Kauffman Stadium
“The K, Kauffman Stadium”
MLB

Kauffman Stadium

Kansas City Royals

1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129

A Guide to Kauffman Stadium

Kauffman Stadium, affectionately known as The K, opened in 1973 as part of the Truman Sports Complex. It remains a rare example of a modernist stadium that has aged gracefully, thanks to its signature fountains and a major 2009 renovation. Kansas City can get brutally hot and humid in the summer making shade a priority to stay cool during day games. The third base is the first area to be in the shade.

Getting to the Ballpark

Kauffman Stadium is located at the intersection of I-70 and I-435, about 10 miles east of downtown Kansas City.

  • Driving & Parking
    This is the most common way to arrive. Kauffman is next to Arrowhead Stadium and the complex is surrounded by parking lots. Lot M between the stadiums is Premium Parking reserved for season ticket holders while Lots H & J to the West of the stadium and parts of Lots A & B to the East are Reserved Parking, available to all guests for a higher price. Note: Parking must be purchased in advance via the MLB Ballpark app.
  • Public Transit (RideKC)
    The 47-Broadway bus line offers service from downtown and the Country Club Plaza to the Truman Sports Complex. Check the RideKC website for game-day schedules, as they can be limited.
  • Ride-Share
    There are two designated drop-off areas at Gates B and D. The pick-up area is located in the middle of Lot A. After the game, surge pricing and wait times can be significant, so many fans wait at the stadium fountains or team store for 30 minutes post-game to let the rush subside.

Pregame Festivities

Unlike downtown stadiums Kauffman is situated in a sea of parking lots alongside Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Chiefs). Because of this, the neighborhood is effectively the Truman Sports Complex parking lot. Due to this location tailgating is the most common pregame activity (rather than bars and restaurants). Tailgating is allowed in all lots and there is no parking on the grass. Large groups will be directed to Lot N.

Bars & Restaurants

Since there isn't a walkable district, most of these are a short 5-10 minute drive away or located on the Blue Ridge Cutoff corridor:

  • A classic 1950s-style burger joint famous for its Hi-Boy burgers and shakes. It's a local pregame tradition.
  • Located just a few minutes south, this is a legendary KC BBQ spot. Expect burnt ends and a gritty, authentic atmosphere.
  • A Kansas City staple since 1919, known for its unique dry chili style. Harry S. Truman was a regular.
  • One of the Big Three of KC BBQ known for its signature sauce
  • Another heavy-hitter for BBQ located just down the road on Blue Ridge Blvd.
  • Located about 15 minutes away in North Kansas City, it is known for its immense sports memorabilia museum and hearty bar food.
  • Rivals Sports Bar
    Technically inside the stadium (Right Field), but it opens early and offers a full-service bar/grill experience with a view of the field.

Neighborhood Attractions

  • Located downtown in the historic 18th & Vine District, about a 15 minute drive from the stadium this museum chronicles the history of the Negro Leagues from their inception in 1920 to their decline after integration.
  • Located about 10 miles east in Independence, this newly renovated site offers interactive exhibits detailing the 33rd U.S. President's life and legacy.
  • Located just over 3 miles southwest within Swope Park, this expansive 202-acre attraction features thousands of animals and an aquarium.
  • Located roughly 8 miles west, this world-class art museum is instantly recognizable for the giant Shuttlecocks sculptures resting on its sprawling lawn.
  • Located steps away in the Truman Sports Complex, this legendary venue offers guided public tours exploring the home of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Monuments & Unique Features

  • Statues
    Statues of George Brett, Frank White, Dick Howser can be found in the right field outfield concourse behind the fountains. A statue of former owners Ewing and Muriel Kauffman are in left field.
  • Royals Hall of Fame
    Located on the left field concourse and open until the 8th inning it features information and memorabilia from its 31 inductees, the 1985 and 2015 World Series trophies, George Brett's Pine Tar Bat, and interactive exhibits.
  • Retired Numbers
    These are displayed on the exterior facade of the Royals Hall of Fame building in Left Field
    • #5 George Brett
      The greatest player in franchise history and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
    • #10 Dick Howser
      The manager who led the Royals to their first World Series title in 1985.
    • #20 Frank White
      An 8-time Gold Glove second baseman and a cornerstone of the Boys of Summer era.
    • #42 Jackie Robinson
      Retired across all of MLB.
  • Banners & Pennants
    Beyond the fountains in right field are flags for all 8 Royals postseason appearances including their 1985 and 2015 World Series Championships as well as their AL pennants in 1980 and 2014.
  • Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat
    A single red seat behind home plate (Section 127, Row C, Seat 9) dedicated to the Negro Leagues legend. Each game, the Royals honor a community member by letting them sit there.
  • The Water Spectacular (Fountains)
    The 322-foot wide fountains are the largest privately owned fountains in the world. They run constantly during the game and light up after home runs and wins.
  • Crown Vision
    The massive, crown-topped scoreboard is one of the largest high-definition LED boards in MLB.

