Kauffman Stadium is in Kansas City, Missouri, and is the home of the Kansas City Royals
Kauffman Stadium opened in 1973 and sits on the eastern edge of Kansas City, Missouri, near the intersection of I-70 and I-435. The ballpark is officially named Arrowhead Stadium's sister facility, though it is commonly called "The K" by locals. The stadium holds roughly 37,000 people and is known for its fountains beyond the outfield wall, which are among the largest privately funded fountains in the world.
The Royals play 81 home games each season from late March through September, with the schedule varying year to year. Games typically start at 7:05 p.m. on weekdays and 1:05 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, though some games begin at different times depending on television broadcasts. You can find the full schedule on MLB.com or the Royals' official website.
Key Takeaways
- Kauffman Stadium is located at 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64120, and is accessible by car, public transit, and parking lots surrounding the facility.
- Tickets range widely in price depending on the opponent, day of the week, and seat location, and can be purchased through MLB.com, the Royals' website, or resale platforms.
- The stadium has general seating, club seats, and luxury suites, with different amenities and price points for each section.
- Kauffman Stadium allows outside food in clear bags but has specific rules about what you can bring inside.
- The ballpark has multiple concession stands, restaurants, and bars throughout the facility serving typical ballpark food and local Kansas City options.
Getting to Kauffman Stadium and Parking
The stadium's address is 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64120. If you are driving, take I-70 east or west depending on where you are coming from, then exit onto I-435. From there, follow signs to the stadium. Parking lots surround the facility and fill up on game days, especially for weekend games and matchups against popular opponents. Parking typically costs $10 to $20 per vehicle, though some lots charge more for premium spots closer to the entrance.
Public transit is available through Kansas City's KCATA bus system. Several bus routes serve the stadium area, and you can plan your trip on the KCATA website or Google Maps. If you are using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, expect surge pricing during peak arrival times (usually 90 minutes before first pitch) and departure times. Arriving early or leaving after the crowd clears can reduce costs.
Ticket Types and Pricing
Tickets are sold through multiple channels: the official Royals website, MLB.com, StubHub, SeatGeek, and other resale platforms. Prices vary significantly based on the opponent, day of the week, and how close the game is to the date of purchase. A weekday game against a less popular team might have bleacher seats starting around $15 to $25, while a weekend game or a matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals or Chicago Cubs can cost $40 to $100 or more for the same seats.
The stadium offers general seating (bleachers and regular seats), club-level seats with better amenities and views, and luxury suites for groups. Club seats typically include access to a private club area with food and beverage options. Luxury suites range from 8 to 20 seats and come with catering options. Prices for club and suite seats are substantially higher than general admission and are often quoted separately by the Royals' sales team.
Seating Sections and Views
Kauffman Stadium is divided into sections numbered around the field. The lower bowl (sections 101–139) sits closest to the field and offers the best views of play. The upper deck (sections 201–239) provides a higher vantage point and is typically less expensive. Outfield bleachers in right field and left field are the cheapest seating option and are popular with younger fans and groups.
The fountains beyond the outfield wall are visible from most seats, though they are most prominent from the outfield bleachers and upper-deck sections facing center field. If you want to watch the fountains during home runs, aim for seats in the outfield or upper deck. Seats behind home plate and along the baselines offer the clearest view of the action but cost more.
What You Can Bring Inside and Food Options
Kauffman Stadium allows outside food in clear plastic bags (1 gallon or smaller) but does not permit glass bottles, cans, or hard-sided coolers. You can bring a sealed water bottle, but it must be empty when you enter and can be filled at water fountains inside the stadium. Alcohol purchased outside the stadium is not permitted inside.
The stadium has concession stands throughout the facility serving hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and other typical ballpark fare. Kansas City is known for barbecue, and the stadium offers local options including burnt ends, pulled pork sandwiches, and ribs from regional vendors. Prices are standard for MLB ballparks—expect to pay $12 to $18 for a sandwich, $6 to $8 for a beer, and $5 to $7 for a soft drink. The stadium also has restaurants and bars in club areas and suite levels with more upscale options.
Accessibility and Amenities
Kauffman Stadium has wheelchair-accessible seating throughout the facility, accessible restrooms, and elevators to reach different levels. Service animals are permitted. If you need accessibility information before your visit, contact the Royals' guest services at the phone number listed on their official website.
The stadium has family restrooms, nursing rooms, and first-aid stations. ATMs are located throughout the facility. Cell phone service is generally available, though it can be congested during peak times. The stadium is smoke-free inside, though designated smoking areas exist outside the main concourse.
Getting Around Kansas City Near the Stadium
Kauffman Stadium is located in the Truman Sports Complex, which also houses Arrowhead Stadium (home of the Kansas City Chiefs). The area is primarily dedicated to sports and has limited dining and entertainment options within walking distance. Most restaurants, bars, and hotels are in downtown Kansas City or the Crossroads Arts District, which are 10 to 15 minutes away by car.
If you are planning a full day around your visit, consider exploring downtown Kansas City, which has the Arabia Steamboat Museum, Union Station, and numerous restaurants and shops. The Power and Light District is a popular entertainment area with bars and restaurants. Plan your transportation in advance if you want to visit other attractions before or after the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive before the game?
Most fans arrive 60 to 90 minutes before first pitch to allow time for parking, walking to the stadium, and finding their seats. For popular games or weekend matchups, arriving earlier reduces parking stress and gives you time to explore the stadium and grab food before the game starts.
Can I bring a backpack or bag into the stadium?
Bags are subject to the stadium's bag policy, which typically allows small backpacks and purses but may restrict size. Check the Royals' official website for the current bag policy before your visit, as policies can change. Clear bags are always permitted and are the safest choice.
Are there discounted tickets for certain games?
The Royals offer occasional promotions such as discounted tickets for weekday games, special events, or group sales. Check the Royals' website or sign up for their email list to learn about upcoming promotions. Resale platforms like StubHub sometimes have lower prices for less popular matchups.
What is there to do if I arrive early?
You can explore the stadium's concourses, visit the gift shop, or grab food and drinks. On some days, batting practice is visible from certain areas of the stadium. The fountains outside the stadium are also worth viewing before you head inside.
Is there public transportation from downtown Kansas City to the stadium?
Yes, KCATA bus routes serve the stadium. Check the KCATA website or use Google Maps to plan your route from downtown or other parts of the city. Rideshare services are also available but may be more expensive during peak times.