Kauffman Stadium Renovations Should Be Complete By Opening Day

Construction Crews Putting Finishing Touches On Restaurant, Party Deck At Kauffman Stadium

Construction crews are working "10- and 11-hour shifts to finish a massive renovation project" at Kauffman Stadium in time for the Royals' April 10 home opener, according to a front-page piece by Matt Campbell of the K.C. STAR. Just outside the right-field wall, workers are "putting the finishing touches on a new restaurant and rooftop party deck," while "pregame amusements, including miniature golf and video batting tunnels, are taking shape behind the scoreboard." Among the changes to Kauffman Stadium are concourses that are "much wider than before," more concessions and rest rooms and more suites and group areas. Jackson County Sports Complex Authority Chair Mike Smith said, "The contractors have worked well with the unions. We've kept our budget, we've kept our promise. We're on time and we're going to have a great Opening Day." Campbell noted total seating at the renovated Kauffman has dropped about 6%, to 38,177, but the number of suites has "increased from 26 to 35, including the nine premium Triple Crown suites just below a new press box." Meanwhile, the Royals have "brought back a 'general admission' area that was eliminated several years ago." Royals VP/Ballpark Operations & Development Robert Rice said, "We think that's really going to help with Friday night and Saturday night walk-ups. We've sold as many as 8,000 walk-up tickets, but it's very difficult. We end up getting people in during the second or third inning" (K.C. STAR, 3/2).