Kauffman Stadium facts for kids
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The K
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Kauffman Stadium in 2017
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 Kauffman Stadium
Location in Missouri
Kauffman Stadium
Location in the United States
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| Former names | Royals Stadium (1973–1993) |
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| Address | 1 Royal Way |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Coordinates | 39°3′5″N 94°28′50″W / 39.05139°N 94.48056°W |
| Public transit |  KCATA: Route 47 |
| Operator | Jackson Sports Complex Authority |
| Capacity | 37,903 (2012-present) 37,840 (2010-2011) 40,785 (2005-2009) 40,793 (2003-2004) 40,625 (1973-2002) |
| Record attendance | 42,633 (ALCS Game 2, October 9, 1980, vs. New York Yankees) |
| Field size | Left Field – 330 ft (101 m) Left-Center – 385 ft (117 m) (1973-1994) 375 ft (114 m) (1995-2003) 385 ft (117 m) (2004-2008) 387 ft (118 m) (2009-present) Center Field – 410 ft (125 m) (1973-1994) 400 ft (122 m) (1995-2003) 410 ft (125 m) (2004-present) Right-Center – 385 ft (117 m) (1973-1994) 375 ft (114 m) (1995-2003) 385 ft (117 m) (2004-2008) 387 ft (118 m) (2009-present) Right Field – 330 ft (101 m) Backstop – 60 ft (18 m) (1973-present)  |
| Surface | Kentucky bluegrass / Perennial ryegrass (1995–present) AstroTurf (1973–1994) |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | July 11, 1968 |
| Opened | April 10, 1973 |
| Renovated | 2007–2009 |
| Construction cost | $70 million ($461 million in 2022 ) $250 million (2007–10 renovations) ($335 million in 2022 ) |
| Architect | Kivett and Myers [HNTB] Populous (renovations 1997, 2009) |
| Structural engineer | Bob D. Campbell & Co. Structural Engineers |
| General contractor | Sharp-Kidde-Webb JV |
| Tenants | |
| Kansas City Royals (MLB) (1973–present) |
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Kauffman Stadium, often called "The K", is a famous ballpark in Kansas City, Missouri. It is the home field for the Kansas City Royals, a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) team. The stadium is right next to Arrowhead Stadium, where the Kansas City Chiefs football team plays. Together, they form the Truman Sports Complex.
The stadium is named after Ewing Kauffman, who founded and first owned the Royals team. It first opened in 1973 as Royals Stadium. It was renamed Kauffman Stadium 20 years later, in 1993. After a big update in 2009, it can now hold 37,903 fans.
Kauffman Stadium was special because it was built only for baseball. At that time, many stadiums were made for both baseball and football. It is known for its modern design. It is also one of the oldest stadiums in MLB and one of the few not named after a company. The stadium has hosted two All-Star Games (in 1973 and 2012). It was also home to the Royals during their World Series appearances in 1980, 1985, 2014, and 2015.
The Royals team has been thinking about building a new stadium. In 2024, voters in Jackson County said no to a plan to help pay for a new stadium downtown. The team is still looking at different places for a new home.
Contents
Stadium History: How "The K" Began
In 1967, people in Jackson County voted to build the Truman Sports Complex. This complex would have separate stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs football team and the Kansas City Athletics baseball team. This was a new idea because most places built stadiums for both sports. However, the Athletics team moved to Oakland, California, before the new stadium was ready.
To make sure Kansas City still had a baseball team, Major League Baseball created new teams. One of these was the Kansas City Royals, owned by Ewing Kauffman. The Royals started playing in 1969.
Construction on Royals Stadium began on July 11, 1968. It officially opened on April 10, 1973. The Royals won their first game there, beating the Texas Rangers 12–1. Later that year, the stadium hosted its first All-Star Game.
Key Moments in Royals Stadium History
- First Postseason Game: In 1976, the Royals played their first playoff game at the stadium.
- First World Series Game: On October 17, 1980, the stadium hosted its first World Series game. The Royals won that game but lost the series.
