Kauffman Stadium

Originally known as Royals Stadium, Kauffman Stadium located in Kansas City , Missouri houses the Kansas City Royals of the American League. Recognized throughout baseball as one the game's most beautiful ballpark, it was way ahead of its time when it was inaugurated. Built at the cost of $43 million the stadium was built as a part of the Truman Sports Complex along with Arrowhead Stadium. Inaugurated in 1973, the stadium has undergone renovations several times and has still retained its glory. In 1968, Ewing Kauffman bought the Kansas City Royals as an expansion franchise and on April 10, 1973 the Royals inaugurated Royals Stadium with a victory over the Texas Rangers. On May 15, 1973 , Nolan Ryan, pitched for the California Angels and threw his first of seven no-hitters, leaving the Royals stunned by 3-0. On July 24, 1973 , the stadium hosted its first Major League Baseball All-Star Game and in 1985, the Kansas City Royals bested the St. Louis Cardinals for a Fall Classic victory. On July 2, 1993 , the stadium was renamed Kauffman Stadium after Ewing Kauffman, the team's owner, who breathed his last in August 1993 at the age of 76.

Before moving to Municipal Stadium, the Royals played their home games in Municipal Stadium. In 1967, Jackson County voters approved the bonds for the construction of two independent sports complex. At that time, other cities were building multipurpose stadiums. But A's owner Charles Finley didn't maintain his patience and relocated his team to Oakland . In 1969, baseball returned to Kansas City when Major League Baseball awarded Kansas City and Ewing Kauffman an expansion franchise. The stadium has 40,793 seats, facing second base. The seats are coated in maroon, gold, and orange. The stadium was the American League's first ballpark with Astroturf as the playing surface. A grass playing field replaced the artificial surface at Kauffman Stadium prior to the 1995 season. The most exclusive feature of the stadium is the water fountains located beyond the outfield fence that splashes 10 foot high waterfall that descends from an upper cascade pool that serves as a background for two water fountain pools. The 322-foot-wide fountain is the largest privately funded waterworks in the world. A 12 story scoreboard, in the shape of the Royals' crest, is located beyond the centerfield fence. In 1990, a 30-by-40 foot Sony JumboTron video board was installed in left-center field. When installed it was the largest in the United States .

Prior to the 1999 season, the stadium was renovated. The addition of Crown Seats, Dugout Suites, an exclusive restaurant and lounge known as the Crown Club, state-of-the-art facilities, the Royal Pavilion and new clubhouses were put up as a part of the renovation project. Also, the orange seats were replaced by dark blue seats.

The parking is available in plenty. There are numerous concessions and merchandise stands. For the younger fans the Little K offers batting cages, a speed pitching area where fans can see how fast they can throw, 4 holes of miniature golf, and picnic areas. The stadium offers best visibility for hitters in the majors. Because of the deep alleys few homers are hit here and the fence cuts away sharply from the 330-foot foul poles. Currently, the team is lobbying to acquire public funds for the further improvements to the stadium, including wider concourses and more luxury suites.