The MLB Rangers considered building a "massive shade structure on Globe Life Park" before deciding to pursue a new retractable-roof ballpark, according to Max Baker of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. The metal canopy would have cost at least $80M and "extended up to 100 feet over the sections of the current seating area." While shading at least 75% of the ballpark's spectators, it still "would have left those closest to the field exposed to the sun during a day game." The canopy which would have "taken at least three baseball seasons to build" and would have only "lowered the temperature by a few degrees." Building the structure also would have been a "major hassle for the team." Populous Senior Architect & Principal Pat Tangen said, "The canopy would change the entire character of Globe Life Park." Tangen added a canopy was "technically feasible," but "complicated to deliver." Baker noted the Rangers ultimately decided to pursue a roof in an effort to "gain the ability to host events at the facility" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 8/14).
