The Rangers are making extensive changes at the ballpark, the first upgrades since the ballpark was built nearly 20 years ago.
The club plans to spend $12 million on park upgrades as part of an effort to enhance the experience of the fans.
Staff members are working to construct a new two-level indoor sports bar and restaurant that overlooks the field, a 6500 square foot indoor play area for kids and a 6000 square foot climate-controlled indoor seating area named The Batter's Eye Club. To replace the sports park close to the center field wall, the club is building a new Vandergriff Plaza that will include four new concession stands.
Designers also took the weather into consideration, making sure to include indoor facilities and shaded areas.
"Before our kids and families had to play outside in the elements, now, if we have a bad weather day -- be it a cold or rainy or if we have an excessively hot day -- our kids and families can come inside and I think that's a big thing, speaking as a parent," said Executive Vice President of Ballpark Operations Rob Matwick.
In addition to the $12 million set aside for the upgrades, workers are also looking to revitalize stadium railings to make them safer for fans.
In a separate $1.1 million, the team announced plans to make all front-row railings 42 inches high after the July death of a Texas firefighter who fell after reaching out to grab a ball tossed his way by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.
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Rangers officials showed off one of the first sections of new protective railing Thursday during a tour of renovations at the stadium. They have beveled tops and lean slightly inward toward front-row seats.
All work is scheduled to be completed before the season opener April 6.
