Chip Bowers was on a radio show last night talking about the ballpark changes. Here it is:
http://www.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcast...x.jsp?c_id=mia
For those that don't want to listen, I took notes:
Ok, so I just listened to it (he was on for about 30 mins), and took a bunch of notes for everyone if they don't want to listen. A good chunk of this is stuff we already know, but he also gave some insights into other things and reasons for things. These comments go in order of the interview.
----
Homer:
--will move outside and be part of a new artwalk outside the park
--goes off for home runs, wins, and every day at 3:05 (am too....just kidding).
--he mentioned the art that's already around the park, but it sounded like more would be coming - I'm guessing the "our colores" campaign is a good representation of the type of art that could be coming......it'd be cool to see some of this type of thing on the parking garages or the side of the building in areas
--didn't specify if this would happen for 2019
SRO section (where the sculpture was):
--when he arrived, he saw a lack of engaging sections - the Budweiser bar was good, but wanted to see more
--as we've known, the top section is for everyone, middle for SRO tickets only, bottom is for groups
--didn't really have any good group areas (aside from suites), this new setup gives them a new area for groups
General ballpark comments:
--Blue walls - there were too many colors before
--Green wall (didn't elaborate much on this or what type of plants they'd be)
--They want to create a "that's Miami" look and feel with the new look; they feel this new look is "Miami today"
The Club:
--direct view/access to the field (currently you have to go through back corridors and hallways to get between the Diamond club and field/seating area)
--view of batting cages (I'd assume it'll be mirrored glass to not disturb the players)
--more flexible arrangement of seats - not just the 4-8 top tables they have now
--new food options
--DJ booth (I question whether that crowd would like that, but ok)
--revamped bar like you'd see in Wynwood or Brickell
General comment:
--like the idea of small bites/craft cocktails
--They want care and attention given to ALL areas of the park/experience, not just certain areas. EX: same time/energy devoted to kids area as The Club
--He hinted at a longer range plan to make further changes, and said they can't do everything at once
Promenade/concoursearea - the host asked what the casual fan will see has changed in terms of food/beverage:
--EVERYTHING is changing. Every concession stand is changing - the look, feel, food offering/menu will all be new
--Bringing in outside-branded concepts iconic to Miami (I'm sure they'd have to keep some traditional places too)
--more small items (not necessarily a big meal)
--handheld items - mentioned Peruvian and Argentinian - items that reflect Miami
--they want the entire experience to reflect Miami, not just relegated to a corner (current Taste of Miami) - again, hopefully that doesn't mean completely eliminating traditional options like burgers and pizza.
--they want people to experience the smells of food cooking as they walk in the park, like San Francisco with the garlic fries and San Diego with fish tacos
--They want the park to become a destination for people - a 'home away from home'
--didn't say anything about food prices (like what ATL did with the Falcons), but wasn't asked either
"Party en el Parque" - weekend themes:
--Fridays - Little Havana Nights - come relax and blow off steam of the week
--Saturdays - Party Before Dark - 6pm start times, fireworks. He said earlier start times are better for families and for people that want to go out - it gives them time to go out after the game. Miami has great nightlife.
--Sundays - Sunday Funday - family oriented, kids-centric - from PA to music, etc.
Colors:
--black/teal represented Florida/Miamithen
--with the new colors, they wanted to create/represent Miami today - he mentioned nightlife several times, which goes with our dark/neon lights theory
--didn't specifically mention the current colors, but I guess the same comment as the walls/park would apply - too many colors
---
Overall, it was good interview. It seems like they have put a lot of thought into what they want to do and improve, and he seems like a great hire for the organization.
http://www.mlb.com/fan_forum/podcast...x.jsp?c_id=mia
For those that don't want to listen, I took notes:
Ok, so I just listened to it (he was on for about 30 mins), and took a bunch of notes for everyone if they don't want to listen. A good chunk of this is stuff we already know, but he also gave some insights into other things and reasons for things. These comments go in order of the interview.
----
Homer:
--will move outside and be part of a new artwalk outside the park
--goes off for home runs, wins, and every day at 3:05 (am too....just kidding).
--he mentioned the art that's already around the park, but it sounded like more would be coming - I'm guessing the "our colores" campaign is a good representation of the type of art that could be coming......it'd be cool to see some of this type of thing on the parking garages or the side of the building in areas
--didn't specify if this would happen for 2019
SRO section (where the sculpture was):
--when he arrived, he saw a lack of engaging sections - the Budweiser bar was good, but wanted to see more
--as we've known, the top section is for everyone, middle for SRO tickets only, bottom is for groups
--didn't really have any good group areas (aside from suites), this new setup gives them a new area for groups
General ballpark comments:
--Blue walls - there were too many colors before
--Green wall (didn't elaborate much on this or what type of plants they'd be)
--They want to create a "that's Miami" look and feel with the new look; they feel this new look is "Miami today"
The Club:
--direct view/access to the field (currently you have to go through back corridors and hallways to get between the Diamond club and field/seating area)
--view of batting cages (I'd assume it'll be mirrored glass to not disturb the players)
--more flexible arrangement of seats - not just the 4-8 top tables they have now
--new food options
--DJ booth (I question whether that crowd would like that, but ok)
--revamped bar like you'd see in Wynwood or Brickell
General comment:
--like the idea of small bites/craft cocktails
--They want care and attention given to ALL areas of the park/experience, not just certain areas. EX: same time/energy devoted to kids area as The Club
--He hinted at a longer range plan to make further changes, and said they can't do everything at once
Promenade/concoursearea - the host asked what the casual fan will see has changed in terms of food/beverage:
--EVERYTHING is changing. Every concession stand is changing - the look, feel, food offering/menu will all be new
--Bringing in outside-branded concepts iconic to Miami (I'm sure they'd have to keep some traditional places too)
--more small items (not necessarily a big meal)
--handheld items - mentioned Peruvian and Argentinian - items that reflect Miami
--they want the entire experience to reflect Miami, not just relegated to a corner (current Taste of Miami) - again, hopefully that doesn't mean completely eliminating traditional options like burgers and pizza.
--they want people to experience the smells of food cooking as they walk in the park, like San Francisco with the garlic fries and San Diego with fish tacos
--They want the park to become a destination for people - a 'home away from home'
--didn't say anything about food prices (like what ATL did with the Falcons), but wasn't asked either
"Party en el Parque" - weekend themes:
--Fridays - Little Havana Nights - come relax and blow off steam of the week
--Saturdays - Party Before Dark - 6pm start times, fireworks. He said earlier start times are better for families and for people that want to go out - it gives them time to go out after the game. Miami has great nightlife.
--Sundays - Sunday Funday - family oriented, kids-centric - from PA to music, etc.
Colors:
--black/teal represented Florida/Miamithen
--with the new colors, they wanted to create/represent Miami today - he mentioned nightlife several times, which goes with our dark/neon lights theory
--didn't specifically mention the current colors, but I guess the same comment as the walls/park would apply - too many colors
---
Overall, it was good interview. It seems like they have put a lot of thought into what they want to do and improve, and he seems like a great hire for the organization.
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