Opening Day at the K: How to watch, cheapest tickets and starting, ceremonial pitchers
Baseball season has arrived in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Royals will spend Opening Day at Kauffman Stadium this year, as they kick off the 2024 season against American League Central foe the Minnesota Twins at 3:10 p.m. Thursday. The contest is the first of a three-game series against the Twins in Kansas City.
The team finished 56-106 in 2023, good for last in the AL Central, and is looking to improve in manager Matt Quatraro’s second season leading the Royals. Kansas City’s Opening Day starting pitcher is Cole Ragans, as he, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher Salvador Perez, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and the rest of the Royals look to start 2024 with a victory.
Here’s what to know about Opening Day at The K for the 2024 season.
What’s special about Opening Day for 2024?
The team is giving away a Bobby Witt Jr. bobblehead to the first 30,000 fans. Witt Jr. recently signed a 14-year contract extension that includes 11 years guaranteed at a value of $288.7 million.
Before the first pitch, local cover band Lost Wax Band will play mashups of hits from all decades and genres from 1-2 p.m. at the Miller Lite Fountain Bar Deck in left-center field.
Chiefs head coach and three-time Super Bowl winner Andy Reid will deliver the ceremonial first pitch.
Where can I park at Kauffman Stadium?
The Royals charge $20 for general parking, $30 for premium spots and $40 for oversized vehicles for each game at the Truman Sports Complex. Depending on the attendance, you may be able to park right outside Kauffman Stadium or on the opposite side of GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
You can buy parking passes online. Your pass must be purchased before arriving at the toll gates.
How do I get tickets for Opening Day?
Standing room tickets are the cheapest available on the Royals’ website, starting at $20. You can also buy standing-room tickets for the QuikTrip fountain deck for $178, which includes all-you-can-eat food and beverages, 12 flat-screen TVs, tables and chairs to sit and relax and a front-row view in right field, according to the Royals.
Third-party ticket sites like SeatGeek have tickets available, starting at $50 for seats in the upper deck.
Single-game tickets for the rest of the season are available through the Royals’ official website or the MLB Ballpark app. You can find the home game schedule online. Prices will vary depending on who the Royals play, the day they play and how well the team is performing.
Kauffman Stadium no longer accepts or offers physical tickets to reduce the risk of ticket fraud. If you want a physical ticket as a souvenir, the team allows you to buy one after the game online or on the Ballpark app.
How else can I watch Opening Day?
Fans with cable or satellite with Bally Sports Kansas City can still watch Opening Day and the rest of the Royals’ games from home.
Are you wondering if you have Bally Sports and can get the Royals games via your cable provider? This website will tell you; you simply need to input your zip code.
Fans receiving Royals telecasts through a TV provider can also stream games on the Bally Sports app or at BallySports.com. You’ll need to know your TV provider, user ID and password.
Fans who don’t have a cable subscription can stream games on the Bally Sports+ app. Fans can pay per month ($19.99), per year ($189.99) or for the Royals’ entire season ($105.99).
Bally Sports Kansas City is available on FuboTV and plans start at $79.99.
Does Kauffman Stadium have a bag policy?
Each fan is allowed to carry one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag. The bag can’t be any larger than 12-by-12-by-6 inches. Backpacks are not allowed.
Fans can also carry a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag — a Ziploc bag or something similar — and a small clutch bag no larger than 9 inches by 5 inches, which is subject to search. The clutch bag doesn’t have to be clear.
Exceptions can be made for medical reasons or diaper bags for infants and toddlers.
What is not allowed inside Kauffman Stadium?
You cannot bring hard-sided coolers, alcohol or non-clear liquid containers — including reusable water bottles — inside Kauffman Stadium. You can bring food that resembles individual portions in a clear, plastic bag no larger than one gallon. You can also bring in unopened plastic water bottles that are one liter or smaller.
Soft-sided single juice, milk containers or ADA-required liquids may be allowed in as well, according to the Royals. Sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are also allowed as long as they are unopened and less than a liter.
The following items are also prohibited inside Kauffman Stadium at all times:
Aerosol cans
Banners or flags with sticks in them
Baseball bats
Beach balls and other inflatable items
Bullhorns and other noisemakers that are deemed unacceptable by Kauffman Stadium staff, like cowbells
Brooms that are taller than four feet
Cameras with lenses that are larger than 12 inches
Items that could be projectiles, such as toys
Lasers and laser pens
Pets or other animals that aren’t there for service purposes
Unmanned aerial vehicles
Weapons and fireworks—this includes all guns and knives
Wrapped presents
Stadium staff will ask you to return these items to your car or throw them away. Restrictions can change at any time.
