Stadium Design Unveiling [Archive]

Bob Hannah

03-13-2006, 07:15 PM

I found this link (http://www.dc.gov/mayor/schedule.asp?mon=200603) on another site. According to the information found, the stadium design will be unveiled tomorrow. No word if it will be made public, though I'm assuming it will be.

By afternoon tomorrow there will, hopefully, be links and pics on the forums here.

efin98

03-13-2006, 11:54 PM

Nice. I've been waiting to see the official designs for a while and can't wait to see the "final" look of the park.

1995hoo

03-14-2006, 09:20 AM

Four designs are available on washingtonpost.com. Hopefully we'll get to see more specific info at some point, but I can also understand, in this age of "security," why we won't likely see specific blueprints.

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/graphics/stadium/SW_Aerial.jpg

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/graphics/stadium/NW_Aerial.jpg

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/graphics/stadium/SE_Aerial.jpg

http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/graphics/stadium/NE_Aerial.jpg

Uncle Dak

03-14-2006, 03:02 PM

It's a beauty, very "monumental". Virtual tour link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2006/03/14/VI2006031401066.html

Bob Hannah

03-14-2006, 03:23 PM

eddiejc1

03-14-2006, 04:26 PM

Hmmmm. This might have to grow on me.

Definitely not a retro park and very reminiscent of D.C. architecture. I like the viewing platforms and the glass gives an open feeling. The break in the stands on the river side of the park has a unique quality(SE perspective). But one comment I heard on the the evening news is striking: its like trying to dress up a ballpark in a business park.

It's going to have more amenites than RFK and it will keep the Nats in D.C. for 30 years, but this reminds me of what Shea Stadium must have looked like in 1964.

You know this reminds me of a story I once heard. The original plans for OPACY by HOK were a sterile baseball-only park. Larry Lucchino tore up those plans and insisted on adding the little touches that make going to Camden Yards such a special event. Years from now, will a future owner have to remodel this ballpark in the same way the Jerry Reinsdorf did for the Cell to make it more fan-friendly?

Eddie Cunningham

Peorgie T

03-14-2006, 04:53 PM

Hmmmm. This might have to grow on me.
I think I like it, but it's hard to say from the drawings. It looks like it's going to be a steep drop from that upper tier.

I'm glad they got away from the retro look; OPACY was the first and the best. I imagine that there will be some changes as things progress. I saw a comment from the architect that they would really like the parking garage to be underground to open that space up for mixed use.

Bob Hannah

03-14-2006, 07:14 PM

Eddie mentioned the "little touches" and thats a good point. If you've checked the thread in the Cards forum about the new St. Loius stadium you'll know what I mean.

Its unfair to be too committed to an opinion at this early stage in the game. So little is known right now.

I'm certain changes will come, probably nothing major like OPACY. As was said, the end product there was nothing like what was envisioned. There is probably too little money and too little time to change a whole lot here.

The main thing is, no matter what it does look like, there is the reality of a stadium in D.C.

Bob Hannah

03-14-2006, 07:32 PM

New Stadium
Right Field Foul Pole: 335 Feet
Right Field Power Ally: 370 Feet
Dead Center Field: 409 Feet
Left Field Power Ally: 377 Feet
Left Field Foul Pole: 332 Feet

RFK
Right Field Foul Pole: 335 Feet
Right Field Power Ally: 395 Feet
Dead Center Field: 407 Feet
Left Field Power Ally: 394 Feet
Left Field Foul Pole: 335 Feet

These distances in the alleys are more reasonable. A lot of shots won't end up dying a premature death on the warning track. I like that.

I think the distances of alleys in RFK currently are listed at three eighty. Those above came from another site source and I can't vouch for them.

Tideman80

03-14-2006, 08:49 PM

Here is a great link with lots of now and future views...

That area really has no where to go but up!

http://www.jdland.com/dc/stadium.cfm

:clapping

runningshoes

03-14-2006, 08:53 PM

I really like what they did here.

