Today’s Frisco news, part II: The Frisco RoughRiders (Class AA; Texas League) announced several improvements to Dr Pepper Ballpark for the 2015 season and beyond, as new owners put their imprint on the franchise.
The biggest change — and the one utilized by multiple MiLB and MLB teams this offseason — is the addition of a giant, 2,763-square-foot high-definition videoboard and nearly 2,500 square feet of new or upgraded LED boards that will provide Riders fans with the largest in-stadium digital display footprint in Minor League Baseball.
“When our new ownership group took over operations of the RoughRiders late last season, we immediately set the goal of providing our fans at Dr Pepper Ballpark with the top game day experience in Minor League Baseball,” said RoughRiders CEO and Managing Partner Chuck Greenberg in a press release. “After seven months of careful planning and consultation with fans, sponsors, City of Frisco officials and the Texas Rangers, we are confident that the results accomplish that goal.
“So much has changed from a technology and fan experience standpoint since Dr Pepper Ballpark opened in 2003, making it imperative for us to not only update our infrastructure, but go above and beyond to provide fans with a more appealing, diverse and enjoyable sensory experience from the time they enter the gates until they leave the game,” Greenberg added. “The visual upgrades, combined with new food and beverage enhancements, sound system, and other fresh additions to the ballpark, will create a dynamic, one-of-a-kind feel fans from throughout the Metroplex are going to need to see multiple times in order to fully experience.”
Here’s a list of what Greenberg and crew are planning for Dr Pepper Ballpark improvements:
- A massive, brand-new, high-definition Daktronics videoboard will replace the current standard-def version beyond the left-center field wall. This new board, measuring more than 2,700 square feet, will be more than five times larger than its predecessor and will feature a crystal-clear, high-definition picture. The new video board will be the third largest built by Daktronics for a Minor League Baseball team and will provide increased flexibility for replays, game entertainment, sponsor messaging, and deeper statistics and player information. A state-of-the art control room on the fourth floor of the ballpark will complement the new board by providing the delivery of stunning videos, animations and still images.
- New outfield wall LED signage, including a new left-field digital scoreboard display, will replace the current field-level LED ribbon boards, which were the first of their kind in any baseball stadium when they were originally installed in 2003. Updated outfield wall LEDs in left-center field and right field will be joined by the new left-field scoreboard, which replaces the previous score display above the right-field fence. With three field-level LED displays, the new videoboard, and other LED ribbons throughout the ballpark, Dr Pepper Ballpark will feature the most digital signage in all of Minor League Baseball.
- An all-new, state-of-the-art sound system will be installed throughout the ballpark, from the seating bowl to the outfield berm to the in-stadium concourses and restrooms. All fans will experience a dazzling sound experience, no matter where they are inside Dr Pepper Ballpark.
- Inspired by the State Fair of Texas, the walkway behind the third base building structure will feature a rotating series of locally operated food trucks and other fair-themed portables reminiscent of a walk along the midway. In addition to fair-style concessions offerings, the area will also include carnival games for all ages, and an enhanced playground patio. The combination of all elements will make the State Fairway area the epicenter of all ballpark activities.
- A new, open-air sports bar will replace the space previously occupied by the Riders Team Store location along the third-base concourse. All fans will be able to enjoy this laid-back environment that connects directly to the newly created State Fairway area, the nearby McAfee and Primrose Playgrounds, and the third-base concourse. The sports bar will feature multiple flat-screen televisions along with a wide variety of food and drink options.
- The new team merchandise store will be moved near the home plate entrance of Dr Pepper Ballpark, taking over the location previously occupied by the InTouch Grille. The “Riders Outpost” team store will provide fans with more than twice the floor and display space as the current location, while offering completely new merchandise featuring the RoughRiders’ new logo set. In addition, the new team store location will now include street access for non-game day and weekend shopping.
- The relocated and improved InTouch Grille will feature an enhanced location, atmosphere and dramatically improved food offerings in its new air-conditioned location near the right field corner of Dr Pepper Ballpark. Founder’s Member season ticketholders will enjoy a tasty, all-you-can-eat array of ballpark food and drink options, along with new menu selections.
- A significantly upgraded food experience will be available to all fans, with a wider variety of options and higher quality selections at all Dr Pepper Ballpark concessions stands.
One final change that won’t be seen by fans: The home and visiting clubhouses will be overhauled to improve the player experience at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
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