Surface:  Natural Grass
Capacity:  38,177
Dimensions:  Left 330 ft.  Centerfield 410 ft.  Right 330 ft.
Stadium Opened: April 10, 1973

Food:

• Classic ballpark food such as hot dogs and peanuts at KC Crown Classics stands, pizza, and BBQ.
• Fountain Bar in the outfield.
• I ordered a "Large" fries from the concessions stand and almost wanted to hand it back to the workers and say "You forgot to put fries in here". Ridiculous.

Stadium Design/Seating:

• Blue seats replaced the red seats in 1999-2000.
• Fans have view of the field from concession stands on the main concourse level.
• 360 degree concourse.
• Long circular ramps lead to upper deck.
• Outfield concourse area is called the "Outfield Experience". It contains various activities for kids such as mini golf, baserun, "The Little K" field, playground, and a carousel.
• Fountains and waterfalls just beyond the outfield wall. Although, I was disappointed that the fountains no longer bubble up like they used to, they just go in a waterfall motion. I thought that the fountains were on before and after the game, but this was not the case. I wonder if this was changed as a result of the recent renovations. I also liked how prior to the renovations, there was a patch of nicely manicured grass in front of the crown video board in centerfield, but that has a new look too.
• Dri-Duck Fountain seats in left field are available day of game only for $7. Fans sitting here are given a special edition Royals hat made exclusively by Dri-Duck.
• I was not a fan of the "prison-like" fence surrounding the park. Hopefully, this is just temporary until the renovations are done because it looks terrible.

Parking:

• Parking: $9
• Large lots around the stadium. Fans have the potential of parking really far from the stadium if they don't arrive early. Also, I think parking lots take longer to get out of than parking garages.

Atmosphere:

Kauffman Stadium is a great place to watch a game. The Royals fans are loyal and are into the game. It is very fan friendly and family oriented. Although, I am not a big fan of the playland in the outfield concourse area, but other fans rave about it. If the play area is only used before the game, then I can accept it a little better, but in this case it is open throughout the game as well. Another one of my pet peeves at Major League Ballparks is when a team feels the need to have an entertainment group to run contests in between innings. At Kauffman Stadium, the Royals have the "K Crew", which according to their website is "a fun an energetic bunch dedicated to entertaining Royals fans young and old." I just feel a group like this is not necessary. The game should be entertainment enough. Kauffman stadium also played some good music before the game during batting practice. Some classic 80's hits...nice!

I was glad to see that the Royals honored their history throughout the stadium (See below "Interesting Facts/Features").

When I attended a game, the crowd was a pitiful 17,000. The Upper Deck was pretty much empty, so this attributed for the lack of atmosphere. It was also about half Yankees fans and half Royals fans. Where are all the Royals fans? The Royals fans really got into the "Which hat is the ball under?" game. I don't know why people get so into this game. It's like people have to show off their manhood by yelling out which numbered hat, they think the ball is under. Are that many people really impressed by someone's skill in this game?

Restrooms:

• Clean, no lines

Interesting Facts/Features:

• Tributes to past Royals greats: Various statues in the outfield such as George Brett and Frank White, "This Date in History" type stones on the sidewalk, Royals Hall of Fame (opening in July 2009).
• Fountains over the outfield walls
• Gigantic (84 ft. wide, and 105 ft. tall) video board with crown on top.
• Bud Light Party Deck in Right Field.
• All fans (not just kids) can run the bases after every Sunday afternoon game, weather permitting.
• Buck O'Neill Seat: Section 127, row C, seat 9.
• Large team store (which, by the way, does not sell batteries which I was in desperate need of since my batteries died about 10 minutes into my Kauffman Stadium visit, So "booooooo, to you, Team Store")
• One of only a few stadiums left to not have the name of a corporate sponsor in its name. For example, Citi Field, PNC Park, US Cellular Field, and Tropicana Field. Good for them!

Overall Rating: 7

Questions? Comments? E-Mail me:amanda@baseballstadiumreviews.com