Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2018 campaign launches this week. Up next: the Kansas City Royals and Kauffman Stadium.
This year, the Kansas City Royals are introducing plenty of new elements at Kauffman Stadium. Along with resulting in a more comfortable gameday experience for players, the mix of changes at Kauffman Stadium will present some new offerings for fans, particularly when it comes to concessions.
Two major projects that took place at Kauffman Stadium after the 2017 season will affect the game on the field. One of those is a complete replacement of the playing field, a move that should provide a better surface while improving the ballpark’s drainage system.
In addition, the Royals also installed new LED field lights. As with most teams that have made the transition to LED, the Royals believe that the new system should improve the quality of lighting while offering an energy efficient alternative to the ballpark’s former halide lights.
Certainly, both of those projects are aimed at improving the gameday experience, and some aspects (more efficient drainage after rain, improved lighting) stand to benefit both fans and players. In a slate of changes that are more exclusive to the fan experience, the Royals and concessionaire Aramark have introduced some unique food menu items for 2018.
This year, Kauffman Stadium will feature its own variety of chicken philly, topped with provolone cheese, peppers, onions and mushrooms. That is not the only notable addition when it comes to sandwiches, as the ballpark will also feature a Jalapeno and Cheddar Kielbasa. That offering will come with toppings that include queso blanco, curtido slaw and fried shallots.
Kauffman Stadium is also factoring into Aramark’s broader push to bring taco trios to more ballparks around Major League Baseball. In Kansas City, the BBQ Brisket Taco Trio will feature smoked BBQ brisket topped with queso fresco and green onions, in flour tortillas.
Those are not the only offerings on tap when it comes to Kauffman Stadium’s food and beverage menus, as there are some other unique options planned for 2018. Dunkin’ Donuts will have a presence at the ballpark, while Kansas City-based Boulevard Brewing is introducing ¡Vamos!. The Mexican-style lager has been brewed by Boulevard to celebrate its partnership with the Royals and will be available at Kauffman Stadium this year.
Image of Jalapeno and Cheddar Kielbasa courtesy Aramark.
RELATED STORIES: 2018 Preview: Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park; 2018: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field