American baseball team the Texas Rangers has picked local firm HKS Architects to design its ballpark in Arlington, north Texas.
The designs and costs of the project have not been finalised but the costs of the stadium and its related infrastructure are estimated to reach $1bn.
The ballpark is a public-private partnership between the City of Arlington and the Rangers, with the City’s financial contribution capped at $500m.
The venue will not just be the Rangers’ new home but also a "multipurpose sports and entertainment venue" that will include capabilities for hosting high school, college and international sports as well as entertainment tours.
It will also contain an entertainment district featuring dining, a hotel and a convention centre.
The stadium will have a retractable roof for climate control.
The design phase of the ballpark is currently under way with construction expected to be begin later in the year.
The facility is expected to open in time for the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season.
Bryan Trubey, principal designer on the project, said: "For us, the Texas Rangers Ballpark is very special. It carries its own rich identity based on a combination of tradition, heritage, character and ambition that will ultimately represent itself as the premier destination in North Texas."
The Rangers’ 30-year lease on the City-owned Globe Life Park was set to end in 2024. With the new agreement, the club’s partnership with Arlington extends until 2054.
HKS is the architect of the 70,000 capacity stadium for NFL side the Los Angeles Rams.
Images via HKS Architects
