Los Angeles Dodgers senior vice president of planning and development Janet Marie Smith led a behind the scenes tour of the Dodger Stadium renovation, providing media with an up-close look at the progress being made as the clock ticks toward Opening Day of the 2020 season.
The Dodgers had already announced that while the goal remains to complete the project by the season opener, some elements will be unveiled and added during the first few homestands. Smith reiterated the pavilions and center field plaza will not be accessible during the exhibition Freeway Series (March 23-24), as finishing touches are completed.
The focus is on completing all aspects of the renovation that are field-facing. That of course entails the outfield fencing, new Home Run Seats and pavilions as a whole.
“The most exciting thing for us this year is that this project has given us the opportunity to renovate the pavilions,” Smith said. “And not only just to give our fans new amenities in the restrooms, concessions and entertainment, but also to rethink the pavilions themselves.”
Once complete, the remodeled pavilions will be expanded in size, have standing room areas and serve as a connector to newly installed elevators.
While the Dodgers are making a slew of additions and upgrades, Dodger Stadium capacity is remaining unchanged. “The difference is instead of 56,000 seats, we’ve now got 56,000 positions that include the bar stools, include the standing room and space that is much more social and fluid,” Smith explained.
At the time of unveiling the $100 million renovation, Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten and Smith noted preserving the nostalgic look and feel of Dodger Stadium was a priority. “Stan Kasten’s mandate was don’t change the postcard view,” Smith said.
[LOOK: Complete history of renovations and upgrades at Dodger Stadium]
“Don’t do anything that vows up the unique look of Dodger Stadium, but let’s give our fans the kinds of amenities they would find if this park had been built yesterday. So that’s been our goal.”
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