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Kauffman Stadium
MLB Ballpark

Kauffman Stadium

Kansas City Royals · Kansas City

Home Team:Kansas City Royals
Opened:1973
Capacity:37,900
City:Kansas City

Kauffman Stadium, affectionately known as "The K," is the longtime home of the Kansas City Royals, a baseball-only ballpark celebrated for the cascading fountains beyond its outfield fence. It is one of the oldest parks in Major League Baseball, having opened in 1973.

Address: 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129

History

The ballpark opened on April 10, 1973, as Royals Stadium, debuting with a Royals victory over the Texas Rangers. It was conceived as part of the Truman Sports Complex, sharing a parking footprint with Arrowhead Stadium next door. While many cities of that era built multipurpose "cookie-cutter" venues, Kansas City committed to a stadium built solely for baseball, a decision that has aged remarkably well. In 1993 it was renamed for Ewing Kauffman, the entrepreneur who founded the franchise. A major renovation completed in 2009 modernized the concourses, added a 360-degree outfield walkway and the Royals Hall of Fame while preserving the park's open, fountain-framed character.

The Ballpark Experience

The signature feature is the Water Spectacular, a sweep of fountains and waterfalls more than 300 feet wide stretching behind the outfield fences, illuminated and choreographed during games. The crown-shaped scoreboard above center field lights up after Royals home runs and victories. With its bowl set into a gentle slope and few obstructed views, the park feels open and uncluttered, and a continuous outfield concourse lets fans circle the field. Family attractions and the Royals Hall of Fame give the ballpark a relaxed, spread-out atmosphere.

Food & Drink

Kansas City is barbecue country, and the ballpark leans into it with smoked and pulled-meat sandwiches and burnt ends. A "Taste of KC" area gathers regional specialties, and an outfield sports bar offers seating with field views.

Visiting Tips

For the best photos, sit along the third-base side or in the outfield, where the fountains form the backdrop. Lower-bowl infield seats offer excellent sightlines. Driving is the simplest way in, given the suburban Truman Sports Complex location and ample parking; arrive early to settle into the lots. Summer evening games are most comfortable.

Famous Moments

  • 1980 — The Royals hosted World Series games here against the Philadelphia Phillies.
  • 1985 — Kansas City won the World Series, capping its championship run with home games at the ballpark.
  • 2014 — The Royals beat the Athletics in a dramatic extra-innings AL Wild Card Game to launch a surprise postseason run.
  • 2015 — The Royals hosted World Series games on their way to a championship over the New York Mets.

Where Fans Stay, Eat & Drink near Kauffman Stadium

Hotels, bars and restaurants near Kauffman Stadium — every pick web-researched and source-cited.

Where to Stay

Bars & Pubs

Restaurants

Kansas City Royals Rivalries

Frequently Asked Questions: Kauffman Stadium

Kauffman Stadium opened in 1973. Kauffman Stadium, affectionately known as "The K," is the longtime home of the Kansas City Royals, a baseball-only ballpark celebrated for the cascading fountains beyond its outfield fence. It is one of the oldest parks in Major League Baseball, having opened in 1973.

Kansas City Royals play their home games at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

Kansas City is barbecue country, and the ballpark leans into it with smoked and pulled-meat sandwiches and burnt ends. A "Taste of KC" area gathers regional specialties, and an outfield sports bar offers seating with field views.

For the best photos, sit along the third-base side or in the outfield, where the fountains form the backdrop. Lower-bowl infield seats offer excellent sightlines. Driving is the simplest way in, given the suburban Truman Sports Complex location and ample parking; arrive early to settle into the lots. Summer evening games are most comfortable.

Sources

Planning a trip? See the full Kansas City travel guide for where to stay, eat and drink around Kauffman Stadium.

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