Sports Destination: Kansas City

When it comes to hitting the road, Americans are a passionate bunch, traveling 2.5 to 2.9 times a year, according to a USA Today and Talker Research study. But Millennials? They’re outpacing the average with about 3.4 trips annually, most of which are spent soaking up sun at the beach or, for many, cheering on their favorite sports teams. So, what’s better than catching a game while on vacation? Nothing beats the thrill of a sporting event, especially when the whole trip revolves around it!

Sports fans come in all shapes and sizes—whether you’re the die-hard superfan sporting face paint, a family newbie catching a game for the first time, or a casual viewer just looking for some weekend fun. And let’s not forget the fantasy sports enthusiasts and gamblers, all drawn to the game in their own unique ways.

If you’re planning a sports-centric getaway, Kansas City should be at the top of your list. This vibrant city boasts two stellar venues that promise unforgettable experiences: Kauffman Stadium and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Kauffman Stadium

Opening in 1973 Kauffman Stadium, affectionately known as “The K” celebrated its 52nd season in 2024. This stadium has gone through many renovations and improvements to keep it modern and able to support the modern fan. The largest of these was a $250 million glow-up ahead of the 2009 season allowing for 37,903 fans.

Inside, you’ll find 74 concession stands and 67 restrooms spread across a 360-degree concourse, so you never miss a moment of the action. Don’t miss the 322-foot wide water spectacular in left field, the largest privately funded fountain in the world! Swing through on the way to your seats to grab a selfie in front of this marvel!

Want to go beyond the game? Kauffman offers tours ranging from $15 to $35, including the Classic, All-Star, and MVP options. Tour highlights include the Royals Hall of Fame, dugout access, and even a visit to the Joe McGuff Press Box. Upgrade to the All-Access Tour for $350 to enjoy field-level views during the National Anthem, and snag a Royals bat and a $50 gift card! While on your tour, make sure you ask about the collector’s pin and your 10% discount at the Royals Team Store!

If you are looking to get an early start, you can take a Pregame Tour. This tour offers the same locations that can be toured without a game scheduled that day, but it has an added bonus allowing the people on the tour to watch batting practice for gameday with the Early Bird Batting Practice. These tickets are $15 per person over 4 years old and it puts you right behind the dugout for the hour-long practice. Other tours and game tickets are required for anyone taller than 32-inches. To sweeten the pot even more, on special occasions promotional items are given to those on the pregame tour.

The Pregame Tour can be upgraded to an All-Access Tour for $350 per person, that lets you watch batting practice, visit all the same locations as the other tours and experience the National Anthem from field level. It also includes a bat with the Royals logo and a $50 gift card.

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience you can deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound, install bases with the ground crew and visit the broadcast booth for an inning.

Don’t forget to stick around after every Friday for the post game firework show. This is the highlight of baseball games for our oldest kiddo, he loves fireworks but unless there is a high action play, he struggles watching the game. If you have a kid, who struggles to sit through a game too, The K has you covered with a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages:

Playground

Carousel

Five-Hole Mini Golf

Slugerrr's Base Run

Slugerrr's Batting Challenge and Pitching Mound

Price Chopper Little K with Pitching from the Kcrew

The concessions have you covered for all your food and alcohol needs, the sit-down style Rivals Sports Bar claims one of the best vantage points in the stadium and the fan stores/retail options include:

Barbeque Pit by Sweet Baby Rays

Boulevard Brewing Company

Belfonte's Ice Cream

Miller Lite Fountain Bar

Price Chopper Market Place

Grinder's Cheesecake

Bullpen Burger

TLC (Tenders, Love and Chicken)

Rivals Sports Bar

New Era Store

Outfield Team Store

Royals Boutique Store

20 Below Store

This stadium experience is expansive and allows for customization for all baseball fans, big and small. Catching a game is a great vacation activity, even if you have members of your party who aren’t huge baseball fans, this stadium offers so much for a non-aficionado. There are many reasons to go to a baseball game, and the Royals make it extremely enjoyable and convenient. This is a great stop for any sports fans vacation, or even a brief stop for a tour.

