D.C. government officials said they want a unique design for the new baseball stadium, and this certainly qualifies as unique. Most notably, it consciously avoids imitating the neoclassical "retro" stadiums built since 1992, in particular the recent fad of very tight foul territory. Given that there is ample room in the plot of land designated for the new stadium (bounded by South Capitol Street, N Street S.E., First Street S.E., and P Street S.E.), there are no real constraints imposed upon the stadium design. My proposed design emphasizes three general qualities: open views of the Washington skyline, creating an unparalleled ambience; a small "window" to entice passersby and integrate the ballpark into the surrounding neighborhool; and finally, a simple, distinctive overall form (hexagonal) that meshes well with the intended functions of enhancing spectator convenience and making the game play more interesting. In my view, it would further the purpose of integrating the new stadium into the neighborhood if some of the existing townhouses on the south side of N Street S.E (beyond the left field bleachers in this diagram) would be preserved. The map below shows the location of the proposed stadium site, overlaid with my proposed stadium design.
Specific design elements:
- U.S. Capitol dome visible from home plate just left of center field (356 degrees compass direction).
- Washington Monument visible from home plate between left field foul pole and corner of grandstand (308 degrees compass direction).
- Georgetown/Federal style brick architecture, with wrought iron decorations in roof, etc.
- Hexagonal gazebo/turrets with flagpole spires at each corner, spiral entry/exit ramps in each one.
- Outfield fences favor pull hitters, but cut away sharply from the foul poles (like SBC Park).
- Sloped memorial shrub gardens in deep LC and RC corners, with flagpole in LC, monument in RC.
- Straightaway center field has an extra-deep "notch" (like Polo Grounds).
- Perimeter of the stadium structure is a perfect hexagon; nearly all angles are 120 degrees.
- The playing field itself is a near-perfect hexagon, "nested" inside the peripheral hexagon.
- Angles of grandstand around diamond are based on old Griffith Stadium.
- The bends in the front wall of the grandstand next to the dugouts align with the northern corners of the inner great hexagon next to the bullpens.
- N Street pedestrians can peek at the field over the left (home) bullpen; optional roped-off sidewalk area reserved for children under 15 years, perhaps cleared every half hour or so.
- Scoreboard behind right (visitors) bullpen is visible to almost all spectators.
- Large roof in main grandstand provides shade and imposing image; minimal obstructed views from support beams.
- Upper deck grandstand is separate and disjointed (like Griffith Stadium).
- Option of extending second deck behind right field bleachers.
- Vast majority of seats are in foul territory, close to the infield (like Kauffman Stadium).
- Field is only 4 feet below street level because of proximity to Anacostia River (high water table).
- Foul poles positioned at corner of inner hexagon.
- Vehicle entry next to left field foul pole.
- Out-of-town scoreboard on left field wall (14 feet high).
- Main concourse behind lower deck is open to field.
- Grandstand seats near the foul poles would be angle toward the infield.
- Most if not all of the bleachers would be traditional benches, at bargain prices: $5-$7.
- Open walkway behind bleachers is for standing room only, perhaps with small temporary bleachers for big games.
- Option of covered group picnic area under deep left field bleachers (like at old Comiskey Park); fence height cut to five feet, with protective net above that.
- Option of two rows of folding seats between dugouts and foul pole for big games.
- Variety of shops and art studios along southeast and southwest sides, some reserved for current neighborhood and District residents; patio restaurants on top concourse.
Vox populi: Fan comments