Sports
Texas Rangers plan for $10 million ballpark renovations
ARLINGTON -- New seating behind home plate and even more concessions are part of about $10 million in ballpark renovations the Rangers have proposed for the offseason, which the team hopes doesn't begin until November.
The team, which has the best record in the American League, wants to add a row of seats by moving the wall behind home plate at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington forward and closer to the field, according to a city staff report given to the Arlington City Council.
Upgraded and expanded concession facilities are also slated for the main concourse area near the home-plate entrance. Construction is set to begin shortly after the team's season ends.
"We hope that's not until November. We hope we will go deep into the playoffs," said Rob Matwick, executive vice president of ballpark and event operations.
The team declined Monday to discuss specifics about the planned improvements, saying it is too early.
"We are not prepared to discuss anything yet. It has to go before the city," Rangers spokesman John Blake said. "We are planning at this point to hopefully do this."
The Rangers are once again asking the council to allow the team to pay for labor and construction supplies for renovations to the city-owned ballpark under Arlington's tax-exempt status.
The team saved an estimated $600,000 in sales taxes on its $12 million renovation to the center-field area last off-season.
Those improvements, the first major renovation since the ballpark opened in 1994, included a new sports bar and concession stands, air-conditioned children's play area and additional club seating.
The council, which is set to be briefed on the project Tuesday, is scheduled to approve the financing arrangement at its Oct. 16 meeting, according to a staff report.
Susan Schrock, 817-709-7578
Twitter: @susanschrock
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