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Arrowhead Stadium is the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, and on September 5th, 2024 they open the season hosting the Baltimore Ravens. This will bring in fans from all over, from Kansas City, Baltimore and other cities around the country. But the stadium experience is not limited to only game activities.

Arrowhead Stadium was built in 1972 and had a large renovation in 2010 rather than closing its doors and building a new stadium. This helped the organization to modernize the gameday experience for fans and allows for a much more interactive experience. Part of this renovation included bringing in an art collection from regional artists which include Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Iowa. Thirty-Seven total pieces have been brought in and installed, which has allowed the Chiefs to bring in an educational program for children 8-12 years old to visit Arrowhead Stadium and learn about art mirroring the common core curriculum.

Tailgating at Arrowhead is legendary. Start your pre-game festivities in the Ford Tailgate District with live music, games, and food trucks. For a VIP experience, check out the Tickets for Less (TFL) tailgate party, complete with KC BBQ and drinks.

4 hours before a game you can join thousands of other fans at the Ford Tailgate District for the public tailgate. The fun is held on the west side of Lot M, this option provides a great experience for fans of all ages. The Tickets for Less (TFL) Tailgate opens 3 hours before the game and is located in Lot M next to the Hy-Vee gate.

In addition to your regular run of the mill tailgating experience try the tailgate suites with catered buffets and visits from the cheerleaders. If you are considering a season ticket definitely don’t miss the Season Ticket Members (STM) Kickoff Countdown for additional perks like a photo booth and snacks. These are the tailgaters who experience the concerts and musical guests seen during the NFL pregame shows.

Other than pre-game tailgating options you can also book 90 minute private and public tours. Public tours start in the pro shop and will tour the field, Hall of Honor, press box, broadcast area, the locker room, press conference room and Founder’s Club. Don’t forget the clear bag policy that is in effect for all stadium activities, but bags are allowed during the tour. If you bundle your tour you will get a Chiefs hat to go with your tour.

Private tours focus on the same locations as public tours but can be catered to events like a bachelor party, birthday party, youth team visits and much more to keep your group together. Gameday tours are shorter at 60 minutes but allow you to be on the sidelines during pre-game activities and visit the penthouse, and the Chiefs Hall of Honor.

If you are traveling into the area for a student age event such as with a youth team or Scouts team, there also are student tours, which are 60 minutes, these tour the field, locker room, press conference room, penthouse and Hall of Honor. These are designed for 3rd to 5th grade students and are free to attend.

For the ultimate fan experience, consider the stadium’s event spaces for business gatherings, game day parties, or other special occasions. Some of those spaces are:

North Club

Foolish Club

Club IV

Tower Club East

Tower Club West

Ford Founder's Club

Broadcast Suites Lounge

Penthouse Presented by TFL

Press Box & Lounge

Bud Light Locker Room Club

Press Conference Auditorium

Signature Suite Lounge & Signature Suites

Kingdom Club

In our family we try to give occasions and events instead of physical gifts. Tours are a great gift idea is the option of stadium tour gift certificates. If you have a Chiefs fan in your life this may be the perfect gift, if you need a physical gift too there is always a Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce jersey from the gift shop. You can book a tour by e-mailing Tours@chiefs.com and a representative will reach out to you.

Gamblers and DFS players who are also die-hard fans would greatly enjoy the stadium experience and can relax while taking in their favorite sport, or just attending tours to feel closer to the teams. This is a whole separate market from the every-day fan and may greatly appreciate the event spaces available.

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All in all the Arrowhead Stadium experience is an amazing opportunity to add to your regular vacation to Kansas City, a weekend trip or just game day activities. Many people want to go to the beach or the mountains, but give me a NFL game and tailgating experience any day. And as a bonus, Kansas City is an amazing location to visit in general.

Kansas City isn’t just a place for baseball and football—it’s a sports lover’s paradise with minor league games and NCAA action too. Whether you’re planning a full-blown sports vacation or just a quick getaway, KC delivers. If you need ideas for a non-sports fan in your group check out our other Kansas City articles. Regardless of the time of year, you can find an amazing variety of things in Kansas City so pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable sports adventure. Happy travels, and may the best team win!