KANSAS CITY -- If you're taking in some Royals games at Kauffman Stadium this season, be sure and bring your appetite.
There will be something old and something new for the fans from a food and beverage aspect in 2025. While the team on the field will showcase some newcomers to augment a playoff-tested nucleus, the Royals' food and beverage team members -- in conjunction with their business partners -- have added some new treats as well.
"Whether you want a gourmet experience or classic ballpark favorites, we try to have everything for all of our fans," Royals chief operating officer Jason Sinnarajah said.
When the Royals play Cleveland in the season opener on Thursday, a headliner among the new food items is certain to be "The Z-Man" from Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. The sandwich, which has steadily gained notoriety over the years, will be found in the right field area and available either with slow-smoked beef brisket or smoked pulled chicken. Both versions come with barbecue mayo and topped with smoked provolone and two crispy onion rings on a toasted Kaiser roll.
"Obviously, barbecue is what Kansas City is well-known for," Sinnarajah said. "Our focus area is around that. "
With Sinnarajah spearheading the effort, the Royals started having conversations with Joe's in middle of last summer.
"They were extremely open to the idea," said Corby Stephens, Aramark Sports and Entertainment resident district manager. "Very seamless. They have a gorgeous spot [in right field] with great graphics."
The Royals are committed to keeping their food and beverage menu fresh from season to season and, in some cases, from month to month. Last year, they refreshed the menu with "The Pasqwich", an Italian beef sandwich that highlighted first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. They also brought in the Taste of the K Taco around midseason.
"We'll do the same," Sinnarajah said. "We'll be refreshing our menu during the course of the year."
The new food list on Opening Day will include Cheese Frenchee and Korean BBQ Boa Buns (located in Rivals); Southern BLT (located in the Diamond Club); Sluggerrr Dog (located in Craft and Draft); Mack & Jack (located in Craft and Draft) and Back to Blueberry (located in Craft and Draft).
The value menu remains intact with hot dogs ($4); beer ($5); popcorn ($3); soda ($3) and pretzels ($3) all available for purchase.
Beef Crunchwrap and Kauffman Fried Chicken Quesadilla can be found in the KC Cantina and Suites will offer Chili Garlic Tomahawk, Lobster "Corn Dogs" and S'mores Brownie Cast Iron.
The Royals will also be introducing new apparel in locations around the stadium and Boulevard Brewing will offer a variety of tastes, including the Blueberry Slam and Boulevard Crown Town Ale.
"We look at what our consumers like," said Adam Hall, Boulevard Brewing brand manager. "We strive to vary our offerings to accommodate all those palates out there. If there are 35,000 people in the stadium, hopefully we have something for everyone."