Should The K host more concerts? What we think after Post Malone’s KC show
Kauffman Stadium has created a lifetime of memories for Kansas City Royals fans. But is it time for The K to make more memories for music fans?
For the first time in three years, Kauffman Stadium was used for a headlining concert on Wednesday, July 15. Global star Post Malone brought out a decade worth of hits, alongside performances from country artists Jelly Roll and Carter Faith.
It was a scene that was unfamiliar territory for The K. Sure, fans having fun while chugging down overpriced beers is no different from a Royals game. But to see the stadium flipped into a packed-out concert for one of music’s biggest stars makes you wonder: Why don’t they do this more often?
One reason could be because of Kauffman’s next door neighbor, Arrowhead. Considering the Chiefs’ home turf has hosted legendary acts like Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones, it already has a history of success when it comes to performances. Plus, Arrowhead can fit over 73,000, while Kauffman sells out around 37,000, though these numbers can change for a concert depending on the production set up.
Kansas City has struck out on getting some big name artists in the past few years, including The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar, AC/DC and more. Part of this was due to Arrowhead being reconfigured for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which just finished its KC run.
However, just because Kauffman doesn’t have the same capacity or championship pedigree as Arrowhead doesn’t mean they should be treated like chopped liver when it’s concert season.
Kauffman is too nice to not have more concerts
I’ve said it before, but Kauffman is a really solid stadium. It’s family friendly, has beautiful aesthetics to it and is just the place to be when it’s time for summer baseball.
As a Chicago native, I know Wrigley Field makes sure it has events going on when the Cubs are away, especially concerts. And if the second-oldest MLB stadium can have artists perform every summer, there’s no excuse The K can’t make it happen.
Also, Kansas Citians have shown that if they like someone, they will be there. While it wasn’t a sold-out crowd for Posty’s show, that place was still packed from the field level to the nose bleeds.
“(Kauffman) is highly respected. A few years ago, I went to Billy Joel here. That was a great show,” said Matthew Mowry, a fan at Post Malone’s concert. “I think Kansas City will turn out for anything. So if Arrowheads not available, jump on it.”
Mowry also said since Kauffman is a smaller venue, it helps created a form of intimacy between the performer and their fans. We saw that very well with Post Malone, who was giving out beers and hugs to fans all night during his hour-and-a-half set.
A concert can hold back what makes The K unique
The stage for Posty was in center field in front of the Kauffman fountains. The huge backdrop gave the image of an old run-down highway featuring road barricades and streetlights.
It was cool for the concert visuals, but it kind of sucked for the pretty fountains, since you could barely see them.
Sure, the fountains aren’t the most important factor when it comes to setting up a concert. And this is likely the same setup that most, if not all of Post Malone’s tour stops feature. But we are in the City of Fountains. You should find a way to show off one of The K’s coolest amenities.
Also, I noticed the majority of the second level concourse was blocked off, including the spots near the fountains. I assume this was due to the stage being in the way of the field, so there’d be nothing for fans on the concourse to look at besides a black wall.
If that’s the case, I get it, because you want to keep the traffic controlled. But it sucks for the out-of-towners coming through for the concert who can’t see that distinctive part of the stadium.
One of those fans was Jean Morales, who came from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to watch the show. He still liked what he saw at Kauffman.
“The stadium is pretty big, but it is amazing. I didn’t know that Arrowhead is on the side,” he said.
There was also an oddity during the show that may not have been a problem for fans, but it just looked funny. The foul net was still up across the 100 level section. And if you’ve been to a Royals game, you know that netting extends between both foul poles as a way to keep fans safe.
That’s great for game day, but Post Malone and Jelly Roll aren’t fouling off heaters during their show. It just seemed like a weird thing to keep up during a concert and may be annoying for fans who are seated directly in front of it. I can only assume it’s to prevent fans from sneaking onto the floor level, which I understand. At least the Royals are promoting fan safety even when baseball isn’t being played.
Kansas City already has its big-time music venue options, including the T-Mobile Center and the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside. And with the World Cup being done, expect Arrowhead being back in the mix for summer concerts next year. Still, Post Malone and Jelly Roll showed that Kauffman can get in on the action, too.
With both stadiums in the Truman Sports Complex looking to move in the near future, they should make the most out their time here. And I don’t mean just to play football and baseball. There’s always a big-timer in music who’s going on a stadium tour in the summer. And if the lights at Arrowhead are too big for them, surely something could be arranged to have Kauffman be a better fit.
With the turnout that Post Malone got on a Wednesday night, Arrowhead better watch out. There looks to be some competition when it comes to KC stadiums hosting concerts.
