The MLB Rangers this offseason are "spending about $12 million to renovate" Vandergriff Plaza in the center field area of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, adding a Batter's Eye Club, a two-story restaurant/sports bar, more concession stands, a new visiting bullpen and an indoor area for kids, according to Drew Davison of the FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM. The project is "65 percent complete, and is expected to be finished by March 20." Rangers Exec VP/Ballpark Operations Rob Matwick said, "We're right on schedule and right on budget." The team "wanted to make the center field plaza more fan-friendly." There will be "no more aluminum bleachers, which have been replaced with actual seats." There are also "covered decks with open seating for fans to avoid rain on those rare days and the sun during the hot summer days." The two-story restaurant/bar "is open to all fans, as well, and features studios" for FS Southwest and ESPN radio. The Batter's Eye Club "will be reserved for group rentals, and as an individual seating area for select games." Matwick said, "We're just trying to stay ahead of the curve, or at least even with everybody else." As for the kids, the new "indoor area will have several interactive games, including a climbing wall and slide." The indoor facility can entertain "up to 100 kids at a time, and will be available to rent during road trips and in the off-season for birthdays and other celebrations" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 2/16). Matwick said that there will "probably be more [renovations] to come in future offseasons." He said, "We’re thinking this is a three- to five-year process, looking for ways to make the fan experience better." In Dallas, Jeff Mosier notes Manhattan Construction handled the project. Rangers Exec VP/Communications John Blake said that officials were "still deciding on pricing" for the 102-seat Batter's Eye Club. He added, "It's a tough thing to sell right now. We don't have anything to show" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 2/16).
