Kauffman Stadium visitor guide: everything you need to know

“The K,” as it is affectionately known by locals, is an open-air baseball stadium in Kansas City that is home to the major league’s Royals. Kauffman Stadium has the capacity to seat nearly 38,000 baseball fans for Royals’ home games and is part of the Truman Sports Complex. This complex also includes nearby Arrowhead Stadium, which is the home football field of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Spending an afternoon or evening at Kauffman Stadium is a guaranteed good time, but to avoid any hassle, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the stadium’s policies before you arrive. The Kauffman Stadium bag policy is very specific, and if you’re traveling with backpacks, large bags, or suitcases, you’ll want to have a plan for storage during the game. That’s where Bounce comes in. We have multiple Kauffman Stadium luggage storage options throughout Kansas City.

Kauffman Stadium bag policy

The Kauffman Stadium bag policy states that guests can bring one clear bag into the stadium. The clear bag can either be 12” x 12” x 6” or smaller or a one-gallon sealable freezer bag. In addition to the one clear bag, you can carry in a small clutch bag that does not exceed 9” x 5”, including all handles and straps.

You can inquire about an exception to the Kauffman Stadium clear bag policy if you need other bags for medical reasons or diaper bags for young children.

There are no Kauffman Stadium lockers or storage facilities, so if you’re caught at the gate with a prohibited item, you’ll need to store it in your car or throw it away. That’s why it’s such a good idea to visit a Bounce storage location on your way to the stadium.

Kauffman Stadium food policy

The Kauffman Stadium food policy is slightly less strict than the bag one. Fans can bring in outside food if it fits into your single one-gallon or smaller clear bag. The food must also be in individual portions. As for drinks, the stadium permits one clear plastic (sealed) bottle of water per person that’s no bigger than one liter. It must be sealed and unfrozen as well. Leave the coolers and alcohol behind because you won’t be allowed to bring them in.

If you’re not the type to pack food with you, the Kauffman Stadium food options certainly won’t disappoint. While not the healthiest in the world, the concessions here have all your game-day favorites. Expect local BBQ joints, loaded nachos, Reuben sandwiches, burgers, and shakes.

Kauffman Stadium transportation

Wondering how to get to Kauffman Stadium? That’s easy. The ballpark is located southeast of downtown, just off the I-70. Here are the best ways to travel to the park:

Driving

Parking is relatively easy at Kauffman Stadium, and a general parking pass costs $20 if purchased in advance. The price climbs to $30 if you don’t plan ahead. There is also parking available for oversized vehicles at a rate of $40. One nice thing about parking at the stadium is that if the game is rained out, parking is refundable.

Public transportation

If you don’t have a vehicle or are looking to save money, public transportation is a great option to get to Kauffman Stadium. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) operates express bus service to and from the stadium. You’ll want the Metro’s 47-Broadway route, which links the stadium to downtown, Midtown, the East Side, and Blue Ridge Crossing. On game days, service runs until 11 pm.

Taxis and rideshares

For a combination between public transportation and driving, consider using a rideshare service or taxi. The pickup and drop-off point at Kauffman Stadium is in the middle of Lot A.

Kauffman Stadium camera policy

For anyone looking to snap some pics of their day, the Kauffman Stadium camera policy only prohibits cameras with lenses that are longer than 12”. So your cell phone, point-and-shoot camera, or even a larger camera with small to mid-size lenses are permitted. Just don’t bring your camera bag (unless it happens to be clear).

Kauffman Stadium rules

Some of the Kauffman Stadium policies we’ve discussed so far are a little harder to follow than others, and here are a few more things to keep in mind about the stadium’s permitted items and rules:

• There is no re-entry if you exit the stadium after you’ve already gone in.
• For weekend games (Friday to Sunday), all gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch. For Monday to Thursday games, the gates only open 60 minutes before the game starts. In the event that there is a gameday giveaway, all gates open 90 minutes ahead of the game, regardless of the day of the week.
• Banners and signs are allowed as long as there are no large sticks or poles in them.
• While it’s great to support your team, don’t bring noisemakers of any kind, baseball bats, inflatables, or items that could be considered a projectile or obstruct the view of another fan.
• You also won’t be allowed in with any backpacks, hard-sided coolers, or lasers/laser pens.

Tailgating

Tailgating is absolutely allowed at Kauffman Stadium, subject to a few rules. You can participate in this tradition in three places: the Hall of Fame Village, Lot N, and Royal Way. You are limited to tailgating the area immediately behind your vehicle, and you can’t save parking spaces for your friends. Make sure that you don’t block the roadway and be aware that the tailgating areas close to these activities at the start of the second inning. You can leave your vehicle, but at this point, you have to make your way into the stadium.

Conclusion

Getting the opportunity to attend a Royals ballgame at Kauffman Stadium is a real experience, especially if you have the option to do a little tailgating before you head in. Make things easy and drop off any non-compliant bags and anything else you don’t need at a Kansas City luggage storage first. Then all you have to do is cheer on the home team - or maybe the visitors, depending on your allegiance.