Kauffman Stadium

Home of the
Kansas City Royals
Conf:
AL Central
Opened:
April 10, 1973
Capacity:
37,903
Supporters Section:
Visitors Section:
Capacity:
April 10, 1973
Opened:
37,903
Division:
AL Central
Capacity:
37,903
Opened:
April 10, 1973
Home Dugout:
First Baseline
Visitor Dugout:
Third Baseline
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Getting There

nearest airport

MCI

-

Kansas City International Airport

18

Miles away

25

Minutes away

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.

Driving & parking

Driving Tips
Take I-70 east to the Blue Ridge Cutoff exit — it's the most direct approach from downtown KC. The complex is straightforward to navigate and exit. Arriving 60–90 minutes early is worth it for the tailgate scene in the lots.
Parking Cost Estimate:
$10–$20 (Truman Sports Complex lots)

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.

Tailgating
$10–$20 (Truman Sports Complex lots)

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.

Parking Info

public transit

Closest Transit Stop/Station:
Limited — primarily a drive-in venue
Transit Lines Served:
KC Streetcar game-day shuttle (limited service)

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.

Transit Info

walk & bike

Walkability Score:
Not walkable
Best Neighborhood to Walk From:
Truman Sports Complex (no walkable neighborhood)

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:

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.

rideshare

Rideshare drop-off is in the designated areas off the main stadium access road. Post-game, the complex is large enough that rideshare pickup is more manageable than at urban venues — though surge pricing still applies after big games.

accessibility

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.

At the Game

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.

The area surrounding
Kauffman Stadium
stadium
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Kansas City Royals
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Entry Policy

Outside liquids icon

Drinks

Water and sports drinks containing electrolytes in unopened plastic bottles (1-liter or smaller) will be allowed to enter the stadium.


Outside food icon

Food

No outside food is allowed.

Bags/backpacks icon

Bag

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.

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SEATING

Best Seats

Lower box sections behind home plate, sections 120–138.

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.

Good Value

Upper box sections mid-infield, sections 419–435.

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.

Avoid These

Far upper deck corner sections — steep angles and distant from the infield.

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.

Sun

First base side and right field get direct afternoon sun — third base side and left field shade out earlier.

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.

Weather

Kansas City summers are hot and humid, and spring games can be cold — Missouri weather is unpredictable in April and May.

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.

Special Features

The Hall of Fame

The Royals Hall of Fame on the main concourse honors legends like George Brett and Frank White, plus the 1985 World Series championship that defined the franchise.

Supporters

Tailgate
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Chants/Songs

Team Gear

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IN THE STANDS APPAREL

In the Stands offers apparel for fans who enjoy visiting ballparks and stadiums. While we all have our favorite teams, there are times when they aren't the ones playing. Our goal is to create a sense of community and camaraderie whenever you see someone wearing In the Stands apparel.

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Nearby Lodging

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Nearby Bars & Restaurants

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