@@johncassani6780 Legit. I used to not particularly like Dodger Stadium, but after they removed that annoying speaker tower in centerfield, it's growing on me.
Even more impressive when you consider it was built in the same era as "The Vet", Candle stick park, the Kingdome and the infamous Oakland Coliseum. GREAT decision to go with two facilities and really stood the test of time.
I went to Kuaffman stadium while driving from California to PA, the weather was awful, the rain delay lasted until 9:30pm, and when the game finally started, I was the only one in my section. Even with all this, I loved the experience, and had a great time. I liked the stadium so much, when I was in St. Louis a few years later, I drove across the state to attend a Royals game. Very underrated stadium.
Been to almost all MLB stadiums and even tho they ruined the beauty of the waterfalls with advertising and more seats , this is still in my opinion the best stadium in baseball ; it’s a masterpiece of architecture…
I grew up in CA watching ball teams play ball in those old multi use stadiums and loved them. The K always gives me warm feelings of those places. There is just something about a baseball "stadium" that beats a "ballpark" any day of the week.
and this is what i try to tell everyone when they discuss the new stadium... so many people who travel to stadiums all say the same thing Kaufman is amazing
To me, the “K” is one of the most underrated and under appreciated ballparks in MLB. Heck, when Guaranteed Rate Field was constructed (aka Comiskey Park), Kauffman Stadium was sort of the initial model…
New Comiskey was totally based on the K. It was originally going to be built in the suburbs with pretty much the same exterior. The only real difference was that the upper deck would be the same height all around. HOK designed both ballparks.
I went around 09 to Kauffman stadium and thought it was an awesome stadium. Some things you didn’t mention are behind left field near the hall of fame there is an entire area full of different entertainment and activities like mini golf, a merry go round, pitch clock, sprint speed timer, a miniature baseball field that you can play wiffleball on and a few other interesting things but that is all I can remember at the moment. I understand the desire to build something new and state of the art but Kauffman Stadium is still a great ballpark and it will be a shame to see it go away especially since it is still in good shape overall and is still an enjoyable place to go watch baseball.
Back in 2006 or whenever they tossed the idea around about building a new ballpark downtown, I was all for it. But now I kinda wish they'd keep Kauffman and just do another renovation instead of moving downtown. It's grown on me. Been going to games there since the mid 80s. And since it's one of the oldest stadiums in MLB, I'd like to preserve it.
I absolutely love the Water Fountains, Crown Scoreboard and Symmetry. I never cared for the cluttered and unsymmetrical outfield renovations. I know some people find the symmetry boring, but I loved it. I loved that Royals Stadium (later changed to Kauffman Stadium) was a big ball bark. Willie Wilson, and his speed, is one of my all-time favorite players. I did like the blue seats much better and the bullpens change of direction. As someone who lives hours away, I also liked there is actually a parking lot - I don't have to worry about finding parking in an area that I am completely unfamiliar with. Very beautiful ballpark. If they must rebuild, rebuild it the same way: with symmetry, size, bullpen orientation, crown scoreboard and ten water fountains. Just symmetrically balance it all.
I loved the "barren" look of old Kauffman Stadium. Today, the outfield area appears too busy and it lessens the effect of the fountains. Still, an iconic and beautiful ballpark.
I'm a Phillies fan. But personally, I always thought Kauffman Stadium was the best, if not one of the best ballparks in Major League Baseball. From the time it was completed in 1973. I loved the openness in the outfield then. It's a great ballpark. Always had in mind to to make it a bucket list trip some day. Guess I better do it before they move into a new stadium.
KC guy here. While Kauffman may be 50 years old, it's got the sleek design elements of more modern stadiums built into it. It may not hold up against some, but it's still a near perfect baseball stadium that if built new today wouldn't look out of place with the most modern stadiums.
Lucky to have played there, but when it was artificial turf. Would love to have played there on the grass. Absolutely timeless design. Don't replace it
Mr. K didn't want anything beyond the fences except the fountains. That changed after he died. The fountains are a tribute to Kansas City as the American City of Fountains.
@jjejfd25 I said the next Fenway. To reach that, it would have to stay open longer. If it does, with the fountains and the way it is designed (especially the upper deck) it will be one of those treasures of baseball.
Wow I never knew the park looked like that back in the 70’s and 70’s. You’re right, very peaceful. Seems like a community park kids would play at. I really like that look. Different, but unique.
You are correct but being renamed Kaufman Stadium was meant to honor owner Ewing Kaufman. When the Royals move the new stadium should still be named 'Kaufman Stadium'.
Hi. I saw the Royals first season (1969) in the old municipal stadium (which I actually enjoyed). But, I think Kansas City showed great wisdom in putting the "twin stadiums" on land hear the I-70/I-435 intersection. This allows fans to much more easily get to the stadiums with all of its parking and easy access from either interstate. I cannot imagine Jackson County approving the building of a new stadium downtown. First, it would be too expensive, 2nd It would be just the opposite of the current location in terms of ease of getting to the stadium and parking. It nakes NO sense to replace it. I can promise that if they build it downtown, getting to a game will be 100 times harder and much more expensive. Then, the fans will have to walk to the stadium. I say do like Boston (Fenway) and Chicago (Wrigley) and keep this fine stadium and its wonderful ease of access. Let other towns waste 1-2 billion on a stadium that is hard and expensive to get to. Hope it never happens...
Moving the stadium downtown doesn’t move the stadium by 7 miles? It doesn’t move it closer to where the fans live who are fairly evenly distributed in the burbs around the city in MO and KS. I-70 & I-410 is an easy location to get to and to get away from.
