April 3, 2015
Fresh off their first World Series appearance in 29 years, the Kansas City Royals will open the 2015 season on Monday with a game against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Poised to be a threat in the Central division once again, the defending A.L. champs are seeing big prices on the secondary ticket market for their home opener. The average price for Royals Opening Day tickets on TicketIQ is now $235.04, up 5.6% from last week’s average of $222.50. The cheapest seat available is currently priced at $107.
The team did little to enhance its roster in the offseason and waved goodbye to free agent James Shields in the offseason, but a core group with postseason experience will likely make the Central an arms race through the summer months.
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The Kansas City Royals enter the 2014 season as the reigning American League champions. Last season, Kansas City and San Francisco engaged in one of the most entertaining World Series in recent memory. San Francisco won the decisive Game 7 in Kansas City, but few expected the Royals to even reach the World Series. Kansas City did not have one dominant offensive player, but timely hitting and defense propelled them through the playoffs. Outfielder Alex Gordon was Kansas City’s best offensive player last season. Gordon led the team in runs (87), home runs (19), and RBIs (74). Starting pitcher James Shields, who is currently a free agent, was the staff ace last season. Shields posted a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA over 34 starts. Shields is struggling to find a suitable contract, so he may return to Kansas City on a hometown discount. Closer Greg Holland proved to be one of the best closers in the American League. Holland earned 46 saves while striking out 90 hitters over 62 innings. Kansas City will once again battle with Detroit and Cleveland for supremacy in the American League Central division.
On TicketIQ, the average price on the secondary market for Royals Opening Day tickets is $222.50 while the get-in price is $73. Ticket prices for Opening Day 2015 are the highest over the last five Opening Days at Kauffman Stadium.
| Year |
Opponent |
Avg Price |
Get-in Price |
| 2015 |
CWS |
$222.50 |
$73.00 |
| 2014 |
CWS |
$179.24 |
$89.00 |
| 2013 |
MIN |
$121.50 |
$20.00 |
| 2012 |
CLE |
$141.97 |
$54.00 |
| 2011 |
LAA |
$96.10 |
$25.00 |
| 2010 |
DET |
$167.34 |
$45.00 |
The higher ticket prices indicate that fans are anxious to greet their American League champions. While Kansas City’s Opening Day starter is yet to be determined, Chicago will hope its ace, Chris Sale, can ruin Kansas City’s Opening Day festivities. Last season, Sale went 2-1 while posting a 2.70 ERA in three starts against Kansas City. The American League Central will be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. Detroit lost Max Scherzer, but still has Justin Verlander and David Price atop its rotation. Without Shields, Kansas City lacks a top flight pitcher to match-up against its main division rival. Fans can hope Kansas City’s ownership signs Shields in its quest to defend its American League crown.
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