KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas City Royals fans didn’t need a ticket to Truist Park on Friday — just a seat at the movies.
B&B Theatres hosted free Opening Day watch parties at multiple Kansas City area locations, giving fans a big-screen experience for the Royals’ away opener against the Atlanta Braves.
Turns out, a movie theater and a ballpark have more in common than you’d think — popcorn, nachos, cold drinks, and a crowd cheering for the same team.
Fans filled the seats decked out in everything from KC ballcaps and satin Starter jackets to T-shirts honoring the team’s 2015 World Series championship.
“It’s so fun to see it with lots of people,” said Nanette Mills. When asked if it felt like the stadium on a smaller scale, she didn’t hesitate. “Yeah and actually free too. It’s a little cheaper here.”
For 10-year-old Henry Theiling, the draw was simple: “Because it’s more like of the movie magic.”
Not everyone was ready to hand the theater a World Series ring just yet. Mike Marshall has worked in the Diamond Club — the upscale, climate-controlled premium seating area at Kauffman Stadium — and he offered a candid comparison.
“It’s not even close. I worked in the Diamond Club and it was a great experience, great people,” Marshall said, then pivoted. “This will be a fun experience here. Maybe I’ll come back again.”
Nancy Harp attended similar Royals events at B&B before and knew what to expect.
“They did it last year a couple of times and it was really a lot of fun,” Harp said. “It was almost like you were at the game because everybody’s in there. They’re cheering, clapping.”
Some fans came ready to analyze every inning. Dave Murphy said he spent the offseason staying locked in.
“Just getting souped up. Watch the college baseball World Series and listen to hear the trades. It’s now time to go,” Murphy said.
Others came with specific players on their radar. Theiling’s 11-year-old buddy, Beckett, said he was keeping a close eye on one name in particular: “I just want to see how good Mikel Garcia does.”
Marshall said he wants to see the Royals carry the energy they showed on the international stage.
“I want to see the Royals play as excited as they did in the World Baseball Classic that they just played in,” he said.
For Bridget Bade and Randy Briggs, the night was a long time coming. Bade said the anticipation had been building all winter.
“We were getting our Royals stuff out and so excited because they did so well at the end of last year and we think they’re going to come back out strong,” Bade said.
Briggs, who called it a rare night out, shared the optimism: “They’ve got a lot of good players and I think they’re ready.”
KCTV5 estimated about 80 fans turned out for the Shawnee location, where the 91-seat theater was close to full. Admission was free and first-come, first-served — no tickets required.
More free Royals screenings coming
B&B Theatres has eight more free Royals watch parties scheduled this season at numerous area locations. They include Overland Park, Shawnee, Liberty, Lee’s Summit and the Northland. All games are away games broadcast on the big screen:
| Date | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Monday, April 6 | Cleveland Guardians |
| Wednesday, April 8 | Cleveland Guardians |
| Wednesday, April 15 | Detroit Tigers |
| Friday, April 17 | New York Yankees |
| Wednesday, April 29 | Athletics |
| Wednesday, May 13 | Chicago White Sox |
| Friday, May 15 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Saturday, May 16 | St. Louis Cardinals |
B&B Theatres is a nationwide movie theater chain headquartered in the Kansas City area.
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