Wednesday, August 8, 2018

KC Royals




Welcome to the City of Fountains! There are more than 40 public fountains in the city. It was so hot when we got there Sunday, we decided to skip the Sunday afternoon game and do some sight seeing.




We stayed at the Hilton by the Country Club Plaza. The Plaza is an outdoor shopping mall that opened in 1923 and is supposed to mimic the architecture of Seville, Spain. It is full of luxury shops, along with regular retail and unique shops. There are more than 30 Statues, murals and tile mosaics, as well as many fountains. Someone told us it was built to accommodate car parking, which was forward thinking in 1923. 





We took the streetcar from Union Station to the City Market. Just a word of advice: A lot of the places at the market are closed on Monday. The streetcar is free, and it is an easy way to get from one area to the next. We ended up eating at a great Ethiopian place at The City Market. 

We also visited the Toy and Miniature Museum. I'm not sure how I feel seeing my childhood toys in a museum! The miniature exhibits are amazing. It is well worth the $5 fee.

Another must-see is the WWII monument and museum. The view at the top is stunning!

Since we were close, we drove over to Kansas and went to the minor league stadium of the Kansas T-Bones. It was a really nice stadium and, although we didn't see a game there, we enjoyed walking around the park.

We really enjoyed the city, and I guess it is a good thing we did. The stadium was a disappointment. At least, to me it was.



You must drive to the stadium. Like Philly and Milwaukee, the stadium is out of town. Randy and I have both decided we like in-town stadiums. It is a lot more fun to walk to the stadium or take a metro than to drive. Whatever you do, do not make a wrong turn. The parking lot attendant will severely reprimand you!



The stadium is known for it's outfield fountain Water Spectacular. The water fall flows constantly and the fountains display before and after the game and between innings. There are several statues at the stadium. 





The Kaufmanns, founders and first owners of the Royals 

Dick Howser, Royals Hall of Fame, Manager 1981-1987

Frank White, Jr. Eight career Golden Gloves

George Brett, Royals Hall of Famer

The Hall of Fame was closed for a private event. Believe me, we tried everything, but getting into the HOF did not happen for us. No one we questioned seemed to know what was going on. Customer services didn't even know it wasn't open. The text for help number assured me it was open - until I emailed the picture to them. I was pretty disappointed, but not enough to leave the game after it started in order to go inside. I hate to say, it but no one seemed to care that we traveled across the county and did't get to go in. 

The red seat in honor of Buck O'Neil. Each game someone who represents the O'Neil spirit sits in the seat. O'Neil played for the Monarchs of the Negro League from 1937-1955.

I don't think there is a bigger jumbo-tron anywhere. This thing is huge!

Sluggerrrrr and Little Sluggerrrr. 


Almost every park has one. Don't think we've seen a condiment race before though. 

Great seats as always. Thanks Randy!


Thumbs up:
Interaction with fans, enough without being annoying.
Vendors didn't get in our line of sight.
The scoreboard has a lot of stats, and I really like that. 

Thumbs down:
Closing Hall of Fame until the game starts.
Lack of knowledge/concern of staff.
Ushers did not stop people from going up and down the aisles during play.




Other things to do in the area.
Prydes Kitchen Store- this is a fabulous store with a lot of unique items. As a collector of Fiestaware, it was heaven!

The Negro League Museum- take note, it is not open on Monday!

The Nelson Atkins Museum for Fine Art

Kemper Museum for Modern Art

Despite the lackluster excitement at the stadium, we really enjoyed Kansas City. 





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