Seating & Special Sections

Premium Areas

  • CommunityAmerica Crown Club
    Directly behind home plate. Includes all-inclusive gourmet food, beer/wine/spirits, and in-seat service.
  • Diamond Club
    Located on the Plaza Level behind home plate. Offers a private climate-controlled lounge and upscale food for purchase.
  • Dugout Suites
    Located on the field next to the dugouts these suites seat up to 25 people and come with a dedicated food and beverage package.
  • Hall of Fame Suites
    Unique backyard style suites located at the base of the Royals Hall of Fame building in left field. They feature a large private outdoor patio where you can watch the game above the visitors' bullpen.
  • Lexus Complete Seats
    Found in Sections 324–325. These value-premium seats are all-inclusive, giving fans unlimited access to a dedicated stand serving ballpark staples (hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, fountain drinks).
  • Royals Tavern Tables (Section 239-241)
    Private tables for four that include a custom specialty pizza and a bucket of four domestic beers, plus in-seat service.

Group & Hospitality Areas

These sections are designed for social interaction and are often all-inclusive or pre-loaded with value. Most of these sections can be reserved for groups but may also be open for general admission tickets. These areas also feature bars and markets with expanded, speciality drinks and food.

  • QuikTrip Fountain Deck
    Located in Right Field directly in front of the fountains. This is an all-inclusive area with a buffet (hot dogs, nachos, appetizers) and domestic/imported beer and seltzer.
  • Miller Lite Fountain Bar
    Situated behind the fountain seating area in the Outfield. This social space offers picnic style seating and a standing drink rail for large groups in left center field.
  • Blue Moon Taproom
    A reimagined rooftop patio located on top of Rivals Sports Bar in Right Field. It offers all-you-can-drink draft beer and a buffet-style food setup in a shared or private social space.
  • Price Chopper Patio
    A covered group space for 40–66 guests located above the fountains. It features high-top tables, HD TVs, and various food/drink packages.
  • Rivals Sports Bar
    An indoor/outdoor bar in Right Field. You can buy assigned Rivals Seats (bar rail) or Rivals Tables (for 4). These tickets include in-seat service and $20 of loaded value. Rivals also features an expanded and specialty food menu and is accessible even without a Rivals ticket.
  • Craft & Draft (Section 301)
    The premier craft beer destination featuring over 20 taps from Boulevard Brewing and other regional crafts. Tickets include $20 of loaded value. You can choose from assigned seats at a rail, high-top tables for two, or Craft & Draft Benches. A specialty gastro pub style food menu is also available and it is also accessible for general admission tickets.
  • Brew & View
    Located in the View Level in the left field corner this group section has no assigned seating. Fans have access to stadium chairs and standing drink rails. Each ticket includes a 24oz domestic beer.

Special Sections & General Admission

  • The Outfield Experience
    A carnival-like area behind the fountains with a particular focus on kids and families. It includes an activity zone featuring The Little K (mini-field), mini-golf, a carousel, a pitching mound, and a batting challenge. Most activities require tokens ($2 each) or an All Day Play Pass ($11). This area also features an expanded concessions area and is right next to the team Hall of Fame.
  • Standing Room Only
    There are designated SRO areas on the Plaza Level and a popular splash zone standing area in Right-Center field near the fountains. You can buy single-game SRO tickets or the Fountain Pass (a SRO subscription for entry to every home game).SRO ticket holders can also hang out at the social bars (Rivals, Craft & Draft) as long as they don't sit in reserved seats.
  • Fountain Seats
    The most unique (and wet!) seats in the house, located in the outfield between the fountains. Sections 201-203 area directly above the fountains while the Sonic Slam seats in 101-103 are directly in front of them.

Concessions

  • The Fan Value Menu
    Budget-friendly staples including beer, soda, hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn for $5 or less available at Crown Classics and Hot Corner Grill (Sections 120, 135, 201, 213, 242, 405, 417, 422)
  • The Marketplace
    Section 203: The stadium's healthiest and fastest destination. It features Mashgin 3D self-checkout and the DraftServ self-service beer wall. This is a hub for gluten free and vegetarian options and features customizable grain bowls, salads, wraps, and fresh fruit along with gluten free buns, Beyond Brats, and Veggie Burgers.
  • Slugger's Training Table
    Outfield Experience: Located across from the Carousel, it features a kids' menu for smaller appetite.

