The XFL draft is almost over as we anticipate which players will be drafted by the eight franchises, we should also look forward to the quality stadiums our teams will utilize.
One stadium in particular is retrofitting the design of a baseball venue to accommodate the game of football. Formerly called The Ballpark in Arlington, Globe Life Park has been home to the Texas Rangers franchise since 2004. Only 17 miles west of Dallas, the Rangers will play in a new stadium next year.
Their departure frees the stadium to make needed changes to meet the needs of the XFL’s Dallas Renegades in addition to various soccer games. Exclusive use of a rectangular playing field will avoid the awful conditions similar to what the Oakland Raiders have dealt with over the years. Sharing a home with the Oakland Athletics, the team had to cope with uneven surfaces that alternated between dirt and grass.
Renegades head coach Bob Stoops paid a visit to Globe Life for the Sept. 25 Rangers game. He emphasized the removal of some seats and implementation of new stands that will be close to the action on the field.
Installation of approximately 4000 bleacher seats will accompany renovation of the broadcast suites and locker rooms. The costs to make the stadium football ready will run about $12 million; apparently paid by the XFL. Fan enjoyment will be a priority, and the league is meticulously assuring stadiums will provide what’s needed on game day.
“We are committed to being ingrained in the local community and extremely fortunate that our teams will have world-class facilities to call home.”
XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams also expressed his excitement of a new football team in his city:
“The City plans to deliver on its promise to reinvent Globe Life Park. The XFL will be the first of many announcements about the re-purposing of our iconic venue that will have a new, long life in Arlington after Globe Life Field opens in 2020.”
The plan is to construct a pair of towers on each side of the stadium for a town center like atmosphere. Office space will also be rented out as the city figures out the best way to occupy the venue as often as possible.
The XFL is working hard to provide the optimum environment for players and fans alike.
What’s your take on the renovations? Do you think they should play elsewhere or will Globe Life get the job done? Add your comments below.
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