News
Date: April 30th 2008 Projects: Arvest Ballpark and Coca-Cola Park
Northwest Arkansas Naturals and Lehigh Valley IronPigs Enjoy Modern Ballpark Amenities
In just one short week, Minor League Baseball has added two new ballparks to its repertoire courtesy designs from HOK Sport. Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark., is home to the AA Royals affiliate, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Penn., is home to the AAA Phillies affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
"While these two projects may be thousands of miles apart, they’re alike in that they both provide a major league ballpark experience for their fans," said Martin DiNitto, AIA, HOK Sport principal. "Today's baseball fans expect modern, professional amenities, and fans in Springdale and Allentown alike won’t be disappointed."
The ballpark's exterior features individual structures clad in natural stone, reminiscent of the stone outcroppings across the Arkansas landscape. Mindful of Arkansas' hot, humid summers, HOK Sport designers were able to create several smaller freestanding buildings and an expansive covered concourse, make up the ballpark's composition to allow air flow and provide shade. The 'Natural State' inspired the building’s interior material palette color selections as well. Juxtaposing the ballpark’s exterior, the all-glass suite level and the fabric roof structure it supports are a modern interpretation. The suites themselves offer some of the same amenities found in major league parks, including full-length sliding glass doors and a private restroom in each suite.
The ballpark's seating bowl is reminiscent of its major league older brother, Kauffman Stadium, home to the Royals' professional affiliate. The first in Minor League Baseball to do so, Arvest Ballpark, like Kauffman, features a true curvature around the field, providing a more intimate experience and focused view of the field.
Arvest Ballpark offers fans a variety of vantage points, as well. Drink rails, a party deck and a large lawn berm throughout the outfield provide fan gathering spots. Wide concourses allow fans to stay connected to the game. And a portable stage stored beyond outfield can be rolled onto the field minutes after a game.
"We hope this ballpark serves as focal point for the community." said DiNitto. "It’s a ballpark of its time, of its place. And more importantly for the area, and we’re hopeful that it will serve as a catalyst for growth."
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have a strong following behind home plate of their new ballpark – literally. Just beyond the back stop, dugout suites and a party area give fans looking for a unique ballpark experience the chance to experience the game up close and personally.
"This seating behind home plate is often an underused area in many minor league ballparks," DiNitto said. "So after researching some options with the IronPigs and determining fan preferences, we realized this was a perfect spot for a flexible group seating area that could generate excitement and revenue for years to come."
It's not just behind home plate where fans have a chance to gather; fans can experience the game from different views throughout the ballpark. In right field, fans can belly up to a drink rail terrace at the Blaster Furnace Bar. At both the right and left field entries, fans can gather in patio and picnic dining terraces.
A walk through the ballpark's concourse is like taking a tour of Lehigh County. The ballpark's exterior is an architectural expression of the county's historic neo-Victorian architectural context with large bay windows and roof cornices. The steel signage structure in right field is a tribute to the area's steel industry. Distant pastoral views beyond the left centerfield area remind local fans of their agricultural roots.
"Coca-Cola Park sets a high standard for fan amenities and comfort in Triple A ballparks," said DiNitto. "We were able to incorporate a variety of seating options and provide the amenities fans really will appreciate."
Arvest Ballpark
- Seats: 6,000
- Suites: 30
- Cost: $50 million
Coca-Cola Park
- Seats: 10,000
- Suites: 20
- Cost: $48 million
For further information please contact
Gina Leo at HOK Sport (Kansas City)
Telephone: +1 816 221 1500
Facsimile: +1 816 221 1578
Email media@hoksve.com