KC Favorites

  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
    Section 251: Home to the world-famous Z-Man Sandwich (smoked brisket, provolone, onion rings on a Kaiser roll) and the Chicken Z-Man.
  • Pasquantino's
    Section 208: Named after Royals star Vinnie Pasquantino, serving the Vinnie's Italian Beef Pasqwich—shaved beef, provolone, bacon, hashbrown patties, and giardiniera aioli.
  • Brisket-Acho
    Sections 221, 234, 251, 417, 422: The quintessential KC ballpark meal. It features chopped brisket, cheesy corn, BBQ baked beans, coleslaw, and BBQ sauce over tortilla chips.
  • KCQ – Local Craft BBQ
    Sections 216 & 232: A rotating concept featuring local pitmasters.
  • Buffalo State Pizza
    Sections 234 & 252: A local favorite offering cheese, pepperoni, and custom-topping slices (252 only).
  • Italian Sausage Co.
    Section 234: Locally sourced sausages served with classic stadium toppings.
  • Palacana
    Section 239: Authentic deep-fried tacos, churros, and Agua Fresca.
  • Bases Loaded Nachos
    Section 234: Shareable nachos with Tostitos and your choice of BBQ Pulled Pork or Taco Beef.
  • Grinders Cheesesteak
    Above Section 247: Famous Philly-style cheesesteaks with Cheez Whiz, peppers, and onions.
  • Bullpen Burger
    Sections 250, 308, 413: Angus patties with secret sauce and homemade shakes. (Note: The Rodeo Burger is exclusive to the Right Field location).
  • Chickie & Pete's
    Section 216: Famous Crabfries with cheese sauce and boneless wings.
  • Signatures at the K
    Section 314: Features fan favorites from Diamond Club, Craft & Draft and Rivals, including pulled pork mac, buffalo chicken wraps, and more.
  • Tender Love & Chicken
    Sections 206, 308, 427: Gourmet chicken tenders and ranch-dusted fries. Dessert.

Restaurants

  • Rivals Sports Bar
    A high-energy, traditional sports bar vibe with big screens. Food options include smashBurgers and wings. It also features a full bar with a wide selection of canned cocktails, spiked seltzers, and a rotating draft list of domestic and premium imports.
  • Craft & Draft
    A modern, urban gastro-pub vibe. Food options include quick-fire pizzas and the Sluggerrr Dog while its bar focuses on 20+ taps including the full Boulevard Brewing Co. portfolio and regional craft guests like Martin City and KC Bier Co.

Dessert

  • Belfonte Ice Cream
    Outfield Experience: A KC tradition since 1969. The shop behind the Crown Vision board serves fresh-dipped scoops, sundaes, and milkshakes.
  • Andy’s Frozen Custard
    Sections 221, 234 (Marketplace, & Diamond Club): Serving half-pints of chocolate malt, vanilla, Oreo, and the Royals-themed Forever Blue.
  • KC Baking Co
    Outfield: The home of Nitro Ice Cream. Watch them flash-freeze your custard with liquid nitrogen and add toppings like M&Ms and fudge.
  • Rivals Sports Bar
    Right Field: Blue Velvet Whoopie Pies, Frozen Cheesecake Pops.
  • Craft & Draft
    Section 301: Coffee & Donuts donut holes and coffee ice cream, Back to Blueberry belgian waffle and cheesecake sandwich

Craft Beer

Craft beer is integrated throughout the stadium, primarily through the sponsorship with Boulevard Brewing with a few specialty locations offering larger selections.

  • Hop Stop Stands
    These are the primary quick service craft hubs found around the concourses.
  • Craft & Draft
    Section 301: The main craft beer bar destination with 20+ taps featuring Boulevard and various national craft rotations.
  • Rivals (Right Field)
    Offers a deep list of both draft and packaged craft cans.

Seltzers

  • Boulevard Quirk Station
    Section 252: Primarily seltzer-focused but always features a rotation of Boulevard craft drafts and Seltzers.
  • Vizzy Hard Seltzer
    The dedicated Vizzy Stand is located in the Outfield Experience (directly behind the Crown Vision board). You can also find Vizzy, Simply Lemonade, and Topo Chico seltzers at various bars and portables throughout the 100 and 400 levels.

Cocktails

Canned cocktails are available at portable carts around the stadium, typically every 4-5 sections. They mainly offer Fling and Surfside Iced Teas. A number of full bars also exist around the stadium featuring classic and specialty cocktails.

  • Dive Bar
    Section 239: Famous for the Blue Hell and Grand Slamarita specialty cocktails
  • Rivals (Right Field)
    Full bar service with mixed drinks.
  • Craft & Draft
    Section 301: Offers mixed cocktails alongside beer.

Wine

Wine is similarly available throughout the stadium. Cans and small bottles can be found at Marketplace and portable beverage carts. By the glass pours can be found at the above listed bars. KC Wine Co. Vine Coolers (frozen wine pops) can be found at the first base Baseline Bar.

Field Dimensions

Left Field
347′
Center Field
410′
Right Field
344′

Stadium Information

Capacity
37,903
Avg Attendance
18,746
Opened
1973
Last Renovated
2009
Architect
Kivett and Myers
Construction Cost
$70 million (1973)
Surface
Grass

Distinguishing Features

  • Crown Vision scoreboard
  • Outfield fountains
  • Infield seating bowl
  • Buck O'Neil legacy seat

Notable Events

  • Opening: April 10, 1973
  • 1973 & 2012 All Star Games
  • Nolan Ryan First No Hitter in 1973
  • Jim Colborn No Hitter in 1977
  • Bret Saberhagen in 1991
  • Denkinger blown call in 1985 World Series
  • Brett/Nettles brawl in 1977 ALCS
  • Paul Molitor 3,000th hit
  • 1st Interleague Game in 1997
  • Reggie Sanders 300th Home Run in 2006
  • Zack Greinke 15K Game in 2009

Suggested Places

Recommended places to visit near this stadium