A ‘first’ at the K, Royals combine drones and fireworks to wow fans for Fourth of July

Colorful patriotic images and fireworks lit up Kauffman Stadium Wednesday night after the Royals ’ victory against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Royals hosted Independence Day celebrations, a drone and fireworks show on July 3 and a fireworks show on July 4.

The “Fireworks and Drone Show Spectacular,” had more than 300 drones creating patriotic displays Wednesday as fireworks were shot in the sky. The combination was a first for the K.

“This is actually our first drone and fireworks show together,” said Chandra Stadtmueller, Royals manager of game entertainment.

The team has put on Friday fireworks shows for years. And in 2022, it started using drones with different colored lights to put on a show, forming images above the field.

“Our first one was very city connect-focused (Royals and Kansas City themed images), and we did one last year it was Grateful Dead-focused,” Stadtmueller said.

Stadtmueller told The Star that the Royals were excited to integrate drones and fireworks this year after months of preparing for the show.

Fans were able to watch the epic drone and fireworks show from their seats, and some purchased a special pass to watch the action from a spot in the outfield. Families sat and laid in the grass, taking pictures and cheering as patriotic images and fireworks filled the sky.

The drones formed Fourth of July-themed shapes, including the American flag, the Statue of Liberty, a barbecue grill and a bald eagle. It ended with the Royals logo.

Will there be a drone show next year?

Stadtmueller told The Star that since this was their first time combining drones and fireworks, they wanted to see how it goes first before committing to next year. It will also depend on the the Royals game schedule and if their will be home games for the Fourth of July.

“We’ve definitely got a lot of interest in it, it’s fun to hear them cheer on the different images we put up in the sky every year and so we always try to keep it different and unique to whatever holiday or event is going on,” Stadtmueller said.

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