Thursday, March 11, 1999
Reds will be hitting for river
County endorses ballpark with Kentucky view
BY LUCY MAY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Hamilton County commissioners embraced the idea Wednesday of a Reds ballpark that opens up to the Ohio River. That is, as long as National League baseball officials don't mind.
The commissioners gave their blessing to the southeast stadium alignment recommended by HOK Sport, the Kansas City firm designing the Reds' new home.
“This is such a clear winner in our minds,” HOK Sport senior vice president Joe Spear said. “The ballpark would enhance the riverfront district as a part of downtown.”
Reds Managing Executive John Allen said getting the OK from the National League won't be a problem, and HOK executives noted that the alignment is only about 40 degrees south of Cinergy Field's orientation.
Mr. Spear said HOK isn't sure yet how many seats would actually have a river view.
A new HOK drawing suggests thousands of seats and hundreds of parking spots must be eliminated during construction as the Reds continue to play at Cinergy Field.
“Those are the seats in the ballpark that tend to fill last,” said HOK Sport Vice President Michael Hand. “And in most of the seats in most demand, fans will be able to see the ballpark rising in the outfield.”
Mr. Hand said the Kansas City firm doesn't know exactly how many seats will be affected, but it's “virtually certain” to be more than 6,000.
The new stadium could sit 80 feet from Firstar Center, which Mr. Spear said will be an advantage for linking events at the arena and the ballpark.
The commissioners liked the idea of a ballpark that opens up to the river. Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus emphasized their approval, saying, “Go forth and design.”
The commissioners did ask Mr. Allen to get a letter from the National League to make sure the southeast orientation isn't a problem for league officials.
Major League Baseball approves design decisions that affect players' safety, and the stadium must sit so the batter doesn't look into the sun.
The new orientation means the left fielder will most often have the sun in his eyes. In Cinergy Field, aligned more to the east, the center fielder gets the sun.
The Reds will play in the partially demolished Cinergy Field for about a year. The new ballpark, estimated to cost $297 million, is scheduled to open in 2003. Cinergy Field will be demolished.
The architects said a southeast orientation will help block noise from Fort Washington Way and put home plate closer to downtown.
“We're trying to extend the downtown area and put the home plate address where it should be — in the city,” Mr. Spear said.
The firm also studied a northerly orientation toward downtown. But designers were worried fans would see parking garages and highway along with downtown's skyline, Mr. Spear said.
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