Elvis

03-14-2006, 09:58 PM

Looks like another typical modern HOK cookie-cutter. Where the originality? This was supposed to be an "iconic" design. It looks just like the new Yankee Stadium with a different shell...

http://www.ballparktour.com/Test_New_Yankee5.jpg

http://www.ajclay.com/PTC/pictures/227.jpg

runningshoes

03-14-2006, 10:14 PM

I see similarities in shape but not the overall design.

They are both very different.

Elvis

03-14-2006, 10:31 PM

I see similarities in shape but not the overall design.

They are both very different.

Yeah, just like Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Riverfront Stadium were both very different. :D

Seriously, obviously there are some differences, but seeing every new ballpark having the same number and size of decks, the same shape grandstand, same number of seats, same contrived outfield dimensions, the same size and shape roof, the same "bowl-shaped" style, the same pushed back upper decks...

They're all waaaaaaay too similar. Where's the originality in design when they all have so much in common? HOK obviously can't or won't think outside the box and now today's ballparks are getting stale.

efin98

03-14-2006, 10:42 PM

HOK obviously can't or won't think outside the box and now today's ballparks are getting stale.

It's not HOK that has the trouble thinking outside the box there:rolleyes:

Odd, the park isn't even built and people are already insulting the design. I'm glad the locals are the ones whose opinions really matter.

Elvis

03-14-2006, 11:03 PM

It's not HOK that has the trouble thinking outside the box there:rolleyes:

Odd, the park isn't even built and people are already insulting the design. I'm glad the locals are the ones whose opinions really matter.

Why odd? Will the actual stadium be any different from the renderings? :crazy So now the locals will have a new $600 million generic stadium with worse sightlines than at RFK. :D Too bad they don't have a truly original and unique stadium design for the same money.

runningshoes

03-14-2006, 11:09 PM

HOK is obviously doing something right.

Elvis

03-14-2006, 11:55 PM

HOK is obviously doing something right.

So is McDonald's. But we all know they don't make the best burgers. ;)

efin98

03-15-2006, 12:08 AM

Why odd? Will the actual stadium be any different from the renderings?

Yes. Designs can and probably will change between now and the time the stadium opens.

So now the locals will have a new $600 million generic stadium with worse sightlines than at RFK. :D

Worse? What the heck do you base that assumption on other than your steep bias against HOK?:rolleyes:

efin98

03-15-2006, 12:10 AM

So is McDonald's. But we all know they don't make the best burgers. ;)

In your opion they don't. But your opinion doesn't matter. Neither does mine. The only ones whose opions matter are the guys who live in DC, Maryland, and Virginia- you know, the guys who pay the taxes, but the tickets, attend the games.

Elvis

03-15-2006, 12:25 AM

In your opion they don't. But your opinion doesn't matter. Neither does mine. The only ones whose opions matter are the guys who live in DC, Maryland, and Virginia- you know, the guys who pay the taxes, but the tickets, attend the games.

Of course opinions matter. They're what BBF is all about. :dance

efin98

03-15-2006, 12:38 AM

Of course opinions matter. They're what BBF is all about. :dance

I didn't say opinions didn't matter. I said your opinion doesn't. Neither does mine. There's only a few guys here whose opnion really matters- Bob Hannah, Tideman80, Peorgie T, 1995hoo, eddiejc1, and anyone from the DC area. Those are the guys who will be paying for and attending games in the park.

Elvis

03-15-2006, 02:35 AM

I didn't say opinions didn't matter. I said your opinion doesn't. Neither does mine. There's only a few guys here whose opnion really matters- Bob Hannah, Tideman80, Peorgie T, 1995hoo, eddiejc1, and anyone from the DC area. Those are the guys who will be paying for and attending games in the park.

As you can see ballparks are a bit of a passion of mine (http://www.ballparktour.com) :waving

So it's hard not to have an opinion on the new D.C. stadium. Just to set the record straight, I do like the design of this stadium's exterior and surrounding structures. I don't like the design of the grandstands.

