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Frequently Asked Questions About Parking

General Info

Why are the Royals making the change? Is it only for 2008?

The redesigned access and parking system is just one of the first visible steps in the overall Kauffman Stadium improvement project. While implementation of the new parking plan coincides with the on-going stadium renovations, the procedures will remain in place following the completion of the project. The Royals have designed the new system in order to provide a safer, more efficient experience for our fans - in 2008 and beyond.

The Truman Sports Complex benefits from having one of the largest parking lots in North America. Frankly, the previous parking plan did not utilize all entry gates and access routes into the Stadium. The new plan will safely accommodate more fans by using all points-of-entry and reducing pedestrian-vehicle congestion points. These updates are consistent with the parking and access plans utilized at most major sports and entertainment venues, including Arrowhead Stadium.

What, specifically, is the number one thing fans can do to ensure a smooth transition to the new parking system?

The overall message is simple: please take a couple of minutes before your trip to Kauffman Stadium and plan your route by consulting royals.com/parking or the "2008 Parking Pocket Guide." By doing so, you'll ensure a pleasant experience when arriving at the Stadium.

Who should I contact if I have questions about parking?

For additional information, please e-mail parking@royals.com or call 816-448-0880. Fans may also request a "2008 Parking Pocket Guide" or pick one up at the Stadium. The Pocket Guides will be mailed to all Season Ticket Holders as well. For more information and detailed maps, visit royals.com/parking.

Will it take longer to enter the Stadium now that the parking plan has changed?

No. In fact, the redesigned plan was created to streamline traffic flow throughout the complex, especially for games that will draw large crowds, by utilizing all points-of-entry and eliminating pedestrian-vehicle congestion.

Of course, the key to make parking at Kauffman Stadium quick and easy is to take a few minute to plan your route prior to departing for the ballpark.

What time do the tollgates open on gamedays?

The tollgates are staffed with parking personnel beginning several hours prior to the scheduled first pitch. The specific time depends on the anticipated attendance. Please note that the Royals Box Office opens at 9:00 a.m. on gamedays and is accessible through Gates 2, 5 and 6 for fans purchasing tickets and then exiting the Truman Sports Complex. You can also buy your tickets on royals.com up to game time, and print your tickets at home, get them delivered to your mobile phone, or have them waiting for you at Will Call.

How will you determine in which specific lot I park?

Upon entering, parking personnel will direct you to the appropriate lot (Gold Reserved, Blue Reserved or general) closest to the Stadium with available spaces.

I noticed Gate 1 is now closed to the general public. Why the change and what is the best gate for entering from Blue Ridge Cutoff?

Gate 1 posed multiple access issues: 1) With only one toll-gate, this entrance regularly became backed-logged with guests trying to access the Stadium parking lot. 2) Gate 1 required cars to travel on Red Coat Drive, which is a main pedestrian walk-way.

For fans accessing the Stadium from Blue Ridge Cutoff, simply travel a short distance past Gate 1 and enter at Gate 2, Gate 3 or Gate 4.

I usually sit on the third-base side but prefer to enter the Stadium from Blue Ridge Cutoff. Can I still do this?

Absolutely. While the new plan is designed to eliminate cross-traffic between the east and west parking lots, we understand that fans may choose to park on the side of the Stadium that is most convenient for them to access. In this example, fans may enter the parking lot from Blue Ridge Cutoff, park on the east side of the Stadium, and make their way to the third-base (west) side of the seating bowl.

I have heard there is on-going construction on Raytown Road. I usually use that road to access the stadium from I-435. What is the best route now?

In order to park on the east side of Kauffman Stadium, fans are encouraged to take I-435 to I-70 East. You can then enter the complex through Gate 2, Gate 3 or Gate 4.

Fans wanting to park on the west side of Kauffman Stadium can use the Raytown Road/Stadium Drive exit but need to turn on either Lancer Lane (Blue Reserved and general parking) or Stadium Drive (Gold Reserved).

Will I be parking farther from the Stadium than I have in the past?

No. The new parking plan will utilize the same lots as in past years, but the lots will now be categorized differently - Gold Reserved for officials and VIP guests, Blue Reserved for season ticket holders and general parking for guests who purchase parking on a game-by-game basis. All lot types will be available on each side of the stadium.

How does this new parking plan affect how I'll exit the Stadium?

All tollgates and roads used to access Kauffman Stadium will also be open to accommodate traffic exiting the Truman Sports Complex, and guests will be directed out of the complex via access roads that are nearest to their parking lot. Simply put, you will be asked to exit the same way that you entered.

I would like to purchase tickets at Kauffman Stadium early in the day before the crowd arrives for the game. What procedures do I need to follow?

The Royals will have advance ticket booths located at Gate B near the George Brett statue on the east side of the stadium. As in parking for the game, please refer to royals.com/parking or your "2008 Parking Pocket Guide" for the best route to access the stadium from your point-of-origin.

Does the on-going construction pose any hazards to people parking at the Stadium?

The Royals will make it a priority to provide a safe environment for our fans, both inside and outside of Kauffman Stadium. All necessary measures will be taken to appropriately block off areas undergoing construction, and construction zones will be clearly marked.

Gold and Blue Reserved

I have reserved parking and, in the past, I was issued passes for a specific lot. This year I have passes for Blue Reserved, which is on both sides of the Stadium. Do I have to park in one specific lot?

You may park in any lot designated as Blue Reserved Parking. This is designed to give guests more flexibility since you can decide on which side of the stadium you would like to park.

Am I required to park in the Reserved Lot closest to the Stadium? I would prefer to park in a Reserved Lot closer to an exit gate so it's easier to leave the Stadium.

Assuming spaces are available, you may park in any lot corresponding to your parking level (Gold Reserved, Blue Reserved or general).

With Gold Reserved Parking, am I required to use the dedicated Gold Reserved entrance on Royals Way (just north of Gate 6)?

No, you may access Gold Reserved parking from any gate. However, for those Gold Reserved customers accessing the Complex from the west side of Kauffman, we do encourage you to use the Gold Reserved entrance on Royals Way - it's designed to provide the quickest access.

Disabled Parking

How will drop off for disabled customers be handled?

The Royals encourage vehicles dropping off a guest to enter the complex through either Gates 3 or 4 and to let the traffic directors know they wish to drop-off a guest. The car will be directed to Gate B (near the George Brett statue) and can drop off at the curb.

The Royals will have staff at all gates beginning 90 minutes before game time to assist with getting guests to their seats. The drop-off vehicle can then join the regular flow of traffic from that location and park in the appropriate lot.

Has the number of disabled parking spaces changed for 2008 season?

Our on-going stadium renovations have actually translated into fewer parking spots overall in the complex for 2008. However, we are cognizant of the needs of our fans, especially those who may need a little extra help getting around the ballpark, and will exceed the number of disabled parking spaces required by the ADA. We will also enhance our service by providing additional shuttles and having staff present at all gates to assist fans.

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