Royals Opening Day: What to know for fans headed to the game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Opening Day is around the corner for the Kansas City Royals, who are expected to take a leap after major offseason changes.
The Royals will clash with their AL Central rival, the Minnesota Twins, for a three-game series. They will look to insert themselves in the playoff conversation for the first time since 2015 when they won the World Series.
The team spent over $100 million in the offseason, in hopes of transforming a team that suffered 106 losses last season, tying a franchise record.
Here is what you need to know if you’re headed to the ballpark for Opening Day.
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Pregame
There will be a Bobby Witt Jr. Bobblehead gate giveaway to the first 30,000 fans and a pregame concert by Kansas City’s own, Lost Wax from 1-2 p.m.
You must have an Opening Day game ticket to attend the concert. There will also be music by DJ Code P and a presentation of the 2023 organizational player awards.
Tickets
There are tickets available for fans to get their hands on. Tickets currently range from $20-$370, depending on where you want to sit.
You can purchase tickets here.
Parking
For those looking to tailgate or just get there early, parking lots will open at 9 a.m. and the stadium gates open at 12 p.m.
Parking must be purchased in advance. Upon arrival at Kauffman Stadium, your pass will need to be shown on the MLB Ballpark app on your phone at the toll gates for entry.
When purchasing parking online in advance, a General Parking pass is $20 and an Oversized Vehicle Parking pass is $40.
Fans are encouraged to pre-purchase parking, but if unable to do so, parking can be bought at the gate for $30 for General or $50 for an oversized vehicle. Fans can pay via credit card at the designated tollbooths at Gates 3-4, 5 or 6. Reserved Parking Passes are sold out.
It is recommended to have the MLB Ballpark app downloaded on your phone before coming to the stadium.
You can purchase parking passes here.
First Pitch
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will throw out the ceremonial first pitch with the game set to start at 3:10 p.m. on Thursday.
Cole Ragans will be on the mound for the Royals. Pablo López will get the start for Minnesota.
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The Royals have a clear bag policy as usual. The rules are as follows:
Clear bag no larger than 12” x 12” x 6” with all items inside easily visible.
One-gallon clear zip-seal bag (Ziploc® bag or similar).
Small clutch bags that do not exceed 9″ x 5″, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
An exception may be made for medical reason or manufactured diaper bags that accompany infants and young children after proper inspection.
How to Watch
If you’re not attending the game on Thursday, you can watch or stream the game on television on Bally Sports Kansas City.
You can also purchase Bally Sports+ for $19.99 per month, $105.99 for the entire Royals season or $189.99 for the entire year.
If you’re out of the Kansas City market and trying to watch the team, you can purchase MLB.TV for $29.99 per month or $149.99 for the entire season.
