A Search for the Perfect Ballpark
BY JOHN BYCZKOWSKI and JOHN ERARDI
The Cincinnati Enquirer
With the Reds and architect HOK Sport close to unveiling a design for the team's new ballpark, The Enquirer wanted to show readers what the state of the art looks like.
We visited six of baseball's newest ballparks — Safeco Field in Seattle, Camden Yards in Baltimore, The Ballpark in Arlington, Turner Field in Atlanta, Coors Field in Denver and Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix.
Our three-day series ran Aug. 29-31. Here are links:
• MAIN STORIES
Sunday, Aug. 29: A search for the perfect ballpark
We sent out two reporters to see what the Reds should copy and what they should ignore.
Monday, Aug. 30: Reds desire ballpark that's traditional yet different
Joe Spear has this idea out in left field for Cincinnati's new ballpark. Baseball fans will probably love it, if he can just work out the details.
Tuesday, Aug. 31: Reds, architects should swing for the fences
Twenty-five tips from our experts on how to build a special ballpark in Cincinnati.
• LESSONS FROM OTHER BALLPARKS
Camden Yards set standard for new parks
Calling it a “baseball stadium” is almost obscene, and “ballpark” — a term Camden Yards revived — isn't adequate.
Coors Field remembers to put the game first
The first thing that hits you inside Coors Field — just like a bucket of that famous Rocky Mountain spring water — is the wide-open concourse, above and behind the grandstand and outfield bleachers.
Bank One Ballpark creates tradition from scratch
You take $238 million in public money, add $110 million of your own and build a massive air-conditioned, retractable roof ballpark. You pay $140 million for a major league franchise, and spend $40 million to build an organization just to prepare to throw the first pitch of the first game.
Ballpark in Arlington looks better from the outfield
From the second floor of the three-story Legends of the Gamemuseum beyond right-center field, the Ballpark in Arlington is appealing to the eye. But it's hard to like what you see from behind home plate.
Safeco Field gives fans a choice of great views
What seems quaint to visitors is often a big pain to the locals. Take the trains that run by the new Safeco Field.
Turner Field fun can overwhelm the game
You know what's great about Turner Field? Scout's Alley — the family fun zone that is the Braves' wonderful tribute to baseball scouting interspersed with interactive hitting and pitching games for kids.
• MORE ON BALLPARKS
Check out these ballpark Websites
Join a discussion on the new ballpark at www.cincinnati.com/talk.
