The Los Angeles Dodgers has unveiled plans for renovations to its famous Dodger Stadium that includes a new centre-field plaza and elevators and bridges connecting the outfield pavilions to the main stadium.
The project, which will reportedly cost $100m, will take place during the offseason and is due to be completed before the stadium hosts Major League Baseball’s (MLB) All-Star Game at the start of the 2020 campaign.
The team said the project is designed to enhance the MLB’s biggest and third-oldest ballpark – which opened in 1962 – with “modern and fan-friendly amenities”.
The new Centerfield Plaza will create a stadium ‘front door’ with almost two acres of unique food offerings, entertainment and kids’ areas, retail locations, sponsor activations, more social and standing room areas and greater access for those with special needs. A new kids’ play area will be constructed just beyond the wall and fans will be able to view the game from on top of a newly constructed batters’ eye wall.
Elevators are currently under construction in the Right and Left Field Plazas to help move fans to and from this new Centerfield Plaza. Additionally, bridges will be constructed to connect the new pavilion standing room decks to the rest of the stadium for a 360-degree connection around the park’s perimeter.
The team is also installing a new sound system to replace the current speaker tower, and has outlined plans for renovations to the Left and Right Field Pavilions, including new restrooms, enclosed bars with views into the bullpen and the creation of standing room areas.
“Dodger Stadium has always been and remains the most beautiful place ever built to play or watch the game of baseball, and these renovations will enhance every aspect of the fan experience with modern and family-friendly amenities,” said Stan Kasten, Dodger president and CEO.
“This latest project continues to demonstrate ownership’s commitment to give a first-class experience to the best fans in baseball.”
The renovations, which will maintain the arena’s 56,000 capacity, are the latest enhancements to Dodger Stadium since Guggenheim Baseball Management acquired the team in 2013.
The arena has undergone a series of fan-friendly improvements including the creation of two new entrance plazas on the field level, tiered seating and bar areas overlooking both bullpens, two new HD video screens, new team stores, wider concourses, renovated restrooms, enhanced concessions and kids play areas.
There have also been structural and behind-the-scenes upgrades to Dodger Stadium’s infrastructure as well as the construction of new home and visiting clubhouses, batting cages and weight rooms.
The Dodgers have the highest average attendance in the MLB this season with 48,385 after 53 games – some 6,000 clear of second-placed St Louis Cardinals.
Images: Los Angeles Dodgers
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