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MCI is about 18 miles northwest of Kauffman Stadium. A rideshare from the terminal runs $25–40. There's no direct transit connection from the airport to the ballpark — driving or rideshare are the practical options. Note: The Royals are planning a new downtown stadium, but Kauffman remains their home for now.
Kauffman Stadium is located in the Truman Sports Complex alongside Arrowhead Stadium, with massive surrounding parking lots. This is one of the easiest parking situations in MLB — lots are enormous, well-organized, and affordable. Pre-purchase online for the best rates.
The Truman Sports Complex is one of MLB's great tailgating venues. The expansive surrounding lots give fans room to spread out, and the KC tailgate culture — with grills, coolers, and lawn chairs — is well-established. Gates open 90 minutes before first pitch and the lots are worth arriving early to enjoy.
Kauffman Stadium has limited transit options — this is primarily a drive-in venue. KCATA occasionally operates game-day bus service; check kcata.org for current availability. Most fans drive or rideshare from downtown Kansas City or the surrounding metro.
Kauffman Stadium is an isolated suburban complex with no surrounding walkable neighborhood. Driving, rideshare, or limited bus service are the only realistic options.
Bike parking is available at the stadium. The surrounding area has limited cycling infrastructure, making it a less practical option for most fans coming from downtown KC or other neighborhoods.
Accessible parking is available throughout the Truman Sports Complex in ADA-designated spaces. The accessible drop-off zone is near the main gates off I-70. For accessibility services, contact the Royals at (816) 921-8000 or visit royals.com/accessibility.
Kauffman Stadium — known locally as The K — opened in 1973 and is one of the few remaining baseball-only parks from that era that still feels purpose-built for the sport rather than compromised by multi-use design. It holds just under 38,000 fans and is set on a large open campus in the Truman Sports Complex alongside Arrowhead Stadium. The fountains and waterfall display beyond the outfield wall are one of the most iconic features in baseball.
The complex sits about 10 miles east of downtown Kansas City, making it a car-dependent destination — public transit options are limited. The tradeoff is abundant, affordable parking and a relaxed approach to the surrounding lot that makes The K one of the better tailgating ballparks in MLB. The stadium itself is well-maintained and fan-friendly, and a new downtown ballpark is planned for Kansas City in the coming years.
Water and sports drinks containing electrolytes in unopened plastic bottles (1-liter or smaller) will be allowed to enter the stadium.
No outside food is allowed.
Soft-sided bags no larger than 16" x 16" x 8" are permitted. All bags are subject to inspection. Medical and diaper bags are also permitted.
Kauffman Stadium is one of the most underrated ballparks in baseball — a beautiful 1973 design that’s been well-maintained and updated. The lower bowl is wide and comfortable, with sections behind home plate offering excellent sightlines in a genuinely pleasant setting. The Royals dugout is on the first base side. The famous waterfall feature beyond the outfield wall is visible from most seats in the park.
Kauffman’s upper deck mid-infield gives you a strong elevated view of the whole field and the famous fountains beyond the outfield. Prices are reasonable, and the park’s classic design keeps sightlines clean from the upper level. One of the better upper deck value options in the AL.
Kauffman is a well-designed park without major seating horror stories, but the far upper deck corners are the clear seats to skip — steep angles and a long way from the action. The rest of the park is generally solid. No pole obstruction issues to worry about.
Kauffman Stadium is oriented with home plate roughly to the north. For afternoon games, the first base/right field side faces west and catches direct afternoon sun for most of the game. The third base side and left field bleachers shade out earlier from the upper deck overhang. Kansas City summer afternoons can be hot — the shaded third base side is noticeably more comfortable for day games.
Kauffman Stadium is fully open-air with no roof. April and May games can range from cold and rainy to warm and sunny within the same week. Summer games are hot and humid — July and August afternoons can be brutal in unshaded seats. The park’s open location in the suburbs means wind can be a factor. Fall games in September and October are typically excellent.
Beyond right field - This large sports bar offers up a refined menu, wide selection of drink options and plenty of other tvs to keep up with what else is going on around the league.
Loge level on the third base line - This gastropub takes a handcrafted approach with a menu that focuses on fresh and local ingredients, as well as offering over 75 local and national beers on draft and bottle.
Outfield Experience - Here you can grab some healthier food, which includes customizable salads and wraps, veggie burgers and dogs, as well as other healthy snacks. They also have a self-checkout system, and self-service draft system which should make for faster service.
Outfield Experience - Sponsored by Sweet Baby Rays, this place offers up a full assortment of BBQ favorites.
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