One thing about Kauffman's seating you overlook is how all seats are angled to the area between the mound and second base. In that way alone, the design is optimal. As to the center field grass, that background is designed to maximize the vision for the batter making it a hitters park. Fenway closed off the dead center seats for the same reason and to minimize the dangers associated with Doug Griffin facing Nolan Ryan and continually putting his life in jeopardy.
Thank you for mentioning this. The 'K' is one of the great fan experiences in baseball due to some subtleties missing from this video. Every seat is a good seat. There is no such thing as obstructed view in the 'k'. It's easy to get into and out of, the amenities are great and convenient, the seats are comfortable and have enough room. And yes, where ever you sit you are actually facing the action. The 'K' is a beautiful stadium, but it's real magic is in how well it caters to the fans.
My wife is from KC and we go back a few times a year to visit family. When we do, we usually try to take in a ballgame or two. I personally love this ballpark, it's roomy and spacious, easy on the eyes, and easy to get in and out of. I know that downtown stadiums are all the rage now, but I personally would hate to see KC move out of Kaufmann Stadium. I have a lot of good memories watching games there. It's not Fenway, but that ain't all bad sometimes.
Twins fan here and crossed off my bucket list a trip to Kauffman stadium for a 3 game series and even though my Twins were swept it was an awesome experience! Nice people everywhere we went including tailgating with some Royals fans . A beautiful iconic stadium that is over 50 years old . If Beantown doesn't need a new Fenway either does the Royals IMO . Can't wait for a mid season trip again to KC this summer . Couldn't get affordable opening day tickets so I missed that series
One thing you didn’t mention is that Kansas City is the city of fountains. That is the driving point for the fountains in the stadium. Kansas City has more fountains than any other city and we are very proud of that fact. There is no need for outfield seating. This is a small market club and the market now is smaller than it was when it was built because of the Colorado Rockies and because of the reduction of the development system that made the early teams so great. Those development teams created lots of fans for the Royals and made inroads into Cardinals territory and other areas. That network is only a shred of what it used to be.
They are called fountains not waterfalls. Kansas City is called the City of Fountains. They have more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome. That is why it has always been part of the design. As far as a new stadium goes, the only people that want to build one are the developers and politicians. Moving the stadium downtown will be a really bad idea. There is NOWHERE to park in downtown KC right now.
Royals are getting a new ballpark whether you like it or not. They’re not renewing their lease at Kauffman. I’d rather that new ballpark be in KC metro and not another metro.
Yeah your take on the fountains is poor. The fountains are iconic at kauffman and you absolutely need to keep them. Who cares if there is less seating in the outfield.
There's nothing "weird" about Kauffman Stadium. What it is sisiconic and unique. The waterfalls were not "added". They were all in operation in 1973. The park was not 100% complete when the park opened in April 1973, but by the end of the '73 season they were. Muriel Kauffman, wife of founder Ewing Kauffman , wanted to see fountains that formed the #1, which they did and still do. And nobody wants the Royals to leave Kauffman Stadium except the greedy owner who ran the team into the ground. As far as the Chiefs needing the space, that's an incredibly ignorant statement. I hope you've actually visited the Truman sports complex since you chose to make this video. If you have you are already well aware of the enormous expanse of it and the fact that the Chiefs need not one more square foot of space to build any type of entertainment district they want. They could get together with the Royals tomorrow and make that happen if they wanted. And I've been attending events at the sports complex since 1973 and at no point did it ever look "barren". Another ignorant comment by someone who clearly was never there in the early days. It was beautiful and clean. if anything the addition of the HOF, the party Deck, the outfield wall billboards just make the park look cluttered and detract from its beauty as other commenters have already pointed out. Next time before you post, actually do a video on something you have actual knowledge of.
CRAZY that it was built in the same era as "The Vet", Candle stick park, the Kingdome and the infamous Oakland Coliseum. GREAT decision to go with two facilities. Both "The K" and Arrowhead have really stood the test of time. I cant think of ANY stadium built in that decade that people truly look back on (Other than nostalgia) as a great place to watch a game.
Absolutely love Kauffman Stadium. One of my favorite stadiums in the MLB. Just love the design of the stadium, the HoF in left field, the entertainment area behind the outfield seats. That and they have some of the best food options for ANY stadium or arena I have been to. Makes me want to book tickets to KC for next season just to get some of those brisket nachos.
Grew up going to Royals and Chiefs games at Royals Stadium and Arrowhead since the mid-70’s. The renovations destroyed the original beauty of both stadiums but the K in particular. You just don’t “improve” on a classic, you maintain and preserve it. Period.
We moved to the K.C. area when I was little, in March of '72, just in time to see the opening of Arrowhead and Royals' stadiums. My dad, an old Brooklyn Dodgers fan, always said Royal's Stadium was the best place to see a game he'd ever seen. Nowadays, it does kinda look ruined by the additional seats and ads in the outfield, but they couldn't have kept the old barren look forever. Moving the Royals downtown and making a fan village near Arrowhead would be good moves. Arrowhead is iconic, like Lambeau Field, and should stay open, exposed to the elements forever.
I was crushed when my Cardinals lost the ‘85 WS here but I have enjoyed seeing a few games in person here. Fans are friendly just an overall great experience. My only complaint is that there are limited restaurant choices nearby.
