Kauffman Stadium is home to the Kansas City Royals, who played three years at Municipal Stadium before calling Kauffman home over the past five decades. Originally, Kaufmann cost $70 million to construct, broke ground on July 11th, 1968, and opened on April 10th, 1973, after a lengthy build. Recently, renovations that totalled $250 million were applied to Kauffman Stadium, which took three years to complete and finished in 2010. These renovations were made possible by a sales tax increase voted in by the residents of Jackson County, Missouri, which raised the rates by .375 percent. 

The infamous AstroTurf was replaced by a field of natural Kentucky Bluegrass mixed with Perennial Ryegrass, improving the experience for both players and fans alike. The stadium is located on the south east fringe of Kansas City, close to Interstate 70. The Kansas City Chiefs have their home venue, Arrowhead Field, located nearby as part of the Truman Sports Complex.

The most noticeable aspect of Kauffman Stadium are the fountains located behind the wall in right field, called the Water Spectacular. It’s the largest fountain in the world made possible by private funds, standing 322 feet tall, including a waterfall that flows perpetually.

Kansas City Royals Stadium

The Kansas City Royals have been known for their combination of excellent pitching and small ball over the past couple of years, and the 2015 MLB Park Factor statistics appear to be skewed accordingly. Kauffman Stadium ranks in the bottom five in terms of the rate of home runs hit at this park, while hits and runs scored rank slightly above average. The rate of doubles and triples production ranks in the top five, suggesting that the majority of extra base hits are created by speedy baserunners hitting line drives into outfield gaps. Kauffman also ranks bottom five in terms of walks conceded.

The home record of the Kansas City Royals during the 2014 season was 42-39 while their road record was five wins better. In 2015, the Royals became one of the best home teams in the league as they battle the Toronto Blue Jays for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, thanks to an American League win during the All-Star game.

This stadium has four statues behind the outfield, including Royals greats George Brett, Frank White and Dick Howser. Another statue of the owner of the team and his wife, Ewing Kauffman and Murial Kauffman, adorn the left field section while the rest occupy the right field. The Royals also honored Buck O’Neil, player and manager of the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American League, by placing a red seat among the blue seats behind home base as a legacy seat. Mr. O’Neil helped to establish the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

Stadium Vitals

Date Opened: April 10, 1973

Construction Cost: $70 million

Architect: Kivett and Myers; Populous

Ballpark Type: Retro Modern

Capacity Attendance: 37,903

Playing Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass & Perennial Ryegrass

Previous Kansas City Royals Stadiums

Municipal Stadium

Other Major Events

2012 MLB All-Star Game

The 2012 MLB All-Star game was held at Kauffman Stadium on July 10th, resulting in the National League absolutely crushing the American League by a score of 8-0. Melky Cabrera took home the MVP award after hitting a two run shot and scoring a pair for the winning side.