Baseball is back, baby! The birds are chirping and the grass is greening, so grab your mitts and caps and fire up the grill because The K is expecting us. There’s nothing like a Midwest winter to make us welcome spring and our beloved Royals back with open arms. Opening day in Kansas City is the kickoff to all that we love about our sports culture. The tailgating, family friendly environment and the buzz amongst the tried and true fans truly sets our city apart from neighboring markets.
For fellow parents looking for a wonderful day together, a Royals game is just what you’ll need to shake off the winter blues and attend an activity everyone will love. So what do you need to know when taking your family to a game, and particularly Opening Day? All you need to know is right here!
Be Prepared for Opening Day
Seasoned fan or not, adding children to the mix can produce a layer of complexity, but being prepared will eliminate any worry. Here are some tried and true tips as well as some new ones that were brought about from COVID.
Mom Tips for Royals Games
- Fans may bring in a sealed plastic water bottle or empty reusable bottle.
- Strollers are permitted but must be able to be stowed under stadium seat or checked at guest services.
- By purchasing parking in advance via the MLB App, you will save $10.
- The MLB App also allows fans to order food in advance and pick up when ready, rather than waiting in line! Talk about a game changer for parents!
- Spring games often go hand in hand with tricky weather. Buy inexpensive ponchos ahead of time rather than purchasing at stadium.
- Consider bringing a small lap blanket for warmth, and also as a way for kids to sit on the ground or beside your chair when they feel antsy.
- A nursing room is available and an invaluable resource for new moms! Head to the Plaza level next to first aid to nurse in a quiet, air-conditioned room.
- Kids under 32” are free, but must not take up an individual seat.
- Print off Sluggerrr coloring pages HERE to keep little hands and minds busy while you watch the game.
COVID Restrictions to Consider
- No autographs at this time are permitted.
- The K is now a cashless stadium.
- Each fan is allowed one clear plastic bag (sized 12x12x6″ or a gallon sized Ziploc bag). Exceptions are made for diaper bags, but must be checked at security.
- In addition, fans can also carry one small clutch that is no bigger than 9” x 5”.
Visit All the K Has to Offer
What makes the Royals stadium so family friendly, is the multitude of options for a wide range of ages. We love to bring a small grill and a few lawn games because tailgating has always been a large part of the sports culture in Kansas City. It helps to get the pre-game wiggles out of the way and allows the kids to feel some of the excitement from the fans.
Young to old, there’s something for everyone once inside. Sometimes simply sitting in your seat for nine innings isn’t an option, and if that’s the case for your family, have no fear!
A little before the beginning of the fourth inning, head to the Outfield Experience, and beat the crowd to click a few pictures of your crew with Sluggerrr. Afterward, enjoy the impressive playground, Little K, carousel, timed base run, batting challenge, pitching mound and miniature golf. There’s also a multitude of dining options in this area with picnic tables to be able to spread out and eat for a less restricted experience than in the seats.
Worried about keeping track of your kids amongst the crowd? The Royals are prepared! Before the game, obtain a child ID bracelet from guest services that will include a phone number and seat location. Genius!
The seventh inning stretch is a great time to visit the Hall of Fame, which is free to all ticketed visitors. For first timers, this would also be a great opportunity to pick up the “First Game Certificate”, also located in guest services. While there, don’t forget this year’s Blue Crew box. A new addition, literally and figuratively speaking, is the New Crew box for babies, which could not be more adorable and is available for purchase at the stadium or online.
Embrace the Chaos
Depending on the age of your children, you more than likely won’t be watching a lot of the game, and that is perfectly normal and to be expected. Our record for remaining in our assigned seats is four innings, with three kids under the age of nine. We did, however, remain in the stadium until the end of the game and everyone left with full bellies, tired legs and smiling faces.
Remember to always arrive with the mindset that this experience is about the cultivating a love for the game and an experience to enjoy with your family. It won’t be relaxing, but it will be worth it for the memories.
Go Royals!
