HKS selected to design New Ballpark for Arlington

The Texas Rangers announced this week that HKS, Inc., has been selected to design the new ballpark to be built in Arlington. 

The new ballpark, which is being built as a public-private partnership (PPP) between the City of Arlington and the Rangers, will not only be the team’s new home but also a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue that will include capabilities for hosting high school, college and international sports as well as entertainment tours.

A nationally-renowned sports and entertainment design firm, with its main headquarters in Dallas, HKS served as architect of record on the The Ballpark in Arlington (now Globe Life Park in Arlington), which opened in 1994.

HKS’ Bryan Trubey, Executive Vice President and principal designer on the project, explained:

For us, the new Texas Rangers Ballpark development is very special. It carries its own rich identity based on a combination of tradition, heritage, character and ambition that will ultimately represent itself as the premier destination in North Texas. We are delighted to be part of this exciting new development that will impact not only the Texas Rangers and their fans, but the city of Arlington and the entire region for many years to come.

Rangers’ Executive Vice President of Business Operations’ Rob Matwick, said:

HKS has an outstanding track record of designing iconic sports facilities, both in North Texas and around the country. HKS’ vision for this new facility will incorporate all of the features that will make this venue the best in Major League Baseball. We look forward to working with them to achieve that result.

The design for the new ballpark, which will be built on what is now a team parking lot south of Randol Mill Road, will include a retractable roof for climate control and shelter for fans during the hot summer months. The new venue – designed with a street-side that is different than anything in baseball – will complement and enhance the fabric of the surrounding Texas Live! development – a mixed-used entertainment district featuring dining, entertainment, a hotel and a convention center.

The design phase of the ballpark is currently underway with construction expected to be begin later in the year. The facility is expected to open in time for the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season.

While designs and costs have not been finalised, a new ballpark and related infrastructure is estimated at US$1bn. The master agreement for this PPP calls for a 50-50 split between the Texas Rangers and the City of Arlington, with the City’s financial contribution capped at US$500m. Arlington’s ballpark bonds to finance the project were approved by voters in a City referendum on November 8. The Texas Rangers’ 30-year lease on the City-owned Globe Life Park in Arlington was set to end in 2024. With the new master agreement, the Rangers’ partnership with Arlington extends until January 1, 2054.

HKS, ranked as one of the top sports and entertainment design firms by BD World Architecture, has ushered in a new generation of multi-revenue-generating, world-class sports facilities. The group’s ballpark portfolio includes Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; U.S. Cellular Field renovations in Chicago, Illinois; and Dodger Stadium renovations in Los Angeles, California. The firm is also well-known for its designs of the new NFL U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota; the top-grossing AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas; and the Indianapolis Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. These venues are known for enhancing and leveraging team brand, delivering an enhanced fan experience and serving as destination environments.

About the Texas Rangers

Entering their 46th season in Arlington, the Texas Rangers play in Major League Baseball’s American League West Division. The Rangers own seven A.L. West Division titles (1996; 1998; 1999; 2010; 2011; 2015; 2016) and advanced to postseason play in five of the last seven seasons. Texas has won at least 87 games in seven of the last eight years beginning 2009, the only Major League team to make that claim. A community leader, the Rangers, through the work of their Baseball Foundation, are dedicated to improving the lives of children in need and providing funding for youth in crisis, youth health initiatives, youth baseball programs, and youth education. Celebrating its 26th year, the Foundation has given back more than $14 million to help children in need.

You can follow the updated developments on the new ballpark at RangersNewBallpark.com or through the new ballpark’s social media platforms:

• Facebook.com/RangersNewBallpark
• Twitter: @RangersNewPark
• Instagram: RangersNewBallpark

Or for more information, contact the Rangers’ John Blake via email at: JBlake@TexasRangers.com

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