There goes DG again, spouting off about things he doesn't know about. The K was built with many tips of the hat to KC in general. The KC metro has the second most water fountains in THE WORLD. Second only to Rome, Italy. Hence, fountains in the out field. The Royals name is a hat tip to the Kansas City Monarch's, the Negro League ball team from KC. And the Negro League Baseball Hall of Fame is in KC. The Royals are a small market team. Unless the Royals are winning on a regular basis, which most years they're not, the K is not more than 50 to 65% full. Mocking the park lot size shows DG has no midwest sense. That's another thing we love about the Truman Sports Complex. And that big parking lot is FULL when the Chiefs are home. And don't forget all the tailgating before both the Royals and Chiefs games! The recent bond issue for the Royals and Chiefs in Jackson Co., MO, which is where Truman SC is located, failed. One complaint was a majority of the votes didn't the Royals' new stadium in downtown due to parking problem issues and what it would do the traffic flow thru downtown. The downtown stadium would have still been in JACO. We Royals' fans love The K. We do want a covered FB stadium for the Chiefs so KC can host a Super Bowl and Final Four!
The K and Arrowhead are both awesome. The powers that be will piss and moan enough, long enough they will get a new stadium.. But at least we've gotten over 50 years out of these masterpieces. Owners and teams now want new stadiums after 25 years. That is just flat-out ridiculous!
As a Twins fan in the 80s, 90s, 2000s, I would make the 6+ hour drive to KC to see the Twins rather than the 1 hr drive to downtown mpls to see the Twins in the god-awful Metrodome. Love Kaufman Stadium.
Royals owner Ewing Kauffman paid for the fountains in right field as his gift to Kansas City. As to their unique design, if you look at an aerial of the stadium you will see that the right field fountains were built in the shape of the number 1.
The Kauffman family insisted on keeping the waterfalls in the outfield that is one of the most important parts of the stadium’s history. Bad idea to remove them
I’m a diehard cardinals fan and I’ve always loved Kauffman. I love how symmetrical it is, I love the fountains and the scoreboard. No idea why they wanna move.
Kauffman Stadium is still beautiful, but that original design with the grass berm was so placid and peaceful - almost paying homage to the Great Plains.
Kaufman is a classic case of them building a stadium right and the ownership being greedy and wanting to rebuild to improve the value of the team so they can sell you've gotta realize this was built not long after the kingdome in Seattle and it's still here cause it's a great ballpark get greed tf out of baseball the same company telling the ownership to move and not renovate was the same group that almost convinced the red Sox ownership to do the same back in the day
Around the ‘98 or so season my sister and Bro In law took me to a Royals vs Cardinals game at Kaufman. We went early enough for BP. Mark McGwire was hitting home runs completely OUT of the stadium followed my the crowds “Ooooo”. Then he laid down a bunt and the crowd goes “Ahhhhh” 😂 Stg McGwire hit one by 70 hwy. That man was gigantic. One of my fondest memories
The overwhelming majority of the taxpayers of Jackson County, Missouri who have paid for this stadium, and its renovations do not want to move the stadium into congested downtown, and are highly suspicious of the ulterior motives of those who keep advocating moving the team there. Unless the ownership spends their own money, "The K" will be the Royals home unless they abandon Kansas City altogether.
The thing is ...I would tell John Sherman that we don't need nor do we want a new stadium. This sports complex is historic both Arrowhead and Royals Stadium. My parents voted for for these stadiums. Say no to Sherman !!!!!!!
Why in the world would they replace this beautiful stadium? Its one of the most practical well laid out facilities out there. Keep talking about how old it is and how its falling apart... you are NOT convincing most of us REAL Royals Fans!
Imagine this instead of using 2.1 Billion to build a new stadium that will further problems in the organization. Sherman uses 200-300 million on building a competitive team for fans to watch. Times are changing in the league, and you can’t tank anymore with the lottery draft.
@@Daddymouse-ny9cz true but he did extend Bobby instead of trading him for value like every other Royals owner would’ve done. He actually spent over 150 million in FA, David glass would never
Kaufman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium are parts of the same physical plant. In addition to the never-built shared roof, they're connected under the parking lots, including shared utility systems.
Born and raised in KC. last home game at the "K" was before the renovations. I've been to a ton of away royals games and theres simply nothing like the K. Everytime I went to either cleveland ,cinci or pittsburgh etc. you just miss going to a royals home game on a brisk spring/summer day its always great time relaxing watching baseball
I've been there before as a visiting-team fan, and found that the seating was simply well designed. It's a pleasant place to go to watch a game. As for the parking, the parking is sufficient for a Chiefs game; they don't schedule both teams to play at home simultaneously.
I never been to Kauffman, (only old Tiger Stadium, Comerica Park💩, Wrigley Field, Rogers Centre). That said I think Kauffman is great, especially after the renovation in 2009, IMO place is much better then Dodger Stadium who I believe only gets the love it does for being in Los Angeles. What’s unique about Dodger Stadium? Kauffman Stadium is unique. Also I’ll note I’m a big fan of a stadium having a lot of outfield seating, including some in the upper deck, one of many reasons I absolutely detest my own stadium Comerica Park. Was hoping see Kauffman Stadium (formerly Royals Stadium) built in 1973.
Hate to give the Dodgers credit for anything, but I will say that at least back in the day, the place was immaculate. It did not look like an "older" park, and many teams could take note of how well-maintained that stadium was.
Awesome place to watch a game. Especially for an older stadium, no issues with narrow concourses, lack of restrooms, etc. Just attended games there last April and never heard one Homer say they want a new stadium. What a travesty!
