KC Royals: FanFest Schedule and Events

Salvador Perez handing out autographs – Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

The KC Royals kick off ‘FanFest’ today at noon for season ticket holders, with the event opening to everyone starting at two P.M.

‘FanFest’ will extend into Saturday, January 30th with season ticket holders having access starting at nine A.M. and being open to everyone starting at 11 A.M.

The KC Royals have shown over the past few seasons that they love their fans, and ‘FanFest’ is just one way that they show it. By connecting with their fans and playing a stellar brand of baseball, the Royals have one of the closest bonds with their fan base in all of baseball.

Quite some time ago, David Schoenfield of ESPN.com was featured in an article about where the Royals rank out of all franchises across all sports. Here’s what he had to say about the Royals and their fans:

"Of all the Royals’ huge gains, the biggest came in fan relations. K.C. placed highest in MLB in “accessibility of players to fans,” and with a roster as likable as this one, that makes a big difference. Social media campaigns helped (the All-Star voting showed the Royals faithful can be extremely social, when they choose to be), as did promotions and giveaways that were second behind only the Diamondbacks. If another long postseason run and good offseason is on the horizon, the Royals could be just getting started."

‘FanFest’ is a perfect example of some of the things that the Royals do to make themselves accessible to their fans. Here’s a list of everything you need to know for this weekends event.

Where:

To go hang out with the Royals over the next couple of days, first you’re going to have to know where it’s at. Royals’ ‘FanFest’ will be held at Kansas City Convention Center’s Bartle Hall. The address for that location is: 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105.

Admission:

Tickets for the event can be bought either in advance at this location or tickets can be bought at the event’s center. Ticket prices range anywhere from $15-$23 for adults and $9-$15 for children depending on the type of ticket you’re trying to purchase. Two-day passes are going to cost more as will buying the tickets at the event rather than online. For more information on tickets and the price of admission visit this FAQ section.

Navigating The Event:

There is a downloadable PDF document that maps out where all the features and attractions will be. It can be found here. (It’s a little difficult to read, so get those reading glasses out)

Now let’s get to the good stuff!

Eric Hosmer HAnding out autographs – (Photo by Jason Squires/Getty Images) /

Player Autographs and Fan Activities:

Players:

The KC Royals’ ‘FanFest’ will feature several autograph booths full of current and former players, coaches, and executives.

Some of the players that will be in attendence are Danny Duffy, Kelvin Herrera, and Christian Colon. The event also includes fan favorites like Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez, and active living legend, Alex Gordon. The list of previous players includes names like Willie Aikens, Jaime Bluma, and Brian McRae.

Other notable names in attendance are Ned Yost, Rex Hudler, Ryan Lefebvre, and legendary voice of the Royals Denny Matthews.

You can find a full list of players and autograph sessions here.

Activities:

Teva Royals Diamond:

Here is what the the event website has to say about the Royals’ diamond:

"Batter up with our Diamond host! Play some ball and learn some tips straight from the big leaguers! All of these activities and more will take place on the Royals Diamond:Clinics on hitting, fielding and pitchingAppearances by Royals players, Sluggerrr, KCrew, and more!Homerun DerbyKids Open Play"

Interactive Games:

Here is the information given on the variety of games offered. It should be noted that it is for fans of ALL ages, so loosen up those arms moms and dads!

"How fast is your fastball? Can you swing for the fences? Test out those baseball skills and more at any one of the many interactive games at the 2016 Royals FanFest. Fans of all ages can have a ball all weekend long with the following activities:Academy Sports & Outdoors Accuracy PitchH&R Block Little Sluggerrr’s Playground*KSHB Bunting ChallengeSkippy Steal Home ChallengeSprint Speed PitchTeva Batting CagesUrban Youth Academy Slider* For our younger Royals fans, Little Sluggerrr’s Playground will include the following: batting cages, target walls for throwing, and a mini steal home challenge."

You can find a pre-registration form for the activities and games here.

Main Stage:

The main stage at the event will feature several interviews with players, coaches, and general manager Dayton Moore. It will also play host to several entertaining events such as a ‘Family Feud’ themed royals event, contests for fans, and fan giveaways.

A schedule of all of the ‘Main Stage’ events can be found here.

Other Notable Items:

Several Royals’ players were recently issued some awards. You’ll have a chance to see these players receive their awards in an awards ceremony.

Of course, there is going to be an opportunity to buy Royals’ Merchandise. This will include game used memorabilia like baseballs, bats, caps, and jerseys. For more information on available merchandise look here.

Why You Should Go:

Put simply. This is a chance to get up close to one of the best teams in baseball right now. When I say team, I truly mean team. We’re in the middle of something great right now.

More from KC Kingdom

It’s not often that you know you’re witnessing history while it’s occurring. The Royals style of baseball and the brotherhood that they have is something that is both rare, and that will be talked about for decades to come.

These moments and the ones given to us by this team over the past couple of seasons are the things that give you goosebumps when watching the highlights. Enjoy the moment, and take every opportunity to soak up these memories while their available.

If you need more reasons than that to go, it should be noted that a portion of the proceeds will go towards Royals’ charities. A full list of Royals’ charities can be found here.

Next: Royals Ten Greatest Moments

What do you think Royals’ fans? Are you going to make it out to ‘FanFest’ this year? If you’ve gone in the past, what are the ‘must see’ events? Share some of your experiences and Royals’ memories in the comments section below.

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