Metro Sports 360 The Wire

Article by: James Kemplay 

Recently I have visited PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA and the “New K” here in Kansas City and it is so painfully obvious the blunder the Royals and Jackson County ventured into. 

PNC Park has a small almost minor league ballpark feel to it.  It’s setting down town Pittsburgh right on the river just oozes baseball.  The closing of the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the weekend entertainment in the streets outside the ballpark, the liveliness of downtown... a game day experience in Pittsburgh is a sight to behold.   

Once inside you are greeted by an intimate setting with that old baseball ballpark feel.  This was what baseball is supposed to be.  Then too much of my amazement I found out the HOK Sports out of Kansas City was the designer of this baseball jewel.  PNC Park in of it’s self is a draw even when it’s home town Pirates are struggling. 

You then get outside the city limits here in Kansas City and you imminently are struck by the enormous size and openness of the “New K”.  From its massive HD Video Board to its large bowl open seating... you could tell the massive renovations where designed to create an entertainment destination in Kansas City.  The outfield experience, the Hall of Fame, and the Sports Bar all located in the outfield is truly an “experience” but what is lost in all this is the game of baseball. 

The “New K” and all its $250+ millions of dollars in restorations lost its baseball beauty as one of the best settings to watch a baseball game.  The open seating and water fountains and perfectly groomed natural grass added s sense of beauty to an ageing ballpark, and although the fountains remain they are over shadowed by an enormous video board, bars, and what seems to be an area recently for brawling fans. 

The K will surely drive in more business and revenue for the Royals attracting fans from all over to come and experience the entertainment value of all it has to offer, but it misses the boat in creating an enhanced baseball experience.

In Pittsburgh the amities are all there just as they are at the “New K” but they are outside... PNC has an outdoor street bar; the “New K” has the Dry Duck Bar in left field.  PNC has a restaurant facing the outside of the ball park, the “New K” has a Rivals Sports bar inside the ball park, The Pirates Hall of Fame can be accessed street side, and the Royals Hall of Fame is located inside the ballpark. 

Pittsburgh has done something Kansas City should have done, create an atmosphere the lasts even after the game is over.  Once you’re inside its all about baseball in a picture perfect setting.  Once your inside “The New K” you are distracted from the game by all the outside distractions, I myself an avid baseball fan get caught up during a game just staring at the monster video screen and get the urges to wander around this massive playground that is Kauffman Stadium.

You are sure to enjoy your time at either stadium and both are state-of-art... I just believe Kansas City missed the boat and would have been better off building a ball park that was downtown with all the amities it has now in a more intimate setting that doesn’t distract from the actual game.