It's also the same reason why there are similar gripes with the new Yankee Stadium.

runningshoes

03-15-2006, 02:49 AM

Elvis

03-15-2006, 02:54 AM

Some opinions just don't matter..mine included.

Has Elvis left the building yet? :p

Elvis never leaves the building. :waving

:gt

runningshoes

03-15-2006, 03:08 AM

Elvis never leaves the building. :waving

:gt

Maybe you need to get out and get some air then. :laugh

efin98

03-15-2006, 05:22 AM

As you can see ballparks are a bit of a passion of mine. So it's hard not to have an opinion on the new D.C. stadium.

Passion blinds at times. It's kind of moronic to push aside a stadium before it is even built let alone broken ground just because you don't like the company's prior designs.

Just to set the record straight, I do like the design of this stadium's exterior and surrounding structures. I don't like the design of the grandstands.

Where exactly do they need improvement on the design? How about a good case where they can improve please.

It's also the same reason why there are similar gripes with the new Yankee Stadium.

Same with the design proposals for the new Fenway released 7 years ago, the history of the predecessor causes a large deal of those gripes.

1995hoo

03-15-2006, 06:49 AM

Hmmmm. This might have to grow on me.

Definitely not a retro park and very reminiscent of D.C. architecture. I like the viewing platforms and the glass gives an open feeling. The break in the stands on the river side of the park has a unique quality(SE perspective). But one comment I heard on the the evening news is striking: its like trying to dress up a ballpark in a business park.
The break in the stands is an interesting idea and made me wonder if it's intended as a small nod to Griffith Stadium, where pictures indicate that the stands were something of a hodgepodge built over many years with roofs of varied heights and odd gaps.

I read something, I think it was in today's Post, that said that the presence of those parking garages in all the renderings is probably intended to try to get the new owners of the team to pony up some $$$$ to bury the parking. It WOULD look a bit kak to see those things as the outfield view. BUT, on the other hand, as Bob Hannah says, the fact of a new ballpark in DC is no small achievement, even if it's not perfect. The days of government paying to make things the best (Concorde, the Apollo program, and Camden Yards being three prime examples) seem to be in the past for now.

efin98

03-15-2006, 09:45 AM

The break in the stands is an interesting idea and made me wonder if it's intended as a small nod to Griffith Stadium, where pictures indicate that the stands were something of a hodgepodge built over many years with roofs of varied heights and odd gaps.

I see what you mean. To me it looks like it's more than that- the decks and rooves are actually split in the new park whereas the deck was connected but the rooves were split in Griffith Stadium.

I read something, I think it was in today's Post, that said that the presence of those parking garages in all the renderings is probably intended to try to get the new owners of the team to pony up some $$$$ to bury the parking. It WOULD look a bit kak to see those things as the outfield view.

Here's the exact quote in the article: "Build a stadium one block from a river, but have a panoramic view of garages beyond your outfield fences. "Yeah, it's better if it's not a garage," Spear said wryly."

1995hoo

03-15-2006, 10:09 AM

* * *

Here's the exact quote in the article: "Build a stadium one block from a river, but have a panoramic view of garages beyond your outfield fences. "Yeah, it's better if it's not a garage," Spear said wryly."
He's right. The thing that concerns me the most about the new ballpark is the parking situation, though. I'm sure that commercial garage operators will open up in the area and will provide parking, though probably for rather high rates. Without those, there will be just about no decent parking in the area, and I can't consider on-street parking to be a viable option in those horrid neighborhoods.

One of the best things about RFK is the ample parking and the ease of getting into and out of Lot 8 via the direct entrance from the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. I know DC's solution to all of the problems in the world today is "Take Metro," but given that the Metro takes more than twice as long as it does for me to drive to RFK (likely be the same for the new ballpark), I'm not thrilled about that idea.

Elvis

03-15-2006, 12:13 PM

Passion blinds at times. It's kind of moronic to push aside a stadium before it is even built let alone broken ground just because you don't like the company's prior designs.

There's no reason to start throwing around "garbage" and "moronic" when refering to my opinions. :dance You want the mods to get involved?

