Kauffman Stadium, Home of the
Kansas City Royals
Photo Credit
Only 38 years old, Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals, is still one of the oldest in baseball. The majority of the cities have either lost clubs during this time or built new parks to accommodate more fans and bring in more money. Even in this short time span the stadium has plenty of history behind it.
Ballpark Overview
In preparation for the 2012 All-Star Game, Kauffman Stadium is making a few additions to make the stadium more "fan-friendly." One of the first additions was the high-definition scoreboard.
They also constructed the Rivals Sports Bar beyond right field. One of the most entertaining areas to sit and watch a game today is the Bud Light Party Deck. It can be found on top of the Rivals and can hold as many as 200 people.
If you want to experience the history of Kansas City Royals baseball then head past left field to the Kauffman Stadium Hall of Fame. They have also added four additional gates, upgraded concessions and restrooms, widened walkways, and put in a kid's area so the entire family can enjoy their time.
Then of course you can't forget about Buck O'Neil. He played for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues, but was also the first African-American coach in Major League Baseball. To recognize this Kansas City iconic figure, the Royals devote one "red" seat to the Buck O'Neil legacy for every home game.
One lucky fan who shows the same type of Buck O'Neil spirit earns the opportunity to sit in his seat during the game.
Ballpark Quick Facts
- Location: One Royal Way Kansas City, MO 64129
- Owner: Jackson County
- Years: 1973-Present
- Seating Capacity: 40,785
- Surface: Grass
- Architect: HNTB (Kansas City)
- Project Cost: $70 million
- LF foul line: 330 feet
- Power alleys: 387 feet
- Center field: 410 feet
- RF foul line: 330 feet
Ballpark History
The Kansas City Royals were a relatively new franchise when they built Royals Stadium in 1973. They had only been in the league since 1969, where Lou Piniella won Rookie of the year in their first season. When Royals Stadium opened in 1973, the team adopted new "powder blue" uniforms. It was also the year of George Brett's MLB debut with the Royals and the first of seven no-hitters Nolan Ryan threw in his career (Angels won 3-0).
In 1976, the Kansas City Royals won the first of three consecutive division titles, but could never get past the New York Yankees to reach the World Series. However, they were quickly becoming one of the favorites to win the pennant year in and year out.
By 1980 Royals stadium became the center of attention as the Kansas City Royals became the first AL expansion team to win a pennant. Led by third baseman George Brett the team made their first trip to the World Series, but lost in six games to the Philadelphia Phillies.
In 1984 they made it back to the ALCS, but Kirk Gibson and the Detroit Tigers this time ousted them. It wasn't until 1985 that Royals Stadium hosted their first World Series. It was also named the "Show Me Series," because they were taking on the fellow Missouri State St. Louis Cardinals. The Royals won the series in 7 games (4-3).
Kansas City and Royals Stadium fell off the map after their World Series win. They have never made it back to an American League Championship Series.
In 1993, the Royals renamed their ballpark
Kauffman Stadium
in honour of team owner Ewing M. Kauffman. A month later, he died in his home at the age of 76.
If you're interested in visiting Kauffman Stadium, you can Buy and Sell Kansas City Royal Tickets Here!
