As the 2020 Major League Baseball season remains indefinitely suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been afforded extra time to complete their Dodger Stadium renovation.
During a tour for media early last month, construction workers were continuing to plug away toward completing the reported $100 million project. While the goal remained to have most aspects done by Opening Day — March 26 — the focus was on field-facing components.
However, with MLB delaying the start of the season amid the coronavirus outbreak and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggesting physical distancing guidelines, construction at Dodger Stadium has slowed considerably.
Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten nonetheless said late last month that the bulk of the renovations were in already in place. He also expressed confidence the entire project would be completed if and when games were cleared to be played.
[LOOK: Complete history of renovations and upgrades at Dodger Stadium]
The latest drone flyover at Dodger Stadium by John Kay revealed there is plenty of work to be completed in the new center field plaza, but that the Home Run Seats were installed.
Among the changes and improvements coming to Dodger Stadium are the installation of elevators and escalators, a Sandy Koufax statue, new speaker system, batter’s eye and an overhauled pavilion that will feature standing room decks and now be connected to the entire 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 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.”
While the Dodgers are eager to unveil the completed renovation, the idea of playing games at Dodger Stadium with fans in attendance this season may not come to fruition.
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