- 1985 World Series Champions: On October 27, 1985, the Royals won their first World Series title at home. They beat the St. Louis Cardinals in an exciting Game 7. They were the first team to lose the first two home games and still win the series.
- Second All-Star Game: In 2012, the stadium hosted its second All-Star Game.
- Return to Playoffs: After almost 29 years, the Royals returned to the playoffs in 2014. They played exciting games at home, reaching the World Series but losing to the San Francisco Giants.
- 2015 World Series Champions: In 2015, the Royals made it back to the World Series. They won Games 1 and 2 at home and then won the series against the New York Mets in five games, becoming champions once again!
The Future of the Royals' Home
The Kansas City Royals have been exploring options for a new stadium. The team's lease at Kauffman Stadium ends after the 2030 baseball season.
New Stadium Plans and Challenges
In 2022, the team announced plans to build a new stadium. They looked at locations in downtown Kansas City and North Kansas City.
In April 2024, voters in Jackson County rejected a plan to help fund a new stadium. This plan would have used a sales tax to build a new ballpark in the downtown Crossroads district. Many people were concerned about the proposed location. It would have meant moving several small businesses.
After the vote, the team continued to look at other possibilities. They have considered sites in Kansas City, Kansas, and Johnson County, Kansas. In August 2024, reports suggested a new downtown site near Union Station and Crown Center. The team is still working to find the best place for their future home.
Cool Features of Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium was special because it was one of the first baseball-only parks built in a long time. It has a unique design that stands out.
The stadium's most famous feature is the amazing fountain and waterfall display. It is located behind the right-field fence. This "Water Spectacular" is the largest privately funded fountain in the world. The fountains spray water before and after games, and between innings. The waterfalls flow constantly, creating a beautiful view.
When the stadium first opened, it had an artificial turf field called AstroTurf. This was because Kansas City was far west, and the team wanted to make sure games could be played even in bad weather. In 1995, the AstroTurf was replaced with real grass. This made the field look and feel more traditional.
Since 2014, the Royals have a special tradition. After every home win, they place a "W" (for win) on the Hall of Fame wall. This is similar to what the Chicago Cubs do at their stadium.
Stadium Updates and Renovations
Kauffman Stadium has been updated several times to make it even better for fans.
- Early Changes: In 1991, a large video screen called a Jumbotron was added in left field. In 1995, the outfield fences were moved closer to home plate to encourage more home runs. The seats were also changed from red, gold, and orange to dark blue.
- Major Renovation (2007-2009): Jackson County voters approved a plan to give the stadium a huge makeover. This $250 million project was finished by 2009.
- The seating capacity was changed to 37,903.
- New entry gates and wider walkways (concourses) were added.
- There are now more food stands and restrooms.
- A brand-new, giant HD scoreboard, called "Crown Vision," was installed. It was one of the largest HD screens in the world at the time. Strobe lights on top of the crown flash after every Royals home run.
- A 360-degree walkway around the outfield was created.
- A fun kids' area and a "Taste of KC" food court were added.
- A new Hall of Fame and conference center were built in left field.
These updates made Kauffman Stadium a modern and exciting place for fans to watch baseball.
Concerts at The K
Kauffman Stadium isn't just for baseball! It has also hosted many concerts over the years. Famous bands like Fleetwood Mac, Van Halen, REO Speedwagon, Billy Joel, Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and Guns N' Roses have performed here.
Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat
Since 2007, there has been a special red seat in the stadium. It stands out among all the blue seats behind home plate. This seat honors Buck O'Neil, a legendary player for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro leagues. For every game, a person who shows the spirit of Buck O'Neil is chosen from the community to sit in this special seat.
Statues of Royals Legends
Around the outfield concourse, you can find statues honoring important people in Royals history.
- Three statues are in right field: George Brett, Dick Howser, and Frank White.
- The fourth statue is in left field, showing former Royals owner Ewing Kauffman and his wife Muriel.
See also
In Spanish: Kauffman Stadium para niños
