The Top Five Minor League Baseball Parks* International Economic Development Council January 23, 2003
* Limitations Number of quality minor league ballparks Necessary visit to each ballpark Commentary more on planning and design concepts and less on architecture Specific market needs and requirements Budget Level of play Urban versus suburban environment
Approach Maximizes potential for micro-area impacts Strategic site selection Value orientation Minimizes performance risk Distinctive design or location Selected a AAA, AA, A, and independent league ballpark
The Ballparks Autozone Park, Memphis, TN Canal Park, Akron, OH Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH Campbell s Field, Camden, NJ Louisville Slugger Field, Louisville, KY
Autozone Park (AAA) Capacity: 14,200 Opened: 2000 Suites: 48 Architect: Looney Ricks Kiss
Planning and Design 14,000-seat MLB park High-quality finishes Unique roof structure Integrated Toyota Center Fixed outfield seating No signage on outfield wall Outfield boardwalk 20,000 parking spaces within walking distance
Planning and Design
Ancillary Development Central Business Improvement District Downtown population increased 33% 400 residential units built adjacent to the ballpark Moore Building redeveloped into 220,000 SF of class A office space Minor League Baseball Museum New elementary school
Canal Park (AA) Capacity: 9,100 Opened: 1997 Suites: 25 Architect: HOK
Planning and Design Unique, consistent façade Link to Erie & Ohio Canal parkway Orientation creates value for outfield warehouses Outfield fixed seating Footprint dictated by existing site conditions Relies on existing parking inventory
Ancillary Development Capitalized on Erie & Ohio Canal parkway $90 M in downtown investment since opening Two adjacent warehouses redeveloped as class A office space and mixeduse project Two companies relocated headquarters to redeveloped space in downtown
Fifth Third Field (A) Capacity: 7,230 Opened: 2000 Suites: 30 Architect: HNTB
Planning and Design Respects existing public rights-of-way Upper deck general admission seats Connection to street activity in the outfields Strategic site selection 6,900 spaces within.25 miles
Ancillary Development Component of riverfront improvement initiative $100 M in downtown investment since opening 15% increase in retail activity on game days Four loft projects added 290 residential units Relizon Company building $26 M headquarters adjacent to the ballpark
Campbell s Field (IND) Capacity: 6,425 Opened: 2001 Suites: 20 Architect: Canton & Hintz
Planning and Design Unrivaled setting and views Gabled roof structure Main entrance on first base line Upper deck / suite level seating Despite existing conditions, contributes to the street corridor
Ancillary Development Component of planned riverfront entertainment district Tweeter Center concert venue New Jersey State Aquarium $60 million redevelopment of the Nipper Building into 341 residential units
Louisville Slugger Field (AAA) Capacity: 13,200 Opened: 2000 Suites: 30 Architect: HNTB
Planning and Design Integrated historic warehouse / train depot Accommodation of orientation Outfield seating Various and unique group seating areas 3,500 parking spaces within walking distance, 650 on-site
Planning and Design
Ancillary Development 210,000 SF of new or renovated retail space 125,000 SF retail space in planning stages 115 new residential units 150 new residential units in planning stages Total investment of $84.5 M in the neighborhood
The Ballparks Autozone Park, Memphis, TN Canal Park, Akron, OH Fifth Third Field, Dayton, OH Campbell s Field, Camden, NJ Louisville Slugger Field, Louisville, KY
Ballpark Watch Peoria, IL Toledo, OH Frisco, TX
Conclusions Plan and design with respect to existing conditions Character Economic Development Parking Coordination with other local economic development initiatives Continued refinement of group seating options Expansion Variety Premium location Expanded master planning Proactive development of ancillary spaces Application of incremental financing mechanisms Development of contiguous neighborhoods or districts
The Top Five Minor League Baseball Parks* International Economic Development Council January 23, 2003