The Dodgers Tuesday unveiled plans for a $100 million renovation of Dodger Stadium that will provide a new center field plaza as well as elevators and bridges that will connect the outfield pavilions to the rest of the stadium.
"Dodger Stadium has always been and remains the most beautiful place ever built to play or watch the game of baseball, and these renovations will enhance every aspect of the fan experience with modern and family-friendly amenities," said Dodger President & CEO Stan Kasten. "This latest project continues to demonstrate ownership’s commitment to give a first-class experience to the best fans in baseball."
The project is expected to be complete in time for next season, the Los Angeles Times reported this morning. The announcement will be made during a news conference where the logo for the 2020 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium is expected to be revealed.
Spread over two acres, the new center field plaza will include food establishments, a beer garden, two sports bars, a children's play area, and a space for live pregame and postgame music, according to The Times. Fans will be able to watch the game from above a new batter's eye in straight away center field and from standing positions that ring the seating areas.
"Maybe the most important thing that drove me and Janet [Marie Smith] during this process is when you’re sitting in your seat at Dodger Stadium, whether you’re on the field level or in the top deck, it’s going to look the same as it did before," Kasten said. "That Dodger Stadium view from foul pole to foul pole is just timeless and iconic and we didn’t want to change that. The bleachers, the palm trees and the San Gabriel Mountains, that is never changing as long as we’re around."
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The entrance to the plaza will feature a Jackie Robinson statue, which will be relocated from the left-field reserve plaza. It will also serve as a permanent home for the "Legends of Dodger Baseball'' plaques. Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela comprised this year's inaugural class of "legends."
