Zimagal Monthly Magazine - Volume One, Issue Five

More and more of the older stadiums are being replaced by brand new constructions. By the looks of things, most major league ballparks will have been completely reconstructed by the year 2001. The architects of these new parks, most notably Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, are reaching into baseball's past and bringing old-time style into the future. Brick facades are once again becoming popular, as is an attention to detail. Although none of the new parks can be confused with any from that bygone era, they certainly do an admirable job of trying.

As well as the architecture, notice how the names are changing from "stadium" back to "field" and "park"; another way to borrow from the past.

Oriole Park
at Camden Yards,
Baltimore, MD

Home of:
Baltimore Orioles
4/6/92 - Present

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, MD

Main Entrance.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards accomplishes the old-time park feel by both its appearance and its accessibility factor. The park is right on the street, just like the old parks, and is also near a major commuter stop. The old warehouse which is part of the complex also adds to the nostalgic aura.

Oriole Park is an HOK/Barton Malow project, the success of which inspired other cities to build their own retro ballparks. Construction took 33 months and $110 million dollars to complete.

The Ballpark
in Arlington
Arlington, TX

Home of:
Texas Rangers
4/1/94 - Present

Ballpark at Arlington, Arlington, TX

Entrance to The Ballpark in Arlington.
Although amazingly similiar to Oriole Park, The Ballpark in Arlington had different architects. But apparently they shared the same vision to creat a ballpark with an old-time feel. The facade is sheathed in brick (a trend!)

David M. Schwarz Architectural Services, Washington DC, and HKS, Inc, Dallas. Construction information not available. This project cost $191 million dollars.

The Ballpark
at Union Station
Houston, TX

Opening:
March 25, 2000

Ballpark at Union Station, Houston, TX

Artist's rendering.
The facade is partly sheathed in brick and the roof is to have a verdigris effect. From the street, this huge structure might feel like a warehouse or perhaps a department store (I think the awnings help with that.)

A HOK park, with construction by Barton Malow.

Jacobs Field
Cleveland, OH

Home of:
Cleveland Indians
4/4/94 - Present

Jacobs Field, Cleveland, OH

Aerial view of Jacobs Field.
Located in downtown Cleveland, the park is easily accessible to game-goers. Like old-time parks, Jacobs Field is a tad asymmetrical. The facade is sheathed in buff-colored brick, with a base of Atlantic green granite. Even from the aerial view, one can see the similarities to the parks of yore.

The Indians' ever-falling attendance got a great pick-me-up at the opening of the new stadium. After spending sixty years in the cold and cramped yet cavernous Cleveland Stadium, the relatively cozy comfort of Jacobs Field was appreciated. It was designed by HOK and built at a cost of $175 million.

Mariners New Ballpark
Seattle, Washington

Opening
May 1, 1999

Proposed Seattle Ballpark

Model, with roof open.
This ballpark will be a great change for the city of Seattle. The huge and hideous Kingdome will be replaced by this charming park with brick facade and arched windows along the street side.

Designed by NBBJ, Seattle, this new park will cost $415 million dollars, $39 of which will be for the retractable roof alone!

Coors Field,
Denver, CO

Home of:
Colorado Rockies
4/26/95 - Present

Coors Field, Denver, CO

Main entrance with clocktower.
Hmmm..does this view remind you of a particular view of Ebbetts Field too? The hand-laid red brick and old-fashioned clock tower are nice touches.

Another HOK design, with construction by Mortensen and Barton Malow, this stadium cost $215 million to build.