The Rangers announced two significant guest policy changes ahead of Globe Life Field's debut next month, as fans will "still be able to bring their own food" into the ballpark with a one-gallon bag limit, and there will be "no smoking allowed anywhere inside the building," according to Evan Grant of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The new outside food policy "permits fans to bring in food so long as it fits inside a clear one gallon-sized plastic bag." Fans also may bring a "single-sealed, non-flavored bottle of water of one liter or less." Additional considerations will be made for dietary concerns and infants. Fans also will be able to "vote on their favorite concession item to be featured as one of the signature items in the park." The previous policy allowed fans to bring food in "soft-sided collapsible coolers." Rangers Exec VP/Communications John Blake said that the new policy was "primarily security-based," and it is "in line with the online policy for the most recently opened MLB park, Atlanta's Truist Park." Grant notes because the ballpark has a retractable roof, the interior of it is "considered an indoor facility and thus subject to the City of Arlington's no smoking ordinance." A designated smoking area will be located "outside the venue at the southwest entry" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 2/6).
FINISHING TOUCHES: The Rangers said that Globe Life Field construction is 93% complete, and the ballpark "will be ready to go" for the March 23 exhibition against the Cardinals. Rangers Exec VP/Business Operations Rob Matwick said, "I'm fully confident by Opening Day. ... We're pressing forward. We'll get [it] done." In Ft. Worth, Jeff Wilson notes the current plan "calls for the playing field to be installed by Feb. 27, save for 25% that will be completed after the Chris Stapleton All-American Road Show on March 14." Meanwhile, the video boards and full lighting "will be tested for the first time this month, and a massive shipment of furniture is due to help complete suites and other areas." Concession stands and club areas also are "getting closer to game-ready." Over 30,000 seats have been "installed in the seating bowl" (Ft. Worth STAR-TELEGRAM, 2/6).
COST OF DOING BUSINESS: FORBES' Mike Ozanian noted Rangers investors have been "on the hook" for about $100M in capital calls during the past two years due to "cost overruns" at Globe Life Field. The cost of the facility was initially expected to be $1B, with the city of Arlington's contribution capped at $500M and the team responsible for the remainder, "including any cost overruns." The cost has "crept up to" $1.2B. Sources said that to help pay for the extra $200M, the Rangers have made "two capital calls -- one for less than" $3M in '18 and another recently for $95M. It is "possible that another capital call is ahead" (FORBES.com. 2/6).
