It’s finally here!
Monday is the Kansas City Royals home opener against the Oakland Athletics.
The Royals expected a full house, meaning 40,000 fans at Kaufman Stadium.
First pitch is at 3:15 p.m. If you didn’t get a ticket for the game you can watch it on Fox Sports Kansas City or the MLB Network.
Remembering Ace
There will be a special tribute for Yordano “Ace” Ventura after his tragic death on January 22, 2017.
Ventura's family was in attendance. There was a moment of silence, and his mother threw out the first pitch.
RELATED | Royals honor Yordano Ventura at home opener
The Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat is going to Victor Baez, field coordinator for the Royals Dominican Academy. He has been a father figure to many players who have come up through the Dominican Republic, including Ventura.
The Royals Hall of Fame also has special exhibits about Ace, including part of a signed wall that was up at Royals Fan Fest. Every square inch of the wall is covered with messages, signatures and memories from fans.
"You hope they remember the good times - the time he was in Kansas City. The spectacular things we got to watch him do it. He did it with such style, grace and flare. I hope that's what people remember," said Curt Nelson, director of the Royals Hall of Fame.
The players have been wearing Ace 30 patches on their sleeves. That has been copied onto the Hall of Fame wall.
Watch the Royals Home Opener pre-game ceremony below:
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Changes to Kauffman Stadium
The Diamond Club's renovation is the biggest remodel at Kauffman Stadium since 2009.
"They gutted this place from top to bottom as soon as last season ended," said Royals publicist Amanda Turk.
The new @Royals Diamond Club! Total revamp. It's beautiful. @41actionnews #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/5A9xlwr3yZ
— Richard Sharp (@RichardKSHB) April 10, 2017
Opinions from fans shaped up food offerings at the club. The menu now includes craft cocktails, rotisserie meats and treats from KC Baking Company.
Theater-like seats are also available behind home plate for a comfortable view and in-seat service.
