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Kauffman Stadium

When Kauffman Stadium opened, it was way ahead of its time. With the Kansas City A’s playing at a failing Municipal Stadium, it was time a new stadium was built. In 1967, Jackson County voters approved a $43 million bond issue for a sports complex. Unlike many other cities, that were building multipurpose stadiums at the time, the county decided to construct two new stadiums. Originally known as Royals Stadium, the ballpark debuted on April 10, 1973.

The stadium was very colorful, with 40,793 seats, all facing second base and arranged in three tiers with maroon, gold and orange seats. The stadium was the American League's first ballpark with Astroturf as the playing surface. The most exclusive feature of the stadium was the water fountains beyond the outfield fence. The fountains, stretch 322 feet horizontally and have a 10 foot high waterfall that descends from an upper cascade pool that serves as a background for two water fountain pools. A 12 story scoreboard, in the shape of the Royals' crest, is located beyond the centerfield fence.

There were not many changes to the stadium until the 1990’s. In 1993 Royals Stadium was renamed Kauffman Stadium, after the death of Ewing Kauffman. The Astroturf was removed prior to the 1995 season and replaced with natural grass. This gave Kauffman Stadium a very intimate feel. Kauffman Stadium was renovated at the end of the 1998 season.

Once inside circular ramps and escalators take fans to the club and upper levels. Upon entering fans are on the main concourse of the stadium. To access the field and dugout box seats fans must either walk through the dugout or field plaza seats or go down the circular ramps. Numerous concessions and merchandise stands are located along the concourses.

Located beyond the right field seats is a new area of Kauffman Stadium offering younger fans entertainment other than the game. It offers batting cages, a speed pitching area where fans can see how fast they can throw, 4 holes of miniature golf and picnic areas. Anywhere throughout the stadium, fans can enjoy the view of the fountains that are beyond the right field fence. Currently, the team is working to try to acquire public funds for further improvements to the stadium, including wider concourses and more luxury suites. Although it is nearly three decades old, Kauffman Stadium remains one of MLB, Major League Baseball's top ballparks.

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