Alterations were made to Sahlen Field so that MLB games could be held thereBLUE JAYS
The Blue Jays will stage their "Home Away from Home Opener" tonight against the Marlins at a "remarkably transformed Sahlen Field," according to Mike Harrington of the BUFFALO NEWS. A "few finishing touches remain, but the Jays revealed a full rebranding of the downtown ballpark" yesterday. The club had "four key areas of focus at Sahlen Field: Installing brighter lighting for evening games, extending the dugouts, repurposing areas for player and staff resources, and redesigning ballpark spaces to make it feel like home." More than two dozen Blue Jays staffers are "on site working with officials" from MLB and BaAM Productions, an Ontario firm that "does numerous special events" for MLB such as the Little League Classic and the postponed Field of Dreams Classic. The "entire infield grass was replaced, as was the grass behind home plate and the outfield grass 20 feet out from the infield." Batting cages for both teams and workout areas for the Blue Jays are "now in the 100 level hallways," and "both clubhouses on the service level were changed." Many of the ideas "came from the way the Red Sox have used Fenway Park this season" (BUFFALO NEWS, 8/11).
LONG TIME IN THE MAKING: In Toronto, Gregor Chisholm notes Sahlen Field was constructed in '88 as a Triple-A ballpark, but Buffalo's "goal was to use the facility to attract a big-league team." Plans to "add an upper bowl were abandoned, but the ballpark remains one of the largest in triple-A." The Int'l League Buffalo Bisons "own the top six attendance records in minor-league history." The "bones of the ballpark remain in good shape, but the amenities were not up to par and Toronto’s plan was further complicated by MLB’s evolving health and safety protocols." That is why there was a "mixture of expected upgrades along with a few surprises over the last few weeks as the Jays prepped their new facility." Most of the changes are "temporary." The visitors clubhouse "will eventually be torn down and the Jays’ equipment will be returned to Toronto" (TORONTO STAR, 8/11).
