Nov 7, 2025
·Mary Callahan
When it comes to classic ballparks with modern amenities, Kauffman Stadium stands tall as one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved venues. Known affectionately as “The K,” the stadium has been home to the Kansas City Royals since 1973 and remains a crown jewel of America’s pastime. With its signature iconic fountains and waterfall display beyond the outfield fence, fan-friendly design and reputation for Midwest hospitality, Kauffman Stadium is one of the best places in the league to catch a game.
Whether you’re a lifelong Royals fan, a visiting supporter or simply looking for a fun day in Kansas City, “The K” provides an unforgettable baseball experience.
About Kauffman Stadium
Location: 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129
Opened: April 10, 1973
Capacity: 37,903
Primary Tenant: Kansas City Royals (MLB)
Kauffman Stadium is part of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex, which also houses GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. What sets “The K” apart is its distinct blend of classic ballpark charm and modern upgrades, highlighted by sweeping sightlines, a wide open layout and those world-famous fountains.
A Look Back at Kauffman Stadium’s History
Kauffman Stadium is one of the few ballparks built primarily for baseball during the multi-purpose stadium boom of the 1970s. Originally called Royals Stadium, it was renamed in 1993 to honor Ewing Kauffman, the team’s original owner who brought MLB baseball back to Kansas City.
Key moments in Kauffman Stadium’s history include:
1973: The ballpark opens with a state-of-the-art design centered on fan comfort and sightlines.
1980: Hosts its first World Series, with the Royals falling to the Phillies.
1985: The Royals win their first World Series title, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in a seven-game thriller.
2012 All-Star Game: Brings baseball’s brightest stars to Kansas City.
2014 & 2015: The Royals make back-to-back World Series appearances, winning the championship in 2015.
Kauffman underwent major renovations in 2009, adding a massive high-definition video board (then the largest in the world), a Hall of Fame exhibit and expanded concourses while preserving the stadium’s timeless design.
Getting to Kauffman Stadium
By Car: Located about 8 miles east of downtown Kansas City, Kauffman Stadium is right off I-70 at the Truman Sports Complex.
Parking: Parking is plentiful, with large lots surrounding the ballpark. Pre-purchase your parking through SeatGeek or the Royals’ website for convenience. Tailgating is extremely popular before games, with fans firing up BBQ grills, tossing a football and enjoying Kansas City’s famous barbecue.
Public Transit: KCATA buses service the area, but many fans find driving or rideshare the easiest option.
Rideshare: Designated drop-off and pickup zones make rideshare a smooth experience.
Seating at Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium offers a mix of seating options that suit every type of fan:
Crown Club Seats (behind home plate): The most premium experience, with all-inclusive food and beverage.
Diamond Club: Exclusive amenities and excellent views of the infield.
Infield Box Seats: Ideal for diehard fans who want to be close to the action.
Outfield Plaza: Affordable seats near the fountains, with great atmosphere.
View Level: Upper-deck seating with sweeping views of the field and city skyline.
Hall of Fame Suites: Luxury suites for groups and special occasions.
The stadium’s open-air design means almost every seat comes with clear sightlines, and the concourses allow fans to keep an eye on the game while grabbing concessions.
Food & Drink at Kauffman Stadium
No visit to Kansas City is complete without sampling the legendary local barbecue, and “The K” brings that culture right into the ballpark.
Fan-favorite food options include:
KC Barbecue: Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork sandwiches and burnt ends.
Craft & Draft: A bar area featuring 75+ beers, many from local breweries.
Blue Moose Burgers & Wings: Classic gameday comfort food.
Taco Carts & Nachos: Stadium staples with a KC twist.
Dippin’ Dots & Ice Cream: Great for families and kids.
Of course, you’ll also find traditional ballpark fare like hot dogs, pretzels and popcorn.
Stadium Atmosphere
Kauffman Stadium is known for its family-friendly, laid-back and loyal fan base. Royals fans fill the ballpark with enthusiasm, and traditions like the fountains and “Let’s Go Royals” chants give the venue its unique personality.
Highlights of the gameday atmosphere include:
The Fountains: The largest privately funded fountains in the world, spanning 322 feet, are a visual icon of the ballpark. They light up and dance during games, creating a one-of-a-kind backdrop.
The Royals Hall of Fame: Located in left field, this interactive museum highlights the team’s history, including the 1985 and 2015 World Series teams.
Little K: A miniature ballfield where kids can run the bases and play ball during games.
Tailgating: Much like at Chiefs games next door, tailgating is a huge part of the pregame culture at Kauffman.
Stadium Policies
Bag Policy: Clear bags up to 12" x 12" x 6" are permitted, along with small clutch bags.
Cashless Venue: All transactions for food, beverages, and merchandise are cashless.
Mobile Tickets: Entry is through mobile ticketing on the MLB Ballpark app.
Re-Entry: Not permitted once you leave the stadium.
Notable Events at Kauffman Stadium
While primarily a baseball venue, Kauffman Stadium has hosted several major events, including:
1980, 1985, 2014, 2015 World Series games
2012 MLB All-Star Game
Concerts: Acts like Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and Garth Brooks have all performed at the stadium.
Charity & Community Events: Including 5K runs, youth baseball events and local celebrations.
Nearby Attractions
Kansas City is a vibrant city with plenty to explore before or after a Royals game:
Arrowhead Stadium: Right next door, home to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Country Club Plaza: An iconic outdoor shopping and dining district.
National WWI Museum and Memorial: A powerful and unique landmark.
Kansas City Barbecue Joints: Arthur Bryant’s, Joe’s KC and Gates Bar-B-Q are must-visits.
Power & Light District: A lively entertainment district downtown with bars, restaurants and live music.
Why Kauffman Stadium Stands Out
From its iconic fountains to its reputation for being one of the most fan-friendly parks in baseball, Kauffman Stadium blends tradition and modernity in a way few ballparks can match. Add in delicious Kansas City BBQ, a passionate fan base, and the city’s sports-loving culture and you’ve got one of the most enjoyable stadiums in Major League Baseball.
It’s not just a place to watch a game—it’s a place to experience Kansas City’s identity.
Plan Your Visit with SeatGeek
Whether you’re watching the Royals take the field, catching fireworks after a Friday night game, or touring the Hall of Fame, Kauffman Stadium promises an unforgettable day at the ballpark. Use SeatGeek to compare tickets, find the best seats, and make your trip to Kansas City’s beloved “K” truly memorable.