Royals

Relive the KC Royals’ emotional win in home opener through photos

By Emily Curiel eir

The Kansas City Royals are back in action — and 2-2 — after opening their home season Monday afternoon.

The home opener featured a packed stadium, VIP appearances, tributes to a late Royals outfielder and a 3-1 win by the boys in blue.

All of it amounted to an emotional day at Kauffman Stadium.

Star photographer Emily Curiel was on hand to capture it all. See how the game looked through her lens.

The pre-game excitement

A young fan cheers while watching Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
A young fan cheers while watching Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) walks on the field during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) walks on the field during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) warms up during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) warms up during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) and former first baseman Mike Sweeney pose for a photo during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) and former first baseman Mike Sweeney pose for a photo during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) shakes hands with teammates during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) shakes hands with teammates during batting practice before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) walks out during player introductions before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) walks out during player introductions before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is awarded the Silver Slugger before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) is awarded the Silver Slugger award before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and manager Matt Quatraro clap during an award ceremony before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and manager Matt Quatraro clap during an award ceremony before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

A tribute to Terrance Gore

Kauffman Stadium observe a moment of silence for Terrance Gore before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kauffman Stadium observe a moment of silence for Terrance Gore before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Zane Gore, son of Terrance Gore, closes his eyes during the national anthem before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Zane Gore, son of Terrance Gore, closes his eyes during the national anthem before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
The Gore family pose for photos before the Kansas City Royals take on the Minnesota Twins during the home opening game at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
The Gore family pose for photos before the Kansas City Royals take on the Minnesota Twins during the home opening game at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
A flyover passes Kauffman Stadium before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
A flyover passes Kauffman Stadium before the home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Zane Gore, son of Terrance Gore, throws out the first pitch before the Kansas City Royals take on the Minnesota Twins during the home opening game at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Zane Gore, son of Terrance Gore, throws out the first pitch before the Kansas City Royals take on the Minnesota Twins during the home opening game at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

Let’s play ball

Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws a pitch in the fifth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws a pitch in the fifth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, center, attends the home opener between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, center, attends the home opener between the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) attempts to steal second base in the sixth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) attempts to steal second base in the sixth inning during the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) bats in the sixth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) bats in the sixth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro argues with the umpire in the seventh inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro argues with the umpire in the seventh inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Minnesota Twins second baseman Luke Keaschall (15) and right fielder Matt Wallner (38) collide after catching a fly ball in the eighth inning during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Minnesota Twins second baseman Luke Keaschall (15) and right fielder Matt Wallner (38) collide after catching a fly ball in the eighth inning during a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) slides to attempt to catch a ball in the eighth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) slides to attempt to catch a ball in the eighth inning during the home opener game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) is doused by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and catcher Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run homer in the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) is doused by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and catcher Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a two-run homer in the home opener against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) walks off the field after winning 3-1 against the Minnesota Twins in the home opening game at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel (28) walks off the field after winning 3-1 against the Minnesota Twins in the home opening game at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

This story was originally published March 30, 2026 at 6:56 PM.

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Emily Curiel
The Kansas City Star
Emily Curiel, is a visual journalist at The Star. With a broad scope of coverage, Curiel navigates subjects including breaking news, sports, features and long-form narratives. She is a first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University and a native of Los Angeles.
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