I like the idea of no seats in the outfield. The first game I went to outside of Kauffman was in Cincinnati, circa 1998. We sat in left field which was great until any ball was hit within 30 yards of left of center field and we didn't see the play. At The K. every seat had a 100% view of the field.
The Truman Stadium Complex was revolutionary at the time in that two separate stadiums were built for MLB and the NFL. Kansas City, Missouri residents have rejected a sales tax to pay for a new stadium so the Royals are entertaining alternate sites and that included across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas.
As a KC native, we recently went to a game this past summer. I love the stadium, but some things irk me: 1) The parking lot is insane. The Royals can charge whatever they want for parking since few (if any) mass transit options exist. After the game, it is literally a “free-for-all” and could take an hour to leave unless you decide to leave in the 8th Inning. 2) Sound System. We walked around the outfield and could NOT hear anything going on in the field. It was like two different venues. You had to be well ahead of the seating area to hear anything. This needs to change.
Rained out in 2005 vs. Cardinals, went back in 2019 and saw 2 games - did see 1985 team on field and got autographs in '05. Beautiful park, one of my favorites. Only place I ever said looked pretty even with turf in 80s, amazing considering how I hated it otherwise. (at least today it can look like grass and have dirt infield) when grass was put in it became a crown jewel, though still behind Wrigley and Fenway.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
I honestly think Kauffman is one of the nicest stadiums in MLB. It's a beautiful design.
I agree. The fountains in Kaufmann Stadium are very unique and I have always liked this ballpark!
Agreed. I always thought that it, and Dodger Stadium were, by far, the best “modern” baseball stadiums.
@@johncassani6780 Legit. I used to not particularly like Dodger Stadium, but after they removed that annoying speaker tower in centerfield, it's growing on me.
it's big, and it's beautiful!
Even more impressive when you consider it was built in the same era as "The Vet", Candle stick park, the Kingdome and the infamous Oakland Coliseum. GREAT decision to go with two facilities and really stood the test of time.
Did he say remove the waterfalls and add seats? 🤦♂️ What makes this stadium so great is that it doesn't look like all the others.
The waterfalls give it the stadium the touch that’s what makes the stadium …
I went to Kuaffman stadium while driving from California to PA, the weather was awful, the rain delay lasted until 9:30pm, and when the game finally started, I was the only one in my section. Even with all this, I loved the experience, and had a great time. I liked the stadium so much, when I was in St. Louis a few years later, I drove across the state to attend a Royals game. Very underrated stadium.
thanks from kc
This stadium should remain open. It is a beautiful stadium.
Wanna piss off people? Yeah, suggest removing the waterfall spectacular.
Yep lol
Agreed. When I toured the stadium as a child in the mid 80s, the tour guide told us the fountains were to resemble a number 1 laying on it's side.
KC is the City of Fountains, it made sense to add some to this beautiful ballpark.
My mom always made us stay to watch the fountains.
As a Royals fan I love Kauffman stadium and don't want it replaced
I’m fine if they move as long as they take the fountains with them
They don't need a new stadium. And it's a pity the rolling roof didn't get built, but it was way too expensive.
Yeah. Given the lack of competitivness and history of kauffman, a new stadium would likely be a flop.
Same here
Same
Been to almost all MLB stadiums and even tho they ruined the beauty of the waterfalls with advertising and more seats , this is still in my opinion the best stadium in baseball ; it’s a masterpiece of architecture…
I grew up in CA watching ball teams play ball in those old multi use stadiums and loved them. The K always gives me warm feelings of those places. There is just something about a baseball "stadium" that beats a "ballpark" any day of the week.
and this is what i try to tell everyone when they discuss the new stadium... so many people who travel to stadiums all say the same thing Kaufman is amazing
I do like that it’s wrap around now though.
As a royals fan who has gotten to go the All star game and the World Series in 2014 I want Kauffman Stadium to stay. My favorite stadium of all time
Easily one of my favorites, it feels like a minor league ballpark with how it’s built despite it being huge
To me, the “K” is one of the most underrated and under appreciated ballparks in MLB. Heck, when Guaranteed Rate Field was constructed (aka Comiskey Park), Kauffman Stadium was sort of the initial model…
look at how that one turned out...its no Kauffman!
New Comiskey was totally based on the K. It was originally going to be built in the suburbs with pretty much the same exterior. The only real difference was that the upper deck would be the same height all around. HOK designed both ballparks.
@@robertlee6781 Agree. I remember the architect saying Comiskey was essentially Royals Stadium, but in drag.
I went around 09 to Kauffman stadium and thought it was an awesome stadium. Some things you didn’t mention are behind left field near the hall of fame there is an entire area full of different entertainment and activities like mini golf, a merry go round, pitch clock, sprint speed timer, a miniature baseball field that you can play wiffleball on and a few other interesting things but that is all I can remember at the moment. I understand the desire to build something new and state of the art but Kauffman Stadium is still a great ballpark and it will be a shame to see it go away especially since it is still in good shape overall and is still an enjoyable place to go watch baseball.
Back in 2006 or whenever they tossed the idea around about building a new ballpark downtown, I was all for it. But now I kinda wish they'd keep Kauffman and just do another renovation instead of moving downtown. It's grown on me. Been going to games there since the mid 80s. And since it's one of the oldest stadiums in MLB, I'd like to preserve it.
Same exactly. Kauffman is going to be missed brutally when it’s gone in 10-20 years assuming it is.. and most are going to go why did this occur
It is good.
