The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they are sold out for opening day. Yet, there is one way to be at Kauffman Stadium to enjoy some baseball, the fountains, a hot dog, an ice-cold Coke, and hopefully a Royals victory without breaking the bank.

I'm always skeptical when games or shows are labeled "sold out" a few days before the contest. Most of the time, some last-minute tickets get released, or the venue finds a way to sell a few more tickets. In many cases, it's more semantic and figurative to say capacity has reached the point where any seats that aren't sold won't be attractive to buyers.

With the Royals announcing a sell-out for opening day, I decided to check what's available and for how much.

Can You Still Get Tickets for Thursday's Game At Kauffman Stadium? 

If you're willing to spend a lot of money to see the game and don't care about sitting next to the people you're going to the game with, yes. There are some seats available. I tried to get two, four, six, or eight seats together, but it was impossible. You can see what's currently available here.

Yet single seats are still available, from a Diamond Club Seat for $352 to a field box seat down the right or left field line for $150. Other more affordable seats, like the nosebleed seats on the view level, are gone.

However, I didn't check ticket brokers and generally don't want to support them, so if you're willing to shell out the big bucks, you might find a pair there.

Ok, How Can I Get Opening DayTickets Without Breaking The Bank?

The term breaking the bank is relative, so this isn't going to work for everyone, but if you're willing to shell out $50 per person, you can consider the Royals Fountain Pass. Essentially, a fountain pass is a standing-room-only ticket. However, the pass lets you watch as many home games as possible for $50 monthly.

If you're interested in the atmosphere of opening day, don't mind hanging around the standing areas to watch the game. Then think you might use it to attend a few more games in March and April. It is a way to get in the door for opening day.

How Does The Fountain Pass Work?

A Royals Fountain Pass will get you into every home game for a $ 50-a-month charge. Tickets are guaranteed for every game, including weekends and high-demand games, and holders can upgrade tickets an hour before the first pitch if seats are available.

According to the Royals website, Fountain Pass members can watch the game from the specially marked standing areas on the Plaza levels. Additionally, they are welcome to hang out at Rivals Sports Bar, Craft and Draft, and the Miller Lite Fountain Bar. Of course, I'd point out that those areas might not be that easy to hang out in on opening day or any well-attended game.

Finally, you can cancel your Fountain Pass by filling out a form on the Royals website before the 20th of the month if you don't want it renewed for another month. For example, you'd need to cancel your pass by April 20 if you don't want to have it renewed for May.

Finally, you can pass on your Fountain Pass tickets to friends and fans if you're not going to a specific game. However, you can't resell them.

My Final Thoughts

The Royals Fountain Pass might not work for everyone, but it might be your best option if you want to be there on opening day.

I'm okay with experiencing opening day through the broadcast on Sedalia's News Leader KSIS 1050; however, between the ability to upgrade to seats when available and the freedom to head out to the K for any home game, it might be worth it if I'm confident I'd use it three, four, or five games a month.  If I lived closer to the ballpark, I'd try it.

The Fountain Pass's only limitations are that it doesn't include playoff games at the K and that parking must still be paid for.