The Los Angeles Dodgers officially unveiled plans for a $100-million renovation at Dodger Stadium, which will add a plaza in center field, two new sports bars, new children’s play area and elevators and escalators, among other amenities and upgrades.
In addition to a plaza, center field will add a new batters eye area that fans will be able to watch the game from. It’s part of an overhauled pavilion that also will see the creation of standing room areas.
Meanwhile, the Jackie Robinson statue that currently resides in left field, will be relocated to the entrance of the new plaza in center field and be accompanied by a Sandy Koufax statue.
The plaza will also house the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques that are installed on the top deck. Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela were enshrined this year as the inaugural class.
Pavilion renovations will include new restrooms, enclosed bars with views into the bullpen, and be connected to offer fans the opportunity to walk the stadium’s perimeter with ease.
“Entertainment-wise, we are going to start building a two-acre entertainment plaza. This plaza will have a new front door for our stadium, because we don’t really have one,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said.
“And we’re going to have a lot of new food offerings; a beer garden for craft beers; a history display all throughout; a kid’s field right behind the outfield wall; we’re going to have a midway of games and interactive exhibits, both high-tech and low-tech, social media; two separate sports bars with views into the bullpens.”
A new sound system will replace the current speaker tower in center field and provide an enhanced audio experience to fans on all levels of the ballpark with more directed sound.
The project will begin during the offseason and is expected to be completed in time for Opening Day of the 2020 MLB season. “When Janet and I have been through this, we’re usually screwing in bolts the morning of the first game,” Kasten said. “That’s literally not an exaggeration.
“We’re going to take every minute we have, but we’re going to get it done by then. It’s going to be ready to go by Opening Day.”
Next year is shaping to be a bit of a watershed moment for the Dodgers franchise. In addition to the third-oldest Major League ballpark undergoing significant improvements, Dodger Stadium is set to host the 2020 MLB All-Star Game. The game’s official logo was unveiled at the same press conference in which the team detailed forthcoming changes to Chavez Ravine.
Guggenheim Baseball Management has worked to upgrade the stadium since purchasing the team in 2012. Renovations have included new entrance plazas in left and right field, bars overlooking both bullpens, expanded concourses, revamped restrooms, two HD video screens, upgraded home and visiting clubhouses, and more.
Prior to the start of the 2019 season, the Dodgers remodeled the Top of the Park store, added microphones for Vin Scully and current Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín to the Retired Numbers Plaza, introduced plans for a new option to transfer game tickets, and increased the number of self service concession kiosks throughout the ballpark.
All the while Dodger Stadium has retained its nostalgic feel. Earlier this month, the iconic 76 ball returned atop the video boards. For multiple decades, 76 represented the only visible signage at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers remain committed to modernizing Dodger Stadium without sacrificing the sightlines or classic feel of the ballpark. “We are fortunate enough to have the very best view of all,” Kasten said.
“That view of those bleachers, those palm trees, the San Gabriel Mountains, that is iconic, timeless and unmatched anywhere in the world in sports. I’m very proud we’re going to do all of the things I described without changing that look at all. That’s something I’m really proud of.”