I absolutely love the Water Fountains, Crown Scoreboard and Symmetry. I never cared for the cluttered and unsymmetrical outfield renovations. I know some people find the symmetry boring, but I loved it. I loved that Royals Stadium (later changed to Kauffman Stadium) was a big ball bark. Willie Wilson, and his speed, is one of my all-time favorite players. I did like the blue seats much better and the bullpens change of direction. As someone who lives hours away, I also liked there is actually a parking lot - I don't have to worry about finding parking in an area that I am completely unfamiliar with. Very beautiful ballpark. If they must rebuild, rebuild it the same way: with symmetry, size, bullpen orientation, crown scoreboard and ten water fountains. Just symmetrically balance it all.
You missed the most important part. We don't want a new stadium.
I love your, stadium
Every time I go to Kansas city
And there's a game I stop buy a ticket and have a great time
KC really could have used the extra seats, though.
Kauffman has been a great stadium, but a new stadium really does make the most sense for the long term of the franchise and the city.
Probably said it needed a retractable roof
Don't speak for everyone. This stadium is junk and they need to be downtown.
Fountains, not waterfalls. Kansas City is the City of Fountains.
Kcmo is a crime filled dump now
I loved the "barren" look of old Kauffman Stadium. Today, the outfield area appears too busy and it lessens the effect of the fountains. Still, an iconic and beautiful ballpark.
I agree.
I think we are probably in the minority on this but I agree 100%.
Exactly. I hated when MLB started putting ads on fences like minor league parks. This stadium was a gem (although I much prefer grass over turf).
So true, all those add ones made it a mess.
It needed to be fully wrap around though. It’s very cool looking behind the Crown Vision board.
I'm a Phillies fan. But personally, I always thought Kauffman Stadium was the best, if not one of the best ballparks in Major League Baseball. From the time it was completed in 1973. I loved the openness in the outfield then. It's a great ballpark. Always had in mind to to make it a bucket list trip some day. Guess I better do it before they move into a new stadium.
Please do. You won't regret it. I've been going to the K since 1977. Started driving to games there in 1986. No need to demo it.
I also like the look of this stadium, it's unique. The "modern" look of most new stadiums isn't particularly interesting
KC guy here. While Kauffman may be 50 years old, it's got the sleek design elements of more modern stadiums built into it. It may not hold up against some, but it's still a near perfect baseball stadium that if built new today wouldn't look out of place with the most modern stadiums.
This is a weird video not a weird stadium. This is the best stadium in MLB no new stadium
Lucky to have played there, but when it was artificial turf. Would love to have played there on the grass. Absolutely timeless design. Don't replace it
Joe Grahe, the Miami Hurricanes all time shutouts leader. 👍🍻
Did the bare outfield make it feel like a minor league park? Thats the vibe I got from the pictures
Mr. K didn't want anything beyond the fences except the fountains. That changed after he died. The fountains are a tribute to Kansas City as the American City of Fountains.
Best ballpark to navigate in a wheelchair there is.
Kaufman Stadium is the next Fenway Park. There is no need or want from fans to replace it.
I want downtown baseball. Don't speak for 42% of us
@@jackMJ26I also want a downtown/new stadium but I wasn’t able to vote on it.
Simply not true. Not everyone in Kansas City hates change.
Far from Fenway. What the hell are you talking about?!
@jjejfd25 I said the next Fenway. To reach that, it would have to stay open longer. If it does, with the fountains and the way it is designed (especially the upper deck) it will be one of those treasures of baseball.
Wow I never knew the park looked like that back in the 70’s and 70’s. You’re right, very peaceful. Seems like a community park kids would play at. I really like that look. Different, but unique.
It was called Royals Stadium first. It wasn't called Kauffman until '93. It's always Royals Stadium to me.
Correct! There is no Kauffman Stadium...there is, however, Royals Stadium!
.. and now they want to build Sherman Stadium at the Sherman Entertainment Center.
That’s fair, though it’s not like Kauffman doesn’t deserve the honor. It’s not like that “GEHA Field” claptrap.
Kauffman is a great name to remember though.
You are correct but being renamed Kaufman Stadium was meant to honor owner Ewing Kaufman. When the Royals move the new stadium should still be named 'Kaufman Stadium'.
I have watched several games in this ballpark. It is very nice. Hope it stays forever.
Hi. I saw the Royals first season (1969) in the old municipal stadium (which I actually enjoyed).
But, I think Kansas City showed great wisdom in putting the "twin stadiums" on land hear the I-70/I-435 intersection.
This allows fans to much more easily get to the stadiums with all of its parking and easy access from either interstate.
I cannot imagine Jackson County approving the building of a new stadium downtown.
First, it would be too expensive,
2nd It would be just the opposite of the current location in terms of ease of getting to the stadium and parking.
It nakes NO sense to replace it.
I can promise that if they build it downtown, getting to a game will be 100 times harder and much more expensive. Then, the fans will have to walk to the stadium.
I say do like Boston (Fenway) and Chicago (Wrigley) and keep this fine stadium and its wonderful ease of access.
Let other towns waste 1-2 billion on a stadium that is hard and expensive to get to.
Hope it never happens...
Moving the stadium downtown doesn’t move the stadium by 7 miles? It doesn’t move it closer to where the fans live who are fairly evenly distributed in the burbs around the city in MO and KS. I-70 & I-410 is an easy location to get to and to get away from.
