In Ft. Worth, William Wilkerson notes there will be a "distinct Texas flair to the exterior of Globe Life Field and the surrounding landscape" when the Rangers' new ballpark opens for the '20 MLB season. The design team at HKS "incorporated a number of different materials, the majority of which are being produced" in Texas, that "reflect the elements of form and structure, transparency, and landscape." HKS Exec VP & Dir of Sports & Entertainment Bryan Trubey said that the company did a “great deal” of research within Globe Life Park to "determine some of the features" of the new venue (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 3/8).
NOT SO FAST...: A plan to convert Mapfre Stadium into a Crew practice facility and community sports park that was "part of the Save the Crew effort is drawing criticism." Ohio Expo Center & State Fair GM Virgil Strickler "opposes the plan as unveiled in December because it would consume parking needed for the state fair and other events." Strickler said that he was "never contacted about the plan before community leaders announced it." Strickler said that that is a problem because "big events that come to the fairgrounds each year ... rely on that land" (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 3/8).
MAJOR ENHANCEMENT: The "Welcome Experience" at The Players Championship next week "will offer quite the first impression as fans walk on a crafted wooden bridge over a wetland area, which empties into a raft of activities." The walkway at TPC Sawgrass was "designed by the PGA Tour Construction Design Services." Fans will "experience a change in elevation from the parking lot and through the Nicklaus Gate to the walkway’s highest point, then down again before arriving at the Stadium Village." Fans can "hear audio highlights from past tournaments on speakers place along the path" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 3/8).
