matthewweaver.com | mlb ballparks

Ballpark:
Originally known as Royals Stadium and later renamed for the late team owner, Kauffman Stadium is gorgeous baseball park built in an era of ugly and hideous multi-purpose stadiums. Opened in 1973, the park has great sightlines, a cozy feel and an attractive outfield complex that was ahead of its time.

The upper deck of Kauffman Stadium arcs downward as it heads farther from home plate and the light standards are artistic in form. The signature waterfall and fountains dominate the area past the outfield wall and the fountains dance to organ music in between innings. Most of the seats are open to the intense Missouri sun, but the vendors supply lots of lemonade to the thirsty fans sweltering in the summer heat. I consumed 9 glasses during the July 5th game alone!

The park had Astroturf for most of its history, but it now has a very attractive grass playing surface and outfield walls that are about 10 feet shorter than before. The park is still not hitter-friendly, but it is no longer the domain of slap hitting, speedy outfielders like Willie Wilson.

Kauffman Stadium is over 30 years old, but it is still one of the most attractive and fan-friendly ballparks in the Majors. Though it does not have the quirkiness and retro feel of the newer parks, it is still worthy of an "A-" rating.

How to get there:
From Kansas City International Airport, take Interstate 29 South for quite a while until you cross the Missouri River into Downtown Kansas City. Exit onto Interstate 70 East and follow it to the Truman Sports Complex exit at the Blue Ridge Cutoff. The ballpark is on the South side of I-70 and surface parking is right on site.

City:
Kansas City sits on a bend in the Missouri River at the border of Missouri and Kansas. Downtown is about 15 miles South of the airport, but it is worth the drive. The city is high on a bluff and is medium sized. There are several key districts in town and some are quite affluent. The people are very nice and, though it is inferno-like in the summer, the people seem to spend a lot of time outdoors. K.C. was home to the NCAA for many years before their move to Indianapolis in the late 1990's.

Stuff to do while there:
The riverfront market is a good place to buy fresh food and people watch, but the Country Club district is the place to be. The outdoor shopping, restaurant and nightlife complex is located in an affluent area South of town and is a big attraction for tourists and residents alike. Ultimately, taking on a healthy Kansas City strip steak is the highlight of any trip to the heart of the Heartland.

Story:
During my July 4th Weekend trip to see the Cleveland Indians play the Royals, I got on the Channel 43 broadcast of the game in Cleveland (photo at right). At least two of my friends saw me and I recorded the event on videotape.

Fun facts:
The Truman Sports Complex was truly visionary. Built in 1973, it was the first dual football-baseball stadium facility in modern sports history. Since the 1990's, most cities have built football-only and baseball-only parks, but Kansas City was at least 20 years ahead of its time.

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A 3-photo mosaic from behind Kaufmann Stadium's homeplate
July 4, 1998

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The gorgeous outfield fountains
July 5, 1998

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Matt gets on TV in Cleveland
July 4, 1998

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Another look from home plate
July 4, 1998

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The exterior of the ballpark
July 4, 1998

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Arrowhead Stadium, the home
of the Chiefs, stands next door
July 5, 1998