Ive been to several MLB stadiums 16 of 30. And Kauffman is in my top 5. I absolutely loved the stadium. It has an iconic open feel. Loved it
One thing about Kauffman's seating you overlook is how all seats are angled to the area between the mound and second base. In that way alone, the design is optimal. As to the center field grass, that background is designed to maximize the vision for the batter making it a hitters park. Fenway closed off the dead center seats for the same reason and to minimize the dangers associated with Doug Griffin facing Nolan Ryan and continually putting his life in jeopardy.
Thank you for mentioning this. The 'K' is one of the great fan experiences in baseball due to some subtleties missing from this video. Every seat is a good seat. There is no such thing as obstructed view in the 'k'. It's easy to get into and out of, the amenities are great and convenient, the seats are comfortable and have enough room. And yes, where ever you sit you are actually facing the action. The 'K' is a beautiful stadium, but it's real magic is in how well it caters to the fans.
My wife is from KC and we go back a few times a year to visit family. When we do, we usually try to take in a ballgame or two. I personally love this ballpark, it's roomy and spacious, easy on the eyes, and easy to get in and out of. I know that downtown stadiums are all the rage now, but I personally would hate to see KC move out of Kaufmann Stadium. I have a lot of good memories watching games there. It's not Fenway, but that ain't all bad sometimes.
Most beautiful designs. I would HATE to see this demolished. I'd love to see the roof finished. Very practical.
Jerry Reuss is an amazing photographer. He picks beautiful days for it. He shoots every angle of the ballparks.
Twins fan here and crossed off my bucket list a trip to Kauffman stadium for a 3 game series and even though my Twins were swept it was an awesome experience! Nice people everywhere we went including tailgating with some Royals fans . A beautiful iconic stadium that is over 50 years old . If Beantown doesn't need a new Fenway either does the Royals IMO . Can't wait for a mid season trip again to KC this summer . Couldn't get affordable opening day tickets so I missed that series
The way it was opened was iconic. Period correct building. They ruined it a bit with all the junk in the outfield area.
The craziest part of this video is the old photos showing no traffic on the interstate. America has come a long way.
One thing you didn’t mention is that Kansas City is the city of fountains. That is the driving point for the fountains in the stadium. Kansas City has more fountains than any other city and we are very proud of that fact. There is no need for outfield seating. This is a small market club and the market now is smaller than it was when it was built because of the Colorado Rockies and because of the reduction of the development system that made the early teams so great. Those development teams created lots of fans for the Royals and made inroads into Cardinals territory and other areas. That network is only a shred of what it used to be.
It’s still better than most modern ballparks. They’re stupid to build a new venue downtown! Keep the K!
Considering it's in a terrible location with zero mass transit, it's not stupid to put it downtown if it's done correctly.
@@dhLord64I say build light rail tracks that lead to the Truman Sports Complex. That will still be cheaper than building a new stadium.
They are called fountains not waterfalls. Kansas City is called the City of Fountains. They have more fountains than any other city in the world except for Rome. That is why it has always been part of the design. As far as a new stadium goes, the only people that want to build one are the developers and politicians. Moving the stadium downtown will be a really bad idea. There is NOWHERE to park in downtown KC right now.
It is NOT broken. LEAVE IT ALONE!!
Royals are getting a new ballpark whether you like it or not. They’re not renewing their lease at Kauffman. I’d rather that new ballpark be in KC metro and not another metro.
@@scvman992000yeah, it’s either the chiefs or royals are headed to kck or a bit further west by legends
Kansas City is commonly referred to as “the city of fountains” those fountains ain’t goin no where there brother.
Saying you'd rather have seats instead of the fountains in the CITY OF FOUNTAINS is crazy.
Yeah your take on the fountains is poor. The fountains are iconic at kauffman and you absolutely need to keep them. Who cares if there is less seating in the outfield.
There's nothing "weird" about Kauffman Stadium. What it is sisiconic and unique. The waterfalls were not "added". They were all in operation in 1973. The park was not 100% complete when the park opened in April 1973, but by the end of the '73 season they were. Muriel Kauffman, wife of founder Ewing Kauffman , wanted to see fountains that formed the #1, which they did and still do. And nobody wants the Royals to leave Kauffman Stadium except the greedy owner who ran the team into the ground. As far as the Chiefs needing the space, that's an incredibly ignorant statement. I hope you've actually visited the Truman sports complex since you chose to make this video. If you have you are already well aware of the enormous expanse of it and the fact that the Chiefs need not one more square foot of space to build any type of entertainment district they want. They could get together with the Royals tomorrow and make that happen if they wanted. And I've been attending events at the sports complex since 1973 and at no point did it ever look "barren". Another ignorant comment by someone who clearly was never there in the early days. It was beautiful and clean. if anything the addition of the HOF, the party Deck, the outfield wall billboards just make the park look cluttered and detract from its beauty as other commenters have already pointed out. Next time before you post, actually do a video on something you have actual knowledge of.
Exactly.
BRAVO! Well said!
CRAZY that it was built in the same era as "The Vet", Candle stick park, the Kingdome and the infamous Oakland Coliseum. GREAT decision to go with two facilities. Both "The K" and Arrowhead have really stood the test of time. I cant think of ANY stadium built in that decade that people truly look back on (Other than nostalgia) as a great place to watch a game.
Absolutely love Kauffman Stadium. One of my favorite stadiums in the MLB. Just love the design of the stadium, the HoF in left field, the entertainment area behind the outfield seats. That and they have some of the best food options for ANY stadium or arena I have been to. Makes me want to book tickets to KC for next season just to get some of those brisket nachos.
