Post by MizzouTiger on Jan 19, 2008 14:31:16 GMT -5
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080118&content_id=2351068&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc
01/18/2008 11:24 PM ET
First Royals FanFest off to great start
Inaugural event draws approximately 4,000 fans
KANSAS CITY -- They came in droves.
If there was any doubt about the success of the first Royals FanFest, it was dispelled when fans formed a line that snaked through the lobby of the Overland Park Convention Center on Friday afternoon.
They couldn't wait for the doors to open, and before the five-hour inaugural was over, an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 folks had walked through the portal.
"We thought it'd be successful, that we'd have a good crowd," said Toby Cook, vice president of community affairs and publicity. "But I think even we were surprised by the turnout for the first day of the first FanFest."
The fans were attracted by the appearances of more than 20 Royals players, plus manager Trey Hillman and general manager Dayton Moore.
"I think people sense that something special is about to happen with the team, and they want to be part of it before the season starts," said Cook.
On a cold day with snow flurries, a white carpet on the ground and temperatures dipping into the teens, fans packed into a colorful midway of booths, batting and pitching cages, and stage presentations.
"I didn't know it'd be this big," said shortstop Tony Pena Jr. "They're hungry, that's why."
By far the most popular venues were the autograph sessions and the photo shoots with players.
"I was really impressed with the whole setup. It looks like it's top-notch," said right fielder Mark Teahen. "Everybody I talked to seemed to be having fun."
A bigger crowd is expected on Saturday, when the FanFest is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For details, click here.
"It's great to have that many people in one spot. It gives them a chance to do a lot of things and see a lot of guys," said first baseman Ross Gload, a veteran of similar fests in Chicago. "In Chicago it's crazy. They got 10,000 to 15,000 people a day. This is very similar."
Brian McRae, who joined Kevin Seitzer at an alumni signing table, was impressed by the turnout.
"It makes you wonder why they didn't do it sooner," McRae said.
No matter. On Friday the timing was right.
"We had a great time today," a young man told an usher as he left.
"It was," his buddy said, "way cool."
thingy Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
01/18/2008 11:24 PM ET
First Royals FanFest off to great start
Inaugural event draws approximately 4,000 fans
KANSAS CITY -- They came in droves.
If there was any doubt about the success of the first Royals FanFest, it was dispelled when fans formed a line that snaked through the lobby of the Overland Park Convention Center on Friday afternoon.
They couldn't wait for the doors to open, and before the five-hour inaugural was over, an estimated 3,500 to 4,000 folks had walked through the portal.
"We thought it'd be successful, that we'd have a good crowd," said Toby Cook, vice president of community affairs and publicity. "But I think even we were surprised by the turnout for the first day of the first FanFest."
The fans were attracted by the appearances of more than 20 Royals players, plus manager Trey Hillman and general manager Dayton Moore.
"I think people sense that something special is about to happen with the team, and they want to be part of it before the season starts," said Cook.
On a cold day with snow flurries, a white carpet on the ground and temperatures dipping into the teens, fans packed into a colorful midway of booths, batting and pitching cages, and stage presentations.
"I didn't know it'd be this big," said shortstop Tony Pena Jr. "They're hungry, that's why."
By far the most popular venues were the autograph sessions and the photo shoots with players.
"I was really impressed with the whole setup. It looks like it's top-notch," said right fielder Mark Teahen. "Everybody I talked to seemed to be having fun."
A bigger crowd is expected on Saturday, when the FanFest is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For details, click here.
"It's great to have that many people in one spot. It gives them a chance to do a lot of things and see a lot of guys," said first baseman Ross Gload, a veteran of similar fests in Chicago. "In Chicago it's crazy. They got 10,000 to 15,000 people a day. This is very similar."
Brian McRae, who joined Kevin Seitzer at an alumni signing table, was impressed by the turnout.
"It makes you wonder why they didn't do it sooner," McRae said.
No matter. On Friday the timing was right.
"We had a great time today," a young man told an usher as he left.
"It was," his buddy said, "way cool."
thingy Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.