Updated Wichita ballpark renderings have been released, reflecting some adjustments made to the facility as work continues to meet a planned 2020 opening.
Slated to open next season for the relocating New Orleans Baby Cakes (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), the new Wichita ballpark will be built on the former site of Lawrence-Dumont Stadium–albeit on a slightly different footprint–and is expected to anchor a larger redevelopment initiative in the surrounding area. Some renderings were released in January, but updated designs were recently released to provide some of the latest plans for the facility.
The updated plans give an overview of how a few amenities–including party decks, drink rails, an outfield rooftop deck, and more–will be worked into the ballpark, while incorporating artwork and more shade structures. Plenty of work on the facility remains, but the reaction from the team and local officials to the latest design concept appears to be positive. More from KSN:
“This is the people’s ballpark,” said Lou Schwechheimer, owner of Wichita Baseball 2020….
“I think there’s a little more work to be done,” said James Clendenin, city council member. “I think they realize that. The great thing about these renderings is they’re starting to reflect the feedback we’ve been getting.”
One major concern for people is the lack of shade around the stadium. The new renderings address that.
“There’s a lot more shade structures out there,” said Clendenin. “There’s a lot more public art pieces to it. I think people are pleased with what they’re seeing so far.”
A more detailed overview of the updated plans can be viewed on the city’s website. In December, the Wichita City Council approved a design-build team that includes JE Dunn Construction, DLR Group, EBY Construction, Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture and Professional Engineering Consultants. When the new ballpark opens, it will mark the first time that Wichita has hosted affiliated Minor League Baseball since the Wichita Wranglers (Class AA; Texas League) relocated to Springdale, AR after the 2007 season to become the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
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