Dr Pepper Ballpark

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Dr Pepper Ballpark

Home plate entrance of the Dr Pepper Ballpark
Location 7725 Gaylord Pkwy
Frisco, Texas, U.S. 75034
Broke ground 2002-02-06
Opened 2003-04-03
Owner Southwest Sports Group
Operator Mandalay Sports Entertainment
Surface Grass
Construction cost US$22.7 million
Architect David M. Schwarz
HKS, Inc.
Former names Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark (2003 – 2006)
Tenants Frisco RoughRiders (2003 – )
TXU Energy Winter Games of Texas (2006 – )
Capacity 10,600
Field dimensions Left – 335 feet (102 m)
Left Center – 364 feet (111 m)
Center – 409 feet (124 m)
Right Center – 364 feet (111 m)
Right – 335 feet (102 m)

Dr Pepper Ballpark (formerly Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark) is the home ballpark of the Frisco RoughRiders Class AA minor league baseball club. Located in Frisco, Texas U.S., the stadium has a capacity of up to 10,600.[1] The ballpark is host to numerous functions in addition to minor league baseball games, including corporate and charity events, wedding receptions, city of Frisco events, and church services.[2][3] Local soft drink manufacturer Dr Pepper/Seven Up holds naming rights and exclusive non-alcoholic beverage rights in the park.[4]

Since its opening in 2003, the Dr Pepper Ballpark has won awards and garnered praise for its unique design, feel, and numerous facilities. In his design, park architect David M. Schwarz desired the creation of a village-like "park within a (ball)park".[5] Dr Pepper Ballpark received the 2003 Texas Construction award for Best Architectural Design[6] and was named the best new ballpark in the country by BaseballParks.com.[5][7]

Contents

[edit] History

Former logo of the Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark
Former logo of the Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark

In 2001, Mandalay Sports Entertainment, owner of the Shreveport SwampDragons Class AA baseball team, reached an agreement with Southwest Sports Group to move the team to Frisco for the 2003 baseball season. As part of the deal, Southwest Sports Group assumed part-ownership of both the team and the ballpark to be built following the 2002 season.[8] The project, designed by David M. Schwarz Architectural Services and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group, broke ground on 2002-02-06.[9]

The ballpark serves as the anchor for a 74 acre (0.3 km²) US$300 million development project near the intersection of State Highway 121 and the Dallas North Tollway.[8] The project was jointly funded by the city of Frisco and Southwest Sports Group. Frisco put forth US$67 million to build the complex, which was raised through special financing, unconnected to the city tax rate.[9] On 2003-01-21, it was announced that local company Dr Pepper/Seven Up had purchased the naming rights for the new ballpark and retained exclusive non-alcoholic beverage rights for an undisclosed amount.[4]

The ballpark opened for its first game on 2003-04-03, a RoughRiders loss to the Tulsa Drillers.[9][10] The RoughRiders earned their first victory in the ballpark the next day, with the RoughRiders's Kurt Airoso hitting the park's first home run.[11]

Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark was renamed Dr Pepper Ballpark on 2006-03-31.[12] On that date, the RoughRiders's Major League affiliate, the Texas Rangers, defeated the Florida Marlins in an exhibition match played at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The sold-out game was the ballpark's first major league game of any kind.[13] Overall attendance has ranked in the top 10 in all classes of minor league baseball during the RoughRiders's first three seasons. The stadium ranked first in all of Class AA in attendance in 2005.[12] Average attendance at RoughRiders games is 8,000. On average, there are thirty sell-out games per season.

