Home of the Royals - KANSAS CITY, MO

In this age of extravagant new ballparks Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals, is very refreshing. It is clear that when the stadium was erected 29 years ago, the designers had a vision for the future. True, Kauffman Stadium does not have all of the frills of the new stadiums such as Miller Park in Milwaukee, but it offers an airy, outdoor, peaceful feeling that seems to be lost in the new parks.

The first thing you notice when entering Kauffman stadium is the fountains that line the outfield. They add to the stadium's beauty without distracting you from the game. The scoreboard in center field is in the shape of the Royals logo & has the KC logo on its backside forming a giant Royals logo visible from the freeway when approaching the stadium. A recently added jumbotron in leftfield allows the fans to see replays with adequate clarity & color. The seating is laid out very nicely, there doesn't seem to be a bad place to sit in the entire park. The new blue seats added in 2000 also help the appearance of the facility. Concession stands & bathrooms are plentiful & accessible, there isn't much waiting in line.

The thing I most like about this marvelous ballpark is that it is void of most of the extra bells & whistles that most of the new parks have. The stadium does not try to be bigger than the game itself. You don't walk into & around it & have to be reminded that a game is being played. It is a back drop, not the main attraction. If you are going to the park to watch baseball, it is the place to go. If you want restaurants, swimming pools, and shopping malls - one of the new parks may better suit your needs.

The Royals have fallen on hard times lately, but still have a loyal & friendly fan base. Like most small market teams, they seem to be living on past glories. George Brett is still the team's most popular figure, his statue at the stadium's entrance is testament to that. A Royal's Hall of Fame is located in the lower concourse featuring Royals greats Brett, the late Dick Howser & Dan Quisenberry, Hal McRae, Wille Wilson, Amos Otis, Dennis Leonard, Paul Splitorff, & others. The 1985 World Championship trophy is also there with a tribute to the team's founder, the late Ewing Kauffman, whose name the stadium bears.

From my experience, Kauffman stadium is among baseball's best. It may be 29 years old, but still is very modern & contemporary. The fountains add to its beauty & tranquility, but do not act as a distraction. The stadium is a great place to watch a game no matter what the quality of play is. Every baseball should put Kauffman Stadium on his of her 'must visit' list.

-David Zingler