Wednesday, September 27, 2000
Ballpark concourse will provide year-round view
By Dan Klepal
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Fans in center field at the Great American Ball Park will have a great view of the Reds' new stadium — even when there isn't a game.
Architects for HOK Sport said Tuesday a concourse behind the center field bleacher seats will be open to the public year-round.
People walking outside the stadium along the Mehring Way sidewalk will be able to climb stairs and gain access to the concourse. Once there, three breaks in the concrete wall will open the stadium to full view.
Joe Spear, lead architect on the project, said the same concept was tried at Baltimore's Camden Yards with great success.
On game days, fans will need a ticket to have access to the concourse. But when the Reds aren't playing, or early in the day before a game, anyone will be able to steal looks inside the park.
“It's a publicly funded building, so people should be able to get in there,” Mr. Spear said.
Cincinnati City Manager John Shirey said the public's access to the park has been a major concern. He is pleased with the latest design.
“I think people will take advantage of it,” he said.
The presentation was made to the Urban Design Review Board, a group of architects who review the design of city buildings for Mr. Shirey.
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Ballpark concourse will provide year-round view
