Kansas City Royals Spring Training History

With Spring Training fast approaching, here is a refresher of Kansas City Royals history. The Kansas City Royals have a rich history of spring training locations, reflecting the team's evolution and the shifting landscapes of baseball facilities over the decades.

Throwback to 1969! The Kansas City Royals' inaugural team roster during their first spring training at Terry Park in Fort Myers, Florida.

Terry Park, Fort Myers, Florida (1969–1987)

Upon their establishment, the Royals selected Terry Park in Fort Myers, Florida, as their inaugural spring training site. This historic ball field had previously hosted teams like the Philadelphia Athletics, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Royals' first exhibition game took place here against the Montreal Expos. Notably, during their tenure, the field featured artificial turf, mirroring the surface at Royals Stadium. The team continued to train at Terry Park until 1987.

This official 1988 Kansas City Royals scorecard comes from their first season at Baseball City Stadium in Davenport, Florida. This era marked their move to a state-of-the-art spring training facility, part of the short-lived but memorable Boardwalk and Baseball theme park.

Baseball City Stadium, Davenport, Florida (1988–2002)

In 1988, the Royals transitioned to Baseball City Stadium in Davenport, Florida. This move was part of a broader development that included the Boardwalk and Baseball theme park. The stadium, with a capacity of 8,000, was designed to be the centerpiece of the park. Despite the innovative concept, the theme park struggled financially and closed in 1990. Nevertheless, the Royals maintained their spring training operations at the stadium until 2002.

This commemorative pin celebrates the Kansas City Royals’ spring training home in Surprise, Arizona. Since 2003, the Royals have trained at Surprise Stadium, sharing the complex with the Texas Rangers.

Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Arizona (2003–Present)

Seeking modern facilities and new opportunities, the Royals moved their spring training base to Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona, in 2003. This state-of-the-art complex, which they share with the Texas Rangers, offers top-tier amenities and has become a hub for Royals' preseason activities. The shift to Arizona marked a new chapter in the team's preparation and development, leveraging the advantages of the Cactus League environment.

Throughout these transitions, the Royals have demonstrated adaptability and a commitment to providing their players with optimal training environments, reflecting broader trends in Major League Baseball's spring training practices. If you’re a Kansas City Royals’ fan and have never made the pilgrimage to Spring Training we highly suggest it!

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