[edit] Other events at the ballpark

As baseball is not a year-round event, Dr Pepper Ballpark is used for other functions throughout the year. The ballpark hosts corporate events, such as company softball games and movie nights, in addition to local charity events, such as 5K runs and bike races.[2] Since 2004, the park has hosted the "Tournament of Champions" high school baseball tournament.[14] The Dr Pepper Ballpark was selected to host the 2005 Texas League All-Star Game.[15] Beginning in January 2006, Dr Pepper Ballpark has begun hosting the opening ceremonies of the annual TXU Energy Winter Games of Texas.[16] The ballpark also hosts wedding receptions, the opening ceremonies for the Frisco Baseball and Softball Association,[17] city of Frisco events, and church services.[3]

[edit] Architecture

The interior of the ballpark, toward home plate from right field. The RoughRiders are playing against the Midland RockHounds in this image.
The interior of the ballpark, toward home plate from right field. The RoughRiders are playing against the Midland RockHounds in this image.
From behind home plate, the Embassy Suites where visiting teams stay is visible. The RoughRiders are playing against the Midland RockHounds in this image.
From behind home plate, the Embassy Suites where visiting teams stay is visible. The RoughRiders are playing against the Midland RockHounds in this image.
A demonstration of the "park within a park" dynamic behind the building in center field. Spectators may walk around the entire park using this path.
A demonstration of the "park within a park" dynamic behind the building in center field. Spectators may walk around the entire park using this path.

Following its construction in 2003, the Dr Pepper Ballpark received the Texas Construction award for Best Architectural Design for 2003 and the surrounding sports complex received the Best Sports and Entertainment award for 2003.[6] It was named the best new ballpark in the country by BaseballParks.com.[7][5] MinorLeagueNews.com has also named the park number two on its top ten minor league ballparks for 2004 and number seven for 2005.[18]

The design of the Dr Pepper Ballpark was spearheaded by David M. Schwarz. Schwarz had a stated goal of creating a "park within a (ball)park" in the stadium. To achieve this effect, the nine interconnected pavilions, where concessions, restrooms, and luxury suites are located, are built separately from the main seating area. The space between these pavilions allows for improved air flow in the Texas heat; the wind can move through the buildings and is not impeded by their presence.[5] Constructed of fiber cement siding, architectural critics have commented that their layout and material choice enhances the village-like feel of the ballpark, giving it a "coastal Galveston aesthetic".[6] Others have commented that the design is very reminiscent of Churchill Downs in Kentucky.[5]

The seating area is populated by 8,800 open-air fold-down stadium seats. The concourse area, between the pavilions and the seating area, wraps completely around the ballpark. Critics have commented positively on the 360 degree views afforded by this construction choice.[19]

[edit] Facilities

In addition to fixed stadium seats, the ballpark also features twenty-seven luxury suites located on the second level of the ballpark, which feature patio balconies from which to view the game and closed-circuit television feeds of the game.[20] Also unusual, the bullpens for each team are built into the stands behind the first and third base lines. This has received a mixed reaction from critics, with some calling it "contrived" and "pointless".[19] In the outfield, seating is available on the grass area. This area is branded "San Juan Hill", after the Battle of San Juan Hill in which the team's namesake Rough Riders fought.[21]

The park features a pool built just past the wall in right field, level with the top of the outfield fence. Groups can rent out the pool during the game.[22] Three exclusive members-only areas have also been setup around the park. The most prominent of these "Founder's Club" areas, situated below the press box behind home plate, is a private, air-conditioned bar and restaurant.[1]

[edit] Non-architectural critical reaction

Critics have taken issue with ticket prices at the ballpark, set at US$7, US$15, and US$18. While less expensive than ticket prices for major league ballparks, prices are among the highest in all minor league classes.[19] However, the ballpark has seen strong attendance despite these ticket prices. In its inaugural season, Dr Pepper Ballpark had an attendance of 675,620, ranking it fourth overall in all minor league baseball attendance for the year.[23] The ballpark sold out for 53 RoughRiders home games that season, drawing an all-time high attendance of 11,836 on 2003-07-04.[24]

[edit] Ground rules

The following are the baseball ground rules for Dr Pepper Ballpark.[25]

