News that the first event at Globe Life Field will be a concert headlined by country artist Chris Stapleton marks a "drastic change from the way" the Rangers' previous ballpark was used, according to Evan Grant of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The "first major concert" at Globe Life Park, Paul McCartney, "didn't take place until June of this year," the venue's 26th year of operation. That ballpark was "built as a palace for baseball, and baseball only." But it has been "expected the Rangers would bid to get more concerts in the new park, which is part of the reason the team chose a synthetic playing surface." Stapleton "will christen" Globe Life Field on March 14, 2020, along with Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson and Yola. The Rangers will play their first exhibition at the ballpark on March 23. The Rangers yesterday "installed the first seats in the new park" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/24). Rangers Exec VP/Business Operations Rob Matwick said, "It sort of reinforces what we've been talking about all along since we started this project, about how Globe Life Field will be more than just the home of the Texas Rangers." Matwick: "It will be a 365-day-a-year sports and entertainment venue." In Ft. Worth, Jeff Wilson notes Manhattan Construction had "set March 1 as its completion date for Globe Life Field, and the March 14 concert gives them a little more push" (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 10/24).
