Seeing “the K” Again for the First Time

Eventually those of us at MLB Memories hope to say we have been to all 30 MLB ballparks that are currently in operation. We stand at about 22 right now, but that number is always in flux as older stadiums are replaced by newer ones (Florida is due up next season). Even so, a large part of the fun is in visiting the various sandlots on steroids and NOT just checking them off our list. The history and feel of the older parks is always a thrill (Wrigley this year, and we still kinda miss Tiger Stadium along with Milwaukee County Stadium), and the discovery of how teams blend the past with present and future in the newer ballparks is interesting (Miller Park in Milwaukee is an outstanding example, as is PNC in Pittsburgh).

Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium (once known as Royals Stadium and still frequently referred to as such) is a unique hybrid of the old and new. Opened in 1973 when it hosted the MLB All-Star Game the baseball palace is approaching 40 years old. But you would never know it to look at it! Just a couple of seasons ago the people of the Kansas City area got behind an effort to update and improve the ballpark in hopes of landing an All-Star Game once again. Why? Well, a nicer ball park always attracts more fans, plus MLB estimates that an All-Star week (it is way more than just a game these days!) will bring $70 million into the local economy!

The home of the Royals was not a bad place to play or watch a game before…but NOW it is amazing! The largest HD video board outside of Texas is hard to miss from any seat in the house. The concourse that now circles the entire complex offers great views of the signature fountains, the special “Outfield Experience,” the in-house restaurants and sports bars, a first-rate team Hall of Fame, and so much more. The pictures in this gallery capture just a few of the glimpses into this baseball landmark. Enjoy!