USA Today ranks MLB stadiums in two categories. Where did the Royals stadium land?
Two new national rankings place Kauffman Stadium among some of the best ballparks in the MLB — for atmosphere and for eats.
USA Today asked an expert panel to nominate their top picks and readers voted to determine the winners in two categories: best MLB stadium and best baseball stadium food. The home of the Kansas City Royals cracked the top 10 in each category, but were they at the top of the list?
Here’s where USA Today voters placed Kauffman Stadium.
Best MLB stadium ranking
USA Today voters analyzed everything that goes into a stadium, including the location, the best views and the food each venue offers. The Royals’ stadium made the list at No. 10.
“While Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium made its debut in 1973, the site currently plays host to a wide array of contemporary amenities thanks to a lengthy $250 million renovation in the late 2000s,” USA Today said. “Today, visiting Royals fans can savor local cuisine at the on-property food court, while a playground and carousel are available for younger visitors to enjoy.”
Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, claimed the No. 1 spot on USA Today’s list. The stadium of cross-state rival St. Louis Cardinals also made the list. Busch Stadium was ranked No. 8.
Best MLB stadium food ranking
Kauffman Stadium is no stranger to creativity in the kitchen, and USA Today voters ranked the venue fifth in the MLB for the best stadium food.
“You can’t dine at Kauffman Stadium without sampling some of the city’s famous barbecue, including pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and sausages,” USA Today said. “Other stadium favorites include buffalo chicken wraps, deep-fried tacos, loaded nachos, and pizza.”
The Royals and Kauffman Stadium vendor Aramark Sports + Entertainment unveiled several new food items coming for the 2025 season, found at different spots inside.
The biggest name is the Z-Man, the classic sandwich from Joe’s Kansas City. Other new additions include:
- The Sluggerrr Dog: chorizo hot dog topped with manchego, tempura batter, Doritos Cool Ranch crust and avocado aioli
Korean BBQ Bao Buns: hand-battered chicken tenders, Korean barbecue sauce, cucumber, tomato relish, onion tanglers and roasted red peppers served inside a bao bun.
Mack & Jack: a jalapeno brisket hot dog topped with macaroni and cheese, a crispy cornbread crumble, hot honey and green onions
Back to Blueberry: a waffle sandwich with basque cheesecake, blueberry compote, caramelized bananas, Fruity Pebbles and powdered sugar
The New York Mets’ Citi Field was ranked No. 1 by USA Today voters.
This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 2:37 PM.
