Royals fans show excitement with largest crowd in nearly a decade

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Fans say Opening Day at the K felt electric and they’re excited baseball is back.

Brian Jolly took his two kids to the game. He says this isn’t their first game, but it’s their first Opening Day.

“The atmosphere is fantastic,” said Jolley. “It was a packed house. Blue everywhere, it was awesome.”

Donsha Finley was another fan who experienced Opening Day for the first time.

“It was great,” said Finely. “An excellent experience.”

He brought his family and was given a baseball bat after being nominated for Coach of the Year for the Urban Youth Academy.

READ MORE: Royals squander early lead in 7-4 Opening Day loss to Guardians

“I don’t know, we’ll find out,” said Finley, when asked his thoughts going into a new season. “Just take it one game at a time.”

Fans packed into the K with over 39,000 in attendance. It was the most fans at a regular season game since April 2017. Mark Cowan says the sold-out crowd made it feel like “the old days.”

“It was amazing,” said Cowan. “I loved it. Win or lose, we have a great team. I feel like we’re on an upswing with Bobby Witt Jr, (Vinnie) Pasquantino, and this might be the last time we see Salvador Perez play.”

His predictions for the season?

“I think it’s going to be up and down,” said Cowan. “I think our pitching is definitely going to be what keeps us in the division. Our bullpen is great, our starters are great. I think it’s going to be a great season.”

The Royals lost 7-4 on Thursday but will be back in action against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday at 3:10 p.m. CT.

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