MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during his tour of the Globe Life Field construction site "hinted" that the All-Star Game could be coming to the ballpark in the "next few years," according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. Manfred said, "We always try to bring jewel events to communities that have stepped forward, supported baseball, participated in the development of projects like this. I think it is reasonable that pattern will continue." The All-Star Game will be played at Dodger Stadium in '20 and SunTrust Park in '21. Meanwhile, Globe Life Field is "scheduled to open" in time for the start of next season, and construction "continues around the clock to meet the final deadline of March 1." The Rangers "remain confident that will happen." The "final piece of structural steel was installed on Monday." Additionally, the foul poles are "being installed and the dugouts are being completed." The artificial playing surface "will be installed" after Jan. 1. Manfred: "This is going to be another step forward for the industry in terms of the standard for ballpark construction. The advantages for the fans here in Arlington and the Metroplex are so obvious" (MLB.com, 11/19).
