The decades-long hope for development next to the MLB Rangers' ballpark is "expected to finally happen" by Opening Day of the '18 season, as the team yesterday announced that groundbreaking on Texas Live! is set for November, according to Jeff Mosier of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The 200,000-square-foot entertainment space "will be the first to open." A 300-room hotel and 35,000 square feet of convention space "will follow that fall." The cost of the project has increased from $200M to $250M, which "will be picked up by the Rangers and the developer," Cordish Cos. That increase "partly comes from doubling the size of the entertainment portion from its original 100,000 square feet." That is the "first phase of what they expect to potentially be" a $3B development. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred "praised the Rangers and plans for the new stadium and Texas Live!" The Rangers and Cordish also "announced the names of the first three Texas Live! venues." Rangers Republic "will be a two-level, 30,000-square-foot restaurant and sports bar that will feature visits by players, interactive games and game broadcasts." Live! Arena is "planned as a 35,000-square-foot restaurant and entertainment venue described as the development's 'living room.'" Arlington Backyard is "planned as an outdoor event pavilion for 5,000 to 7,000 people with 250 annual events, such as art shows and concerts." The Rangers and Cordish said that repurposing Globe Life Park would be "part of a future phase" (
DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/21).
IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE: In Ft. Worth, Stefan Stevenson notes Manfred "offered his full support" of the Rangers’ proposed retractable roof ballpark as a way to "combat the excessive heat during the summer." Manfred said, “The climate here, and it’s not unique, presents a competitive disadvantage.” He cited the heat as "not only hard to play in, but also as a deterrent to potential free agents wanting to sign with the club" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 9/21). In Dallas, Gerry Fraley notes Rangers co-Chair Ray Davis "has become a trusted figure" for the commissioner. Manfred said of Davis, "Really thoughtful. Sound judgment. Good business sense. Can't say enough good things." Manfred said that the Rangers' success since coming out of bankruptcy court in '11 "reflects 'good local ownership,'" with Davis and fellow co-Chair Bob Simpson (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 9/21).