  • A baseball hit above the yellow line in outfield is considered a home run.
  • A baseball hits the yellow fair line below the fence is in play.
  • A baseball hits the yellow fair line above the fence is a home run.
  • No player is allowed to climb the stairwell leading into the bullpens to catch a ball.
  • If a ball gets caught in one of the grates leading into the stands the ball is considered dead and the base runner is allowed one base.
  • A player is only allowed to catch a fly ball on the first step of the dugout. If the player has one foot on the first step and his other foot on the second step the ball is ruled non-playable and the player is not allowed to catch it.
  • If a player catches a ball and falls into the dugout the batter is ruled out and the base runner is allowed one base.
  • If a baseball hits anywhere on the dugout it is considered out of play.
  • If a baseball hits the green fence the ball is in play.
  • A player is allowed to lean on the tarp to catch a fly ball, but not stand on the tarp.
  • On the backstop at the top left and right corners is a metal wire that holds the backstop up and if a ball hits it and deflects foul, then the ball is foul; however, if a ball deflects into fair play, then it is in play.
  • If a player dies than the game is over.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Frisco Stadium. BallParkWatch. Retrieved on 2006-07-13.
  2. ^ a b Cyclist Maps for the SAM’S CLUB MS 150. MS 150 Dallas. Retrieved on 2006-08-03.
  3. ^ a b Arnold, Lauri (2003-05-15). Prestonwood hosts community sunrise service. Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Retrieved on 2006-08-03.
  4. ^ a b Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark. ridersbaseball.com (2003-01-21). Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  5. ^ a b c d e Frisco's Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark. BaseballParks.com. Retrieved on 2006-07-13.
  6. ^ a b c Texas Construction's Best of 2003 Awards (PDF). Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  7. ^ a b The Best Ballpark. ridersbaseball.com. Retrieved on 2006-07-13.
  8. ^ a b Southwest Sports Group and Mandalay Sports Entertainment Join Forces to Bring Professional Baseball. ridersbaseball.com (2001-12-03). Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  9. ^ a b c Frisco Professional Baseball Stadium Underway; Ballpark will Open in Time for 2003 Season. ridersbaseball.com (2002-02-06). Retrieved on 2006-07-13.
  10. ^ SOLD OUT. RoughRiders sold every seat in the house Opening Night.. ridersbaseball.com (2003-04-01). Retrieved on 2006-07-13.
  11. ^ Riders Come Up Short in the 9th?. ridersbaseball.com (2003-04-07). Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  12. ^ a b RoughRiders, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages to Rename Ballpark (PDF) (2006-03-31). Retrieved on 2006-07-13.
  13. ^ Sins, Ken (2006-03-31). Trio of homers enough for Rangers. texasrangers.com. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  14. ^ First Ever "Tournament of Champions" at Dr Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark is Almost Here. ridersbaseball.com (2004-03-10). Retrieved on 2006-08-03.
  15. ^ Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark takes Star turn. MinorLeagueBaseball.com (2005-06-17). Retrieved on 2006-08-02.
  16. ^ 2006 Winter Games of Texas. VisitFrisco.com. Retrieved on 2006-07-31.
  17. ^ Everything AND the kitchen sink. ridersbaseball.com (2004-03-26). Retrieved on 2006-08-03.
  18. ^ Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark - No. 7 Pick in the MLN Top Ten (10) Minor League Ballparks 2005. MLN Sports Zone - A Minor League News Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  19. ^ a b c Dr. Pepper / 7-Up Ballpark - Frisco, Texas. BALLPARKREVIEWS.COM. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  20. ^ The voice of business reason has spoken. ridersbaseball.com. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  21. ^ RoughRider Rainout sent Crowd of 10,000-plus home early. ridersbaseball.com (2003-04-06). Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  22. ^ The new definition of cool. ridersbaseball.com. Retrieved on 2006-07-14.
  23. ^ Frisco Fans Part of Record Setting Year. ridersbaseball.com (2003-09-26). Retrieved on 2006-07-15.
  24. ^ RoughRiders Celebrate Independence Day with a 5-1 Victory over Tulsa. ridersbaseball.com (2003-07-04). Retrieved on 2006-08-29.
  25. ^ Dr Pepper Ballpark (2006-05-20). Dr Pepper Ballpark Ground Rules. Retrieved on 2006-08-08.

[edit] External links


Current ballparks in the Texas League
North Division South Division
Arvest Ballpark • Dickey-Stephens Park
Drillers Stadium • Hammons Field		 Citibank Ballpark • Dr Pepper Ballpark
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium • Whataburger Field