Grew up going to Royals and Chiefs games at Royals Stadium and Arrowhead since the mid-70’s. The renovations destroyed the original beauty of both stadiums but the K in particular. You just don’t “improve” on a classic, you maintain and preserve it. Period.
Really hope they decide to replace on the same sight and not move the team downtown. Still a beautiful place to watch a game at sunset.
Or just keep the ballpark as is
Kauffman Stadium is unique in itself, no need to move the Royals to the city
We moved to the K.C. area when I was little, in March of '72, just in time to see the opening of Arrowhead and Royals' stadiums. My dad, an old Brooklyn Dodgers fan, always said Royal's Stadium was the best place to see a game he'd ever seen. Nowadays, it does kinda look ruined by the additional seats and ads in the outfield, but they couldn't have kept the old barren look forever. Moving the Royals downtown and making a fan village near Arrowhead would be good moves. Arrowhead is iconic, like Lambeau Field, and should stay open, exposed to the elements forever.
I was crushed when my Cardinals lost the ‘85 WS here but I have enjoyed seeing a few games in person here. Fans are friendly just an overall great experience. My only complaint is that there are limited restaurant choices nearby.
There goes DG again, spouting off about things he doesn't know about. The K was built with many tips of the hat to KC in general. The KC metro has the second most water fountains in THE WORLD. Second only to Rome, Italy. Hence, fountains in the out field. The Royals name is a hat tip to the Kansas City Monarch's, the Negro League ball team from KC. And the Negro League Baseball Hall of Fame is in KC. The Royals are a small market team. Unless the Royals are winning on a regular basis, which most years they're not, the K is not more than 50 to 65% full. Mocking the park lot size shows DG has no midwest sense. That's another thing we love about the Truman Sports Complex. And that big parking lot is FULL when the Chiefs are home. And don't forget all the tailgating before both the Royals and Chiefs games! The recent bond issue for the Royals and Chiefs in Jackson Co., MO, which is where Truman SC is located, failed. One complaint was a majority of the votes didn't the Royals' new stadium in downtown due to parking problem issues and what it would do the traffic flow thru downtown. The downtown stadium would have still been in JACO. We Royals' fans love The K. We do want a covered FB stadium for the Chiefs so KC can host a Super Bowl and Final Four!
How many stadiums have lasted as long as Kauffman? Not weird at all. Way ahead of its time when it was built.
“Completely out of the way”….. it’s literally ON TOP of I-70. No one wants a new stadium. Kauffman Stadium is perfect and so is Arrowhead.
Kaufman is a gorgeous ballpark its aged like a fine wine I have no idea what ownership is smoking when they say they want a new ballpark
Its Sherman period
The K and Arrowhead are both awesome. The powers that be will piss and moan enough, long enough they will get a new stadium.. But at least we've gotten over 50 years out of these masterpieces. Owners and teams now want new stadiums after 25 years. That is just flat-out ridiculous!
As a Twins fan in the 80s, 90s, 2000s, I would make the 6+ hour drive to KC to see the Twins rather than the 1 hr drive to downtown mpls to see the Twins in the god-awful Metrodome. Love Kaufman Stadium.
Royals owner Ewing Kauffman paid for the fountains in right field as his gift to Kansas City. As to their unique design, if you look at an aerial of the stadium you will see that the right field fountains were built in the shape of the number 1.
Great vid man! Many days and nights spent here! Many of us HATE the new stadium idea
Kauffman Stadium is not even remotely close to weird. It is a very nice, functional ball park.
The Kauffman family insisted on keeping the waterfalls in the outfield that is one of the most important parts of the stadium’s history. Bad idea to remove them
Paul Molitor's 3,000th Hit, Date: September 16, 1996 Location: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
I’m a diehard cardinals fan and I’ve always loved Kauffman. I love how symmetrical it is, I love the fountains and the scoreboard. No idea why they wanna move.
Grew here in the KC area and I've had the pleasure of going to Busch and that place is absolutely gorgeous
Just hate finding a place to park lol
I am a Mets fan and believe Kauffman stadium is still a beautiful ballpark. It is nicer than some of the newer stadiums built the past 25 years.
Kaufman is truly one of the best parks in MLB. Before and after the renovations.
Your trippin. It looks like a minor league park
Kauffman Stadium is still beautiful, but that original design with the grass berm was so placid and peaceful - almost paying homage to the Great Plains.
It’s the type of ballpark you have to be there to understand
I love the K. Liked old Royals Stadium even better. Same place, but the no outfield seats made the place different.
Kaufman is a classic case of them building a stadium right and the ownership being greedy and wanting to rebuild to improve the value of the team so they can sell you've gotta realize this was built not long after the kingdome in Seattle and it's still here cause it's a great ballpark get greed tf out of baseball the same company telling the ownership to move and not renovate was the same group that almost convinced the red Sox ownership to do the same back in the day
Around the ‘98 or so season my sister and Bro In law took me to a Royals vs Cardinals game at Kaufman. We went early enough for BP. Mark McGwire was hitting home runs completely OUT of the stadium followed my the crowds “Ooooo”. Then he laid down a bunt and the crowd goes “Ahhhhh” 😂
Stg McGwire hit one by 70 hwy. That man was gigantic. One of my fondest memories
The overwhelming majority of the taxpayers of Jackson County, Missouri who have paid for this stadium, and its renovations do not want to move the stadium into congested downtown, and are highly suspicious of the ulterior motives of those who keep advocating moving the team there.
Unless the ownership spends their own money, "The K" will be the Royals home unless they abandon Kansas City altogether.