Where exactly do they need improvement on the design? How about a good case where they can improve please.

I've already gone over that. :laugh

efin98

03-16-2006, 05:15 AM

He's right. The thing that concerns me the most about the new ballpark is the parking situation, though. I'm sure that commercial garage operators will open up in the area and will provide parking, though probably for rather high rates. Without those, there will be just about no decent parking in the area, and I can't consider on-street parking to be a viable option in those horrid neighborhoods.

Think of the parking in other cities that are in similar situations- Boston and Chicago being the most prominant. Even with a large number of lots nearby since the park is in an urban environment there will always be parking troubles.

Curious- how did they solve the parking problem at the Verizon Center?

One of the best things about RFK is the ample parking and the ease of getting into and out of Lot 8 via the direct entrance from the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. I know DC's solution to all of the problems in the world today is "Take Metro," but given that the Metro takes more than twice as long as it does for me to drive to RFK (likely be the same for the new ballpark), I'm not thrilled about that idea.

Why wouldn't they just use the current stadium parking lot as a satelite lot for the new stadium and funnel riders to the newly renovated station?

1995hoo

03-16-2006, 06:38 AM

* * *

Curious- how did they solve the parking problem at the Verizon Center?

* * *
I don't really know because my office is at 13th & G and I park in the building, so I walk to hockey games and concerts. I know I sure do pass a lot of commercial garages that have signs out saying "Arena Parking" and giving a price (never really paid attention to what they charge because it didn't affect me; if I remember, I'll keep my eyes open on the way over to the Billy Joel concert tonight). There is a small garage under the arena, but I think it's for the players and the people who lease the suites.

Obviously, DC's idea is "Take Metro." For events at the arena they used to run Blue Line trains from Gallery Place to Franconia-Springfield to ease the crowding; I don't know if they still do this. There is no such option from the new ballpark. If you wanted to run trains from the new ballpark over the Yellow Line bridge across the Potomac, you'd have to run them into L'Enfant Plaza, then reverse direction and cross over to the outbound tracks (==> big delay). Metro can't run trains directly from the new ballpark onto the Orange/Blue Line tracks or the Red Line tracks because there are no connections to allow it (a single track connects the Red to the Green near Fort Totten, and a single track connects the Red to the Orange/Blue between McPherson Square and Farragut North).

efin98

03-16-2006, 03:29 PM

Obviously, DC's idea is "Take Metro." For events at the arena they used to run Blue Line trains from Gallery Place to Franconia-Springfield to ease the crowding; I don't know if they still do this. There is no such option from the new ballpark. If you wanted to run trains from the new ballpark over the Yellow Line bridge across the Potomac, you'd have to run them into L'Enfant Plaza, then reverse direction and cross over to the outbound tracks (==> big delay).

What about temporarily extending the Yellow Line north to Fort Totten or Greenbelt and using the Yellow Line's terminal tracks for stadium extras? That allows trains to either terminate downtown and become southbound yellow line trains?

Boston does this with Green Line trolleys, the extras go downtown as extras and become regular B, C, or D Line trains westbound and the extras heading west become regular or extra trains eastbound...

Metro can't run trains directly from the new ballpark onto the Orange/Blue Line tracks or the Red Line tracks because there are no connections to allow it (a single track connects the Red to the Green near Fort Totten, and a single track connects the Red to the Orange/Blue between McPherson Square and Farragut North).

Even if they can't, they at least have the connections at L'Enfant Plaza and Gallary Place. The only line that I can see impacted would be the Yellow Line, but that can be fixed with scheduling adjustments with the ballpark extras.

eddiejc1

03-17-2006, 04:17 PM

I have a suggestion which is so simple they probably won't do it. Heck, I think they should do it NOW while the Nats are at RFK.

Have the Metro run shuttle buses to other nearby Metro stations off the Green Line. This will relieve pressure from the Navy Yards station whenever there is a big crowd. Does this sound unworkable?

Eddie Cunningham