Relay the Way: Make History for the Future of Kansas City

How will we know where our spot is in line?

Your spot location will be included in your event packet along with your shirt, event lanyard, and instructions for Opening Day.

How do we get our event packets and shirts for Opening Day?

Please plan to pick up your shirt, credential and instructions at packet pick-up. Packet pick-up will be at Union Station during the following times:
- Friday, April 1 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 2 from Noon - 3:00 p.m.

Participants will be allowed to park in the Union Station garage free of charge for the first 30 minutes. There will be no packet pick-up Sunday, April 3 so please plan accordingly. You are allowed to pick up a friend or family member's packet.

Where do I park along the relay route?

We cannot guarantee parking so please plan to arrive early enough to allow time to find parking and walk to your check in location. Please obey all city ordinances and parking instructions as the event is not responsible for violation tickets issued. It is recommended that you park on the side streets near your designated location.

Once I get to my location on the relay route, how do I get to my final spot?

There will be volunteers assigned throughout the course who will be wearing yellow/orange safety vests. These volunteers will either be walking or on bikes. They can assist you should you have questions about where to stand and what happens when you arrive to your designated areas.

Do not enter the street until your block captain tells you it is safe. The roads will not be closed until the ball is close (approximately 2-3 blocks away).

Please follow all directions of the block captain and course monitor, as well as staff and police.

What should I bring?

Please bring a water bottle and wear the shirt you receive at packet pick up as well as comfortable shoes as you will be walking and standing. Be aware that you will be outside so plan accordingly (i.e. sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or rain gear). Also, if you have one, a baseball glove! (Glove not required for participation.)

How long do I have to catch and throw the ball when it's my turn?

You have approximately 10 seconds to catch and toss the ball to the next person in line. It is important to keep the ball moving, this means there is no time for photos. There will be an official photographer there to document the event. You will have the opportunity to purchase the photo after the event.

How far will I have to throw the ball?

Participants in the relay will only be standing about 20 feet apart. So, don't worry. You won't need the arm of Lorenzo Cain to do it.

What is Relay the Way?

Relay the Way is the longest opening day first pitch held in Kansas City. On April 3, thousands of fans will catch and throw a ball in a chain from Union Station, through the Historic 18th & Vine District, all the way to the pitcher's mound of Kauffman Stadium to support the creation of the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy.

What is the Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy?

The Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy is a place for kids to grow with baseball from the field to the front office. Mentors and coaches will help kids create a better future for themselves in all aspects of life with not just baseball coaching, but also career training, tutoring, college prep classes and much more. It will have an indoor training facility and four new state-of-the-art diamonds to enhance the 18th & Vine District. It will be built at Parade Park at Truman Road and The Paseo. The Academy will partner with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to help support the local Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI) programs and youth baseball initiatives around the city.

Who does it serve?

The Kansas City MLB Urban Youth Academy's aims to serve approximately 800-1,000 youth per year, ages 6-18. In addition to providing free, year-round baseball and softball instruction and play including tournaments, coaching clinics and skills camps, the Academy will provide youth with access to tutoring programs, college prep classes, college and career fairs, financial literacy and internship programs, courses teaching math through the use of baseball statistics and MLB industry alternative career workshops. Youth will also have opportunities to be involved in drug-resistance and gang-prevention programs and healthy lifestyle classes.

How much does the event cost?

The Urban Youth Academy is requesting a minimum donation of $30 per person in exchange for a limited-edition T-shirt and a spot in this historic event, but additional donations of either time or money are greatly appreciated.

What does my donation fund?

Your donation will help build awareness of the Urban Youth Academy and its mission to serve youth inside and outside of baseball as well as directly impact the Academy's Phase II funding goals needed to erect the complex at 18th & Vine.

How many people will be in line?

Approximately 2,500 fans will stand 20 feet apart, forming one continuous relay from Union Station that ultimately culminates on the mound of Kauffman Stadium during the Royals' first pitch of the 2016 home opener.

How will it work?

Unlike a traditional marathon or race event and more like a parade, Relay the Way will follow a single baseball as it makes its way to Kauffman Stadium. An entourage of police officers, volunteers and fellow fans will cheer participants on as they throw the ball to the next participant through the heart of Kansas City until the ball reaches the stadium and becomes the first pitch of the Royals 2016 season.

What is the event route?

The event route will begin at Union Station and go north to 18th Street and begin to head east toward 18th & Vine. After 18th & Vine it will move south on Brooklyn and east again on Linwood to Stadium Drive. It will end at the Kauffman Stadium service tunnel.

Can I sign up with other people?

Yes. After clicking the join in button on www.relaytheway.com, choose the group option on the following page and create an account. From there you can sign up the people in your group.

Can I pick my spot in line?

Spots will be randomly assigned, but you can ensure that you will be next to your friends and family by signing up as a “group” during the registration process.

How do I get to my spot on the day of the event?

On April 2, participants will pick up their event packages, which will include information about their designated spot as well as additional event information. The package will identify ideal parking spots near your spot in the Relay.

Is it safe to throw the ball down the middle of the street?

The Kansas City Police Department will be blocking off roads during the event as we keep the line moving from one fan to the next. Event volunteers, cameras and security will be present in the area of the ball at all times.

Will I have to stay in line the whole time?

No, we don't expect you to stand in your designated spot for the duration of the event. We will provide time estimations to each participant so that they know the approximate time the ball will arrive in their area so that they can minimize wait time.

Will I still have time to make it to the game early?

Yes. The event will begin the morning of April 3 and end in the early afternoon. The Royals game will begin at 7:37 p.m. CDT.

Do I need a glove?

We recommend a glove to ensure participants catch the ball easily and keep the line moving.

What if it rains?

We will hold the event rain or shine.

How can I stay updated as the event gets closer?

During the Relay the Way event registration process, we will collect your email address in order to communicate exciting and important updates to you as Opening Day approaches.

I can no longer make the event, can I have a refund?

We're sad you can't make it. Unfortunately, your donation is nonrefundable, but we can assure you it's going to a great cause.

Any more questions?

If you have any additional or more specific questions, please send your inquiry to contact@sportkc.org

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