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2015 Best Ballpark Renovation Award: AutoZone Park

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

New owners usually mean ballpark changes, and that was especially true this past season, when the St. Louis Cardinals took over the Memphis Redbirds (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) and immediately committed to significantly enhancing the fan experience. The extensive improvements earned AutoZone Park Ballpark Digest’s Best Ballpark Renovation (Over $6M/Under $20M) for 2015.

“AutoZone Park has always been one of the leading venues in Minor League Baseball, but there’s no doubt it had become a dated facility,” said Kevin Reichard, Ballpark Digest publisher. “With the St. Louis Cardinals coming on board as owners, it was clearly important to Cards team leaders and the Redbirds front office that the fan experience be significantly enhanced.”

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

That was accomplished with an offseason renovation that stressed an enhanced fan experience. With an emphasis on the fan experience, ballpark renovations made by the Cardinals include installation of a state-of-the-art LED videoboard in left field, LED ribbon board displays, thirty-nine four tops, a right-field destination BBQ food area, a new left-field bar, additional berm seating, an expanded and upgraded club level, AutoZone Park’s first all-inclusive club in right field, playing field replacement and more.

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

The new Redbird Club.

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

The new Redbird Club.

As part of the 2014 long-term lease agreement between the St. Louis Cardinals and the city of Memphis, $4.5 million in bond proceeds were set aside to make capital improvements to AutoZone Park. The St. Louis Cardinals added more than $2 million in additional capital improvement money as well. Construction was overseen by Montgomery Martin Contractors of Memphis. Architecture designs were provided by Pendulum Studio II LLC of Kansas City.

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

The new 4-tops installed in AutoZone Park.

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

Some of the many new 4-tops installed throughout the ballpark.

“We’re extremely honored to have AutoZone Park recognized by Ballpark Digest,” said Redbirds General Manager Craig Unger. “The substantial improvements made this past year enhanced the ballpark and the guest experience while allowing AutoZone Park to continue to provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment in downtown Memphis.”

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

The new Home Plate Club.

The total renovation project included:

  • New state-of-the-art LED videoboard displays, including a new 14’ x 140’ HD LED Video Wall in left field and two new 3’ x 150’ HD LED Ribbon Boards along the first and third base façades within the seating bowl.
  • A BBQ-themed free-standing structure was constructed on the outfield concourse in right field.
  • Relocated berm seating: Fixed seats in the left field and right field corners were removed to create two new grass berm seating areas to maintain affordable tickets that are closer to the action on the field and fan amenities.
  • A new left-field bar features high-top tables, drink rails, and TVs.
  • Four existing suites behind home plate were removed to create a more vibrant club atmosphere and signature view of AutoZone park for both baseball and non-baseball events. This improved and larger indoor group space features retractable windows, more TVs, and a full service 360-degree bar.
  • Four existing suites in right field were removed to create AutoZone Park’s first public all-inclusive area, which featured retractable windows, a full service bar, indoor/outdoor seating, pool tables, and TVs, draft beer, and house wines.
  • Twenty-nine suites were be renovated with replaced floor covering, new lounge furniture, drink rails, casework, wall and ceiling finishes.
  • Additional TV screens added to concourses and public areas around the ballpark. Concession stands throughout the main concourse also received various upgrades.
AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

A renovated luxury suite.

“Memphis is a great baseball town, and the Cardinals are a top-notch organization,” Reichard said. “With the Redbirds management clearly committed to a great fan experience, the AutoZone Park upgrades should well-serve fans for years to come.”

All images courtesy Memphis Redbirds.

AutoZone Park, Memphis Redbirds

The view from the Red Bird Club.

PREVIOUS 2015 AWARD WINNERS:
Best Ballpark Renovation (Under $6M): Dr Pepper Ballpark
Best New Food Item: Sweenie Donut Dog
Broadcaster of the Year: Josh Whetzel

Best New Logos/Branding: Daytona Tortugas
Best New Ballpark: CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints

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