Prior to the 2004 season, outfield expansions made the stadium one of the most spacious parks in Major League Baseball.
A massive $250 million restoration prior to the 2009 season included the expansion of the concourse and an increase in number of concession stands, restrooms, ticket windows, suites and dining and lounge options. Over 1,000 "fountain view" seats were also added. Fans can now walk all the way around the stadium. Beyond the outfield is the Outfield Experience, which includes the Royals Hall of Fame and various pre-game amenities for kids of all ages.
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| WHERE TO GET LUNCH: In addition to traditional ballpark concessions, other dining options inside the stadium include the new Rivals Sports Bar, The Royals All-Star Barbeque, Sluggerrr's Training Table (for kid-friendly portions) and Sheridan's Signature Store at Kauffman Stadium - the only frozen custard store to operate in a pro sports venue in the country. |
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| WHAT'S NEARBY: The neighboring Arrowhead Stadium is home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Missouri's largest indoor water resort, CoCo Key, is also nearby. |
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| WHAT'S NEW: The expanded Outfield Plaza includes the Outfield Experience, which has interactive activities for children. The Royals Hall of Fame will open in July 2009. |
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| HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES: The new Outfield Experience encourages visitors to test their baseball skills in the batting and pitching challenges. There is also a carousel and a five-hole, baseball-themed mini golf course, among other activities. |
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| DID YOU KNOW: Kauffman Stadium has the largest hi-definition video board in Major League Baseball, measuring 84 feet wide and 104 feet high. The stadium's 322-foot-wide water spectacular is also the largest privately funded fountain in the world. |
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GROUP TOURS: Games: To order tickets for groups of 20 or more, call 816-504-4040 or e-mail groupsales@royals.com. Groups save money on Super Saver Games. Check the Web site for details.
Tours: Tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Groups of 30 or more will receive a $1 discount per person. Group tours are available Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Reservations are required. Contact the Tour Department at 816-504-4222 or tours@royals.com. |
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DRIVING THERE: From the north: Take I-29/I-35 south and merge onto I-70 east. Take the stadium exit at Blue Ridge Cutoff. The stadium is on the right.
From the south: Take US-71 or I-35 north to I-435 east/north. Take the stadium exit. The stadium is on the left.
From the west: Take I-70 east and take the stadium exit at Blue Ridge Cutoff. The stadium is on the right.
From the east: Take I-70 west and take the stadium exit at Blue Ridge Cutoff. The stadium is on the right. |
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| PARKING: Stadium parking is $9 (cash only) with an additional cost for oversized vehicles. Lots open several hours prior to the scheduled first pitch. |
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| PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: Megan Stock, coordinator of community affairs and publicity, at 816-504-4395 or megan.stock@royals.com. |
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