Royals

Kansas City is undeniably a sports city. And while you’re in Overland Park, you’ll be a short drive away from a number of stadiums and sports-related attractions, giving you plenty of opportunities to get in the middle of the action.

When the Kansas City Athletics moved to Oakland after the 1967 season, Kansas City was left without major league baseball for the first time since 1883. The pharmaceutical executive, Ewing Kauffman, won the bidding for the new Kansas City team in 1969 and out of 17,000 submissions for the new team name, Sanford Pete, of Overland Park, won the contest with the submission of the name “Royals” after the American Royal, a livestock, rodeo and BBQ competition held in Kansas City Metropolitan Area.

The Royals have been the host of many major events in MLB history such as three of the MLB’s All-Star Games in 1960, 1973 and most recently 2012. The Kansas City Royals won the World Series in 1985 and 2015.

The Kansas City Royals reside at Kauffman Stadium (aka the K). It’s located next to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs. The two stadiums create the Trumans Sports Complex, one of the first landmarks that visitors see as they drive into Kansas City on Interstate 70.

Attending a game at the "K" is a fan-friendly experience that the whole family will enjoy. Take the kids to Slugger's Outfield Experience that offers a Little K field, skills games, a playground and more. Watch the game in style in the coveted Crown Seats behind home plate, which offers five-star service. And visit the Royals Hall of Fame to see the story of baseball in Kansas City unfold. The stadium has some of the best ballpark food with staples like hometown favorites from BBQ to Boulevard Beer.

If you can’t make it to a game while you are in Overland Park, be sure to watch the “Boys in Blue” at any local sports bar.