Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten is “focused on what he calls an aggressive off-season plan” to respond to Dodger Stadium’s “most pressing current needs,” according to Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. TIMES. Kasten said those needs include “back-of-the-house stuff -- power, water, clubhouse, batting cages for both teams.” He added, "In the receiving bowls we're going to have more restaurants and bars, more hanging-out areas, gathering areas. Our sound system, our video system, kids’ areas -- those are the kind of things we’re looking at." Kasten: "We do have an aggressive plan ... you could say it can’t all get done in the 24 weeks I have until opening day.” He added that the teams has been “so focused on the immediate changes the stadium needs” that ownership has “given scant thought to more long-term needs.” Kasten said if he knew the team was “going to be here for the next 50 years like Wrigley and Fenway, then we’d also be doing probably other 50-year things.” Dilbeck noted “ultimate plans for Dodger Stadium might also be on hold while Mark Walter and his Guggenheim Group explore the possibility of bidding on AEG.” There are “several possibilities to consider for the long-term future of Dodger Stadium.” It could “undergo a significant renovation under new stadium architect Janet Marie Smith,” or it could be “knocked down and a new ballpark built.” If Guggenheim Baseball Management were to purchase AEG, it could “build both ballpark and stadium on the Chavez Ravine site, or less likely, build the ballpark downtown and the NFL stadium in the ravine.” Kasten: “My guess is we’ll be here, long term, permanent” (L.A. TIMES, 10/12).
