Things to Do:

While the surrounding neighborhood may not offer much to do, the stadium itself does. You can explore the stadium via a 360 degree concourse while still seeing the game, which we love.  But before the game, hit up the Royals Hall of Fame in the Left Field area inside Gate A. It features interactive exhibits and Royals memorabilia and artifacts. 

Behind the Hall of Fame, you'll find the kids area featuring a mini field called Little K, complete with field turf. There's also batting and pitching cages and even a 5-hole mini-golf at the Sluggerrr's Putt-Putt, a Royals-themed carousel. 

Also stop by the fountains in the outfield, even during the game, and watch the game from behind the waterfalls - it's pretty unique. 

Food and Drink: 

There are a couple of restaurant areas that are great including Rivals Sports Bar just beyond the fountains in Right Field. With awesome views in its 360 degree bar, you can also purchase a Rivals Front Row seating table package. It runs around $240 for regular games for a table for four and you can watch the game from a pretty cool vantage point. (the price includes $25 in value towards food and drink).

Hit up the Outfield Experience - you'll find many concessions there like All Star Barbeque where you can get smoked brisket with the park's signature BBQ sauce. Also there is the Miller Lite Fountain Bar and Leinenkugels Leinie Lodge - home of one of our favorite microbrews. For some local brews - head to Boulevard Brewing Company (Section 230 for bar seating while watching the game) - Missouri's largest independent brewery.

At the Hot Corner Grill (multiple locations) - 2 sandwiches are rivaling for the title of best new item at the park. Try a Royal Pork T - Crispy Pork Tenderloin, Caramelized Onions, Fried Pickle Chips, and KC BBQ as well as the KC Ribeye Steak Sandwich with Char-grilled Ribeye, Cheddar Cheese, Applewood Bacon, Sauteed Mushrooms, Crispy Onion Ring, BBQ sauce, and a Potato Bun.

New to 2012:  Two new Boulevard Grill locations at sections 206 and 252 (best stop for craft beer), The Captain Morgan Bar, located behind section 420 on the Hy-Vee View Level, KC Cantina Taco Truck (in Outfield Experience), and Blue Moose Bar & Grill (Sec 251)

Seating:

New outfield box seats near the Miller Lite Fountain Bar and standing room only in right center are popular on hot days. Standing Room only seats are occasionally in the fountains' splash zone, so be prepared. 

The Park and Neighborhood:

Kauffman Stadium ("The K") is part of the Truman Sports Complex which also houses the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Home to the Royals since 1973, The K went through some great improvements back in 2008-2009. Some of the recent upgrades include the addition of a unique interactive crown on the scoreboard, new seats in the outfield near the characteristic fountain, and a completely renovated view level with wider concourses. It also no longer has an exposed concrete exterior facade which was quite unattractive.

One thing that unfortunately couldn't be improved upon: it's location in the middle of nowhere. There's just not much around. There are a few cool places just inside the stadium that are great to hit up before the game starts, so be sure to read our Fanzooloo Faves section "During the Game" section for more detailed information. If you want to try some famous Kansas City BBQ, there are a couple of suggestions on our "Before & After the Game" map, but discovering the very best KC has to offer requires traveling miles away from the park. As for sports bars nearby, don't expect much.

Getting There and Parking:

About 5 miles outside of the city, it's fairly easy to get to, and driving is really your best option. From the East or West, take I-70 to Blue Ridge Cutoff/Sports Complex. From the North or South, take I-435 and exit Sports Complex. The only practical way to get to the park is via car, as the Royals Express bus service has been discontinued.  Parking is $10, and there are West lots (on the 3rd base side) and East lots (1st base side) and you can't drive from a West Parking Lot to the East once you've entered the complex. 

There's a little bit of a tailgate scene in the parking lots, so try to make the most of that $10 and pre-party with some other fans, especially since there aren't many places in the surrounding neighborhood for food or drink beforehand. 

Public Transportation:

If you really need to take it, a number of bus lines from downtown will take you to connect to the Number 47 bus and it will be an hour or more commute with a little over a half mile walk the rest of the way. For more information and a trip planner visit here: http://www.kcata.org/

Also be sure to read our "Info Inside the Stadium" section for some great things inside the park.