Hardball's Vision

Ballpark plan broadens scope
Wizards boss sees home run in TDs
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/16930015.htm

From the article:

" A stadium is obtuse and closed, while a ballpark provides a year-round asset to the community and is open to all."

"Jason Freier, Hardball CEO, said everything from concerts to corporate events to picnics would be possible at the proposed downtown venue. The design of the ballpark’s playing field would even allow for downtown Friday night lights – high school football – Freier said."

"Freier said having 200 events – from banquets to ballgames – at the park each year is a reasonable, if not low, goal. The park would host 70-plus baseball games a year. He said he is already trying to garner interest in concerts at the park, both large and small acts. Freier said the company would be happy to break even on concerts so long as they help generate interest in the downtown."

"During daylight hours, he said the concourse will be open to use as a running track. The picnic area will be open for people to have lunch and watch the team practice in the early afternoon."

"Some parts of the facility would be available year-round, though. He said the suites and club areas could be available for corporate parties, meetings or as an adjunct for events at Grand Wayne Center."

"Freier said he wants to use natural grass at the ballpark for several reasons. Turf is much more expensive to install, he said, plus most major league teams want their prospects playing on natural grass."

"The potential for more sports extends beyond football, Freier said. He said some ballparks have built skating areas on the field for recreation or hockey games. This possibility would largely depend on community need, he said."

Hardball envisions no mere stadium
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/news/editorial/16930052.htm

From the article:

"Hardball, the owner of the Wizards baseball team, is proposing a truly mixed-use venue intended to draw people downtown throughout the year, and not only for ballgames."

"The Hardball Capital leaders are considering a field that might have multiple uses – perhaps making left field deeper to accommodate football. The park would be a place for downtown workers to go for lunch when the weather is nice and would serve as another venue for Three Rivers Festival events. It would also have a room for corporate events and rentals and an area for children to play."