Flyover Highlights Ballpark Amenities

(OMAHA, Neb. – April 4, 2008) – A virtual flyover of Omaha’s proposed downtown stadium provides the public with a multiple-perspective view of the new ballpark and its fan-friendly design, according to Bruce Carpenter, AIA, project principal architect with HDR. The animation, which can be viewed at www.omahastadium.com, is based on a preliminary stadium design created by Omaha-based HDR and HOK Sport Venue Event in Kansas City.

“The public can now get an idea of how the stadium might appear from various perspectives,” Carpenter advised. “The animation provides views of the entrance plazas at each corner of the site, as well as the 360-degree, walk-around open concourse that offers convenient access to all seating areas, restrooms and concessions.”

Situated on Qwest Center parking lots C and E, the 24,000-seat stadium features 14,000 reserved seats, 4,708 box seats, 5,292 general admission seats in the outfield and 28 suites. Also included are covered party decks on the suite level, dining terraces for picnic tables and chairs and open slab areas for portable party tent structures and food service carts.

“The animation starts with an elevated view of the stadium’s left field entry plaza and moves clockwise past the media compound and Fan Fest area,” Carpenter explained. “As the view pans across the outfield, you see ramps and stairs allowing queuing for general admission, which provides an overlook of the Fan Fest area bordering 10th Street and Webster.”

Next, the view moves across the outfield concourse and video board on the Webster Street side of the stadium and over the suite level and press box in an elevated structure over the main concourse. “An overhead covering above a significant portion of the concourse will provide shade and protection in inclement weather,” Carpenter said.

The animation concludes where it started, after panning the entry plaza at 13th and Webster Streets, the ticketing/box office entrance at 13th and Cuming Streets and the third base grandstand area.

“The flyover provides a better sense of the bowl configuration of the stadium, with its ideal sightlines and views of Omaha’s skyline,” Carpenter noted. “This design brings the energy of the fan experience together in both the outfield and infield seating.”

The stadium is compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing accommodations throughout the facility. Administrative offices, team locker room facilities and access service entrances for deliveries to the ballpark are all at street level. The playing field is also at, or near, street level, providing convenience for players, turf maintenance equipment and drive-in access for portable concert stage trucks.

“When all of this becomes reality, Omaha will have created a visual icon for the Home of the College World Series and a championship experience for both the fans and the student-athletes who continue to aspire to achieve the pinnacle of success in college baseball by traveling the legendary Road to Omaha,” Carpenter added.

About HDR
HDR is an employee-owned architectural, engineering and consulting firm with more than 6,600 professionals in more than 150 locations worldwide. All of them are committed to helping clients manage complex project and make sound decisions.

About HOK
HOK has been the industry leader in the design of professional baseball facilities for the past 25 years, completing more than 70 new ballpark and renovation project in that time frame. Currently, HOK Sport has two new minor league ballparks under construction, each opening in April, 2008: Coca-Cola Park (Class AAA) in Allentown, Penn., and Arvest Ballpark (Class AA) in Springdale, Ark.