The Kansas City Royals are making significant changes to Kauffman Stadium’s outfield, a move team officials say will enhance fan experience and increase offensive play beginning with the 2026 season.
The renovations will bring the outfield walls closer to the field, moving them inward between 8 and 10 feet starting near each foul pole. The adjustments will reduce the outfield gaps from 387 feet to 379 feet before tapering back toward center field, which will remain at 410 feet. In addition, the wall height in most areas will be lowered from 10 feet to 8.5 feet.
The project will also expand seating options for fans. Plans include the addition of approximately 150 new seats in left field and 80 drinkrail seats in right field, creating more opportunities for fans to enjoy games closer to the action.
Construction is already underway and is scheduled for completion ahead of the Royals’ home opener against the Minnesota Twins on March 30.
Royals baseball operations officials say the changes are driven by competitive strategy. Team research indicates the redesigned outfield will shift Kauffman Stadium from the bottom third of Major League Baseball parks in fly-ball run value to closer to the league average. Analysts also found the modifications would have provided a net benefit to the Royals over the past three seasons, even when accounting for additional extra-base hits by opposing teams.
The stadium updates mark another step in the organization’s broader efforts to modernize the fan experience while improving on-field performance.
