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The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled plans Tuesday
for a $100-million renovation to Dodger Stadium that includes a
new center-field plaza, elevators and bridges connecting the
outfield pavilions to the main stadium, and a new sound system.
"People will be able to do a 360-degree walk around the stadium
for the first time," team president and chief executive Stan
Kasten told the Los Angeles Times. "The original design of the
stadium was for fans to drive up to their gate, go to their
seats and go home."
The new plaza outside center field will include food
establishments, a beer garden, two sports bars, a children's
play area and a venue for live music. The Jackie Robinson statue
will be relocated there from the left-field reserve plaza, with
a new statue of legendary left-hander Sandy Koufax to be
unveiled next year.
Koufax, 83, won three Cy Young Awards, was the National League
MVP in 1963 and led the NL in ERA every year from 1962 to his
1966, after which he retired.
"We're finally going to have a front door with this
entertainment plaza we're building below and beyond the
pavilions," Kasten said. "It's going to act like a two-acre
tailgating area pre- and postgame."
The upgrades and improvements are expected to be completed prior
to the 2020 season. The 57-year-old facility will host next
July's All-Star Game for the first time since 1980.
"We're just using that game as an opportunity to make the
ballpark shine," Kasten told the newspaper. "This just seemed
like the perfect time."
Dodger Stadium opened its doors in 1962. Chicago's Wrigley
Field, built in 1914, is the NL's oldest ballpark.
--Field Level Media
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