As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to prepare for Opening Day of the 2020 regular season, construction at Dodger Stadium has seemingly been completed. The $100 million renovation began last fall and faced delays both due to weather and the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Dodgers unveiled plans last July, at the time also giving a first look at the logo for the 2020 MLB All-Star Game. Of course, the pandemic has required change, and the Dodgers are now slated to host the All-Star Game in 2022.
But even as they faced the likelihood of having to play at an empty Dodger Stadium this season, the Dodgers steadily worked to complete the renovation. The latest drone flyover provided a look at essentially all major facets being in place.
There is new seating behind the pavilions, play areas for children, bars and more. Not quite as visible are elevators and escalators, needed amenities to usher Chavez Ravine into the new decade.
[LOOK: Complete history of renovations and upgrades at Dodger Stadium]
“I think the most exciting thing for us this year is that this project has given us the opportunity to renovate the pavilions. And not only to give our fans new amenities — restrooms, concessions and entertainment — but also to really re-think the pavilions themselves,” Dodgers senior vice president of planning and development Janet Marie Smith recently said.
“In between the first row of benches and the wall, we’re creating a new seating section, the Home Run Seats. They have drink rails like at the Top of the Park and barstool seating. We’re really pitching that for groups. It’s got a nice, wonderful environment.
“What could be better than sitting right there at the top of the outfield wall? At the top of the pavilion we created a deck that will not only accommodate ADA seating but importantly standing room and lots of milling around space. And for the first time ever, a physical connection from the pavilions back to Dodger Stadium.”
Dodger Stadium batter’s eye
For all the improvements, the batter’s eye having a new look has caused plenty of heartache amongst players. Max Muncy said it was a factor in being unable to pick up a pitch that struck him in his left ring finger.
The Dodgers have taken the first step toward addressing the batter’s eye by placing black tarp on sections in the left- and right-field pavilions that are closest to it.
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