Kansas City: KC Royals
Kansas City Overview
Without question, Kansas City is one of our favorite cities in the country. It’s an old meat packing town, so steaks and barbecue restaurants abound. In fact, Kansas City barbecue is renowned worldwide, and for good reason. One could eat in a new bbq restaurant every day here for two years and you wouldn’t have to visit the same place twice.
Kansas City is also well known for their music scene. Jazz runs deep in the roots of Kansas City, and live rock and other music styles also have a strong following. Every night of the week all year long you’ll find live music performances here in small venues and clubs.
Kansas City is comprised of two cities that basically blend into one – the Missouri side and the Kansas side. The Missouri side has the ballpark and tends to offer more in the way of entertainment. The Kansas side has some upscale suburban areas that are well worth exploring. Both have great bbq restaurants and music clubs.
You’ll need a car to get around, unless you plan to confine your activities to one of the entertainment areas like Westport or The Plaza. Even still, you’ll want to experience this wonderful city and really get to know what makes it tick.
The Neighborhood – Kauffman Stadium
Both Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium sit in the same east side complex that was designed specifically for the stadiums. It’s easy access from the freeway and you’ll see both facilities as you drive through Kansas City on Interstate 70.
Other than the two stadiums, parking lots, and a couple of hotels, there’s not much in the immediate area. That’s why it’s best to stay downtown, midtown, or in one of the outlying hotels and either drive or catch a shuttle to the ballpark.
The Ballpark
Kauffman Stadium was totally remodeled for the 2009 season. There are brand new sections in both right and left field and a big new restaurant/bar has been added as well. Fortunately, none of the remodeling has detracted from the original charm of the park.
Built in 1972, Kauffman Stadium is now actually one of the older parks in the major leagues. Remodeling the park gives it a fresh, new look with improved amenities. The new outfield seats are highly recommended and very popular.
Ballpark Tours
Tours are being offered of the remodeled Kauffman Stadium at various price points, depending how many perks you’d like to tack on. The standard tour gets you around to all the must see spots and is offered three or four times daily, depending if there’s a game. Cost is $10.
Historic Baseball Sites
There are two historic baseball sites on Kansas City’s near east side, about a mile from downtown.
First is the Negro Leagues Hall of Fame and Museum, located in the famous 18th and Vine District. Learn about the greats of the game and hear accounts of their struggles to be accepted in baseball.
Less than five minutes from here is the intersection of 22nd and Brooklyn, the former site of Kansas City Municipal Stadium. For many years in the 1930′s and 1940′s, this stadium hosted Negro League games and all star events, drawing capacity crowds. When the Kansas City Athletics arrived in 1955, the stadium was expanded. It also was home to the Royals for their first four years of existence, 1969 through 1972.
Kansas City Municipal Stadium was razed in 1976 and for years the site was mostly vacant except for a small community garden called Old Ballpark Gardens. Now, townhouses and a planned community have arisen at 22nd and Brooklyn, complete with walking paths and a memorial plaque honoring the old ballpark at the main intersection. And while you’re in this neighborhood, stop in at one of Kansas City’s finest barbecue restaurants, Arthur Bryant’s. It’s just up the street at 12th and Brooklyn.
Royals Tickets
With a remodeled stadium and improved on field performance, Royals tickets are more popular than in recent years. Weekend sellouts are no longer rare. If you’re planning on a specific weekend it’s best to buy tickets ahead of time.
Public Transportation
Being a large city, there’s bus service around the metro area. But if you’re going to a game, either drive or hook up with one of many bar/restaurant shuttles that will take you to and from.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
Kansas City is a great city for food and drink. There are several pockets of bar and restaurants in historic neighborhoods, like the River Market, downtown, and the Power and Light District. Then, there are tried and true nighlife destinations like Westport, The Plaza, and the 75th Street corridor.
Kansas City is home to one of the country’s most successful microbreweries, Boulevard Brewing, which has gotten a foothold across the Midwest and has significantly helped raise the profile of craft beer in Kansas City. The city suffered the loss of a long time brewpub in the River Market District, River Market Brewing, in February of 2009. Yet, there are still a couple of successful brewpubs around town and a few great bars where you can enjoy interesting choices.
Boulevard Brewing: You’ll see the tap handles all over the city, mostly of Boulevard Wheat. The brewery offers tours and tastings on Saturdays. Take the tour and see what Kansas City has to brag about! 2501 Soutwest Blvd., Phone: 816-474-7095.
Flying Saucer Draft Emporium: Located downtown, this is an outpost of the Flying Saucer sports and beer bar chain that’s prevalent in the south. This location is their northernmost. More tap beer than you can shake a stick at, and an outdoor patio too. 101 E. 13th St., Kansas City. 816-221-1900.
McCoys Public House and BrewKitchen: A long time popular staple in the Wesport midtown entertainment district, McCoy’s has it all … house brewed beer, great food, big outdoor patio, and friendly, attentive service. 4057 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City. Phone: 816-900-0866.
75th Street Brewery: 75th Street Brewery is one of the leaders in the city’s craft beer movement. It’s south of downtown along the 75th St. corridor, where you’ll find all sorts of eating and drinking establishments. We’ve always enjoyed the beer here. 520 W. 75th St., Kansas City. Phone: 816-523-4677.
John’s Upper Deck: If you’re looking for a good happy hour place in downtown KC, this is it. There’s three floors, a huge rooftop patio, and all sorts of Kansas City professionals from neighborhing offices. The pub food is quite satisfying and the beer selection is good. 928 Wyandotte, Kansas City. Phone: 816-474-5668.
Harry’s Country Club: Harry’s is in the River Market area downtown. Think of a spiffed up country roadhouse and you’ve got Harry’s. The outdoor patio is tops and the yards of beers are fun, and there’s some retro choices like Lone Star on tap. 112 Missouri Ave., Kansas City. Phone: 816-421-3505.