Kaufman Stadium is a very Handsome Ballpark. Irregardless what the age it is.
The thing is ...I would tell John Sherman that we don't need nor do we want a new stadium. This sports complex is historic both Arrowhead and Royals Stadium. My parents voted for for these stadiums. Say no to Sherman !!!!!!!
We need more transparency
Why in the world would they replace this beautiful stadium? Its one of the most practical well laid out facilities out there. Keep talking about how old it is and how its falling apart... you are NOT convincing most of us REAL Royals Fans!
I watch this and think, this is coming from a really young guy. Or maybe I'm just old? Kauffman has always been a really nice and unique stadium.
Imagine this instead of using 2.1 Billion to build a new stadium that will further problems in the organization. Sherman uses 200-300 million on building a competitive team for fans to watch. Times are changing in the league, and you can’t tank anymore with the lottery draft.
Sherman is a bit of a megalomaniac....
@@Daddymouse-ny9cz true but he did extend Bobby instead of trading him for value like every other Royals owner would’ve done. He actually spent over 150 million in FA, David glass would never
I really liked Kauffman Stadium when I went there. And dare I say I liked it better than Camden Yards. I'm an O's fan
As someone who has gone to Kaufman stadium at least 20 times I don’t want a ew stadium.
Kaufman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium are parts of the same physical plant. In addition to the never-built shared roof, they're connected under the parking lots, including shared utility systems.
This video is like 11:19 of bad takes... That stadium is one of the cooler ones in MLB...
Kansas City looked extravagant for building 2 stadiums but that proved ahead of its time.
Born and raised in KC. last home game at the "K" was before the renovations. I've been to a ton of away royals games and theres simply nothing like the K. Everytime I went to either cleveland ,cinci or pittsburgh etc. you just miss going to a royals home game on a brisk spring/summer day its always great time relaxing watching baseball
I've been there before as a visiting-team fan, and found that the seating was simply well designed. It's a pleasant place to go to watch a game.
As for the parking, the parking is sufficient for a Chiefs game; they don't schedule both teams to play at home simultaneously.
I think it’s dumb that they are getting rid of this place. It’s beautiful and functional
Nothing weird, it's was a gorgeous park until that added that outfield nonsense
I think they’re fountains, not waterfalls
They’re both. Waterfalls during play. Fountains pre-game, in between innings and post game.
KC MO is the "City of Fountains". Very appropriate to have fountains at the stadium.
City is a dump full of crime. The jobs wealth and overall density have gone to Johnson county Kansas
Where Overland Park Olathe and Lenexa are
underrated ballpark. the fountains feel great on hot days.
Very underrated ball park its so beautiful
I never been to Kauffman, (only old Tiger Stadium, Comerica Park💩, Wrigley Field, Rogers Centre). That said I think Kauffman is great, especially after the renovation in 2009, IMO place is much better then Dodger Stadium who I believe only gets the love it does for being in Los Angeles. What’s unique about Dodger Stadium? Kauffman Stadium is unique. Also I’ll note I’m a big fan of a stadium having a lot of outfield seating, including some in the upper deck, one of many reasons I absolutely detest my own stadium Comerica Park. Was hoping see Kauffman Stadium (formerly Royals Stadium) built in 1973.
Hate to give the Dodgers credit for anything, but I will say that at least back in the day, the place was immaculate. It did not look like an "older" park, and many teams could take note of how well-maintained that stadium was.
Golden Age of all-purpose stadiums?
You mean Dark Age.
Awesome place to watch a game. Especially for an older stadium, no issues with narrow concourses, lack of restrooms, etc. Just attended games there last April and never heard one Homer say they want a new stadium. What a travesty!
I like the idea of no seats in the outfield. The first game I went to outside of Kauffman was in Cincinnati, circa 1998. We sat in left field which was great until any ball was hit within 30 yards of left of center field and we didn't see the play.
At The K. every seat had a 100% view of the field.
The Truman Stadium Complex was revolutionary at the time in that two separate stadiums were built for MLB and the NFL. Kansas City, Missouri residents have rejected a sales tax to pay for a new stadium so the Royals are entertaining alternate sites and that included across the state line in Kansas City, Kansas.
As a KC native, we recently went to a game this past summer. I love the stadium, but some things irk me:
1) The parking lot is insane. The Royals can charge whatever they want for parking since few (if any) mass transit options exist. After the game, it is literally a “free-for-all” and could take an hour to leave unless you decide to leave in the 8th Inning.
2) Sound System. We walked around the outfield and could NOT hear anything going on in the field. It was like two different venues. You had to be well ahead of the seating area to hear anything. This needs to change.
I’m from Ohio but when I go west always stop in KC for games. I love Kaufman Stadium. You don’t need a new stadium. The K is great.
Visited Kaufman Stadium back in '19 when my home team was visiting. I enjoyed it. Beautiful stadium.
so blessed to have grown up in this ballpark💙👑
Rained out in 2005 vs. Cardinals, went back in 2019 and saw 2 games - did see 1985 team on field and got autographs in '05. Beautiful park, one of my favorites. Only place I ever said looked pretty even with turf in 80s, amazing considering how I hated it otherwise. (at least today it can look like grass and have dirt infield) when grass was put in it became a crown jewel, though still behind Wrigley and Fenway.
I remember going here back when I was kid back in the 80's... Used to love going to this place...
One of my favorite stadiums. Absolutely beautiful. So easy to arrive and depart. I hate to see it go.
One of the best designed and beautiful baseball venues in mlb.