Reds focus on revamped Cinergy
BY GEOFF HOBSON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The Reds are focusing on a renovated Cinergy Field instead of a new stadium as they discuss an agreement with Hamilton County, a team official said Tuesday.
A 'new' Cinergy
As envisioned by HOK Sports Facilities Group Inc. in 1994 drawings:
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Outfield walls with upper-deck seats cut out to present a new view of the downtown skyline.
Redesigned entrances and ramps.
An outfield picnic section.
A steel-and-glass stadium club in right field that resembles the one at Cleveland's Jacobs Field.
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With the Bengals' stadium stalled, the Reds have made progress in the financial portion of their deal. But the team still must bring in architects and engineers to discern whether the renovation makes economic sense.
When the Reds discussed a stadium at Baseball on Main - between Cinergy Field and The Crown - the plan was to sign a memorandum of understanding that hinged on the club's approving engineering and architectural surveys.
Reds managing executive John Allen said Tuesday a similar deal could be done for renovation. He also said Baseball on Main remains an option.
''We've had significant discussions (about renovation); it's the one in the forefront right now,'' Mr. Allen said. ''Let's just say there have been positive discussions.''
But Mr. Allen said major questions remain.
''You have to think about what the renovation provides,'' Mr. Allen said. ''Is it going to generate the revenue you need to be competitive? What is the fans' reaction? Is it going to be like a new park, like (Denver's) Coors Field? Can it be done? You don't know these things until there's an in-depth study.''
County Commissioner John Dowlin said if the county pays for all the riverfront infrastructure the city wants, the county wouldn't have enough money for a new Reds stadium. The county would have no choice but to renovate Cinergy Field, he said.
Mr. Allen said discussions have been general about renovation elements, such as luxury suites, club seats, wider concourses, a grass field, a new scoreboard, a Reds museum and view of the Ohio River.
Lucy May contributed to this report.
