Heh....more like the Warriors. In 2010 OKC baseball was bought by a Peter Guber chaired group under one of his Mandalay xxx company names, of which he has many. By 2015 he is a big partner in the Golden State Warriors, as well as the LA Dodgers. (I don’t know which team he is a larger percentage owner of). After the Houston Astros affiliate deal with OKC expires in 2015, the Dodgers buy into OKC and make them their AAA affiliate. I have to admit the Dodger relationship with OKC has very good for our city IMO.
I have been told the only reason OKC doesn’t currently belong to the Texas Rangers is Nolan Ryan: when he became Rangers president in 2008 he moved their AAA affiliate from OKC (since 1983) to his family owned Round Rock Texas team in 2010. OKC became a Houston Astros affiliate in 2011. Around 2013 Ryan left the Rangers and went to work for the Astros. He then again insisted the Astros drop OKC for Round Rock, which happened in 2015. The Rangers were aggressive in their desire to return to OKC in 2015, and hoped to buy the team outright as soon as the Astros agreement expired. However, Guber really liked the OKC market and joined them with his Dodgers network instead of selling outright.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark022419.jpg

I really wish there was enough people to keep those upper decks open and full all season...

I really wish there was enough people to keep those upper decks open and full all season...

Baseball is dying. :sofa:
(covers head for onslaught of angry responses)

Baseball is dying. :sofa:
(covers head for onslaught of angry responses)

I don't know if baseball support is declining or not, but minor league sports are going to suffer when there is major league team in town. That probably would explain why attendance is down in OKC (I'm assuming it's down, I don't actually know).

I don't know if baseball support is declining or not, but minor league sports are going to suffer when there is major league team in town. That probably would explain why attendance is down in OKC (I'm assuming it's down, I don't actually know).

I have no idea about attendance in OKC. I do believe baseball support is declining at all levels, based on what I've read. I'm certainly no expert in the area. I root for our city to do well and that includes Bricktown and Bricktown Ballpark. So, yay for renovations. I do wonder if we'll have a baseball park in that location in 20 years.

I have no idea about attendance in OKC. I do believe baseball support is declining at all levels, based on what I've read. I'm certainly no expert in the area. I root for our city to do well and that includes Bricktown and Bricktown Ballpark. So, yay for renovations. I do wonder if we'll have a baseball park in that location in 20 years.

According to Baseball America, the Dodgers had an overall 2018 attendance of 463,195, which was about 18,000 more than 2017. You can get into quibbles as to actual butts inthe seats as opposed to paid admissions, but at least its not declining

According to Baseball America, the Dodgers had an overall 2018 attendance of 463,195, which was about 18,000 more than 2017. You can get into quibbles as to actual butts inthe seats as opposed to paid admissions, but at least its not declining

I don't know about the Dodgers, specifically, but I think to look at one franchise is a bit of cherry picking. The league saw big declines on average. Like, 6% or 7% decline in overall attendance through the season. Don't recall the article but the number is everywhere.

Setting aside attendance, Baseball's average viewer is 53 years old according to Nielsen ratings. NFL is 47. NBA is 37. Baseball is not being welcomed by the sub-40 crowd at near the same levels it has in the past 30 years.

Baseball still makes money now, as Cable TV props it up. Cable TV is dying. Baseball is not positioned to make the jump from Cable at the success rates that NFL, NBA, NHL, and Soccer are. Likewise, youth baseball is dying. Less participants means less future fans.

MLB recognizes all of this. Evidenced by their open efforts to speed the game up and attract a younger audience.

I really wish there was enough people to keep those upper decks open and full all season...

Unlike football, basketball, hockey, or soccer, the baseball season is well over 150 games with games played in afternnon as well as at night. Outside of the Yankees, Red Sox, and Cubs not even MLB fills up the park every game.

I don't know about the Dodgers, specifically, but I think to look at one franchise is a bit of cherry picking. The league saw big declines on average. Like, 6% or 7% decline in overall attendance through the season. Don't recall the article but the number is everywhere.

Setting aside attendance, Baseball's average viewer is 53 years old according to Nielsen ratings. NFL is 47. NBA is 37. Baseball is not being welcomed by the sub-40 crowd at near the same levels it has in the past 30 years.

Baseball still makes money now, as Cable TV props it up. Cable TV is dying. Baseball is not positioned to make the jump from Cable at the success rates that NFL, NBA, NHL, and Soccer are. Likewise, youth baseball is dying. Less participants means less future fans.

MLB recognizes all of this. Evidenced by their open efforts to speed the game up and attract a younger audience.

From Ball Park Digest. OKC Dodgers are 17th in all of minor league attendance. In 2018 avg. attendace was 6713. In 2017 it was 6533. Contrast this with the Energy and a shorter schedule and games played outside of office hours whose average was 4298 in 2018 and 4293 in 2017. Those soccer numbers hardly warrant a taxpayer subsidized soccer stadium.

From Ball Park Digest. OKC Dodgers are 17th in all of minor league attendance. In 2018 avg. attendace was 6713. In 2017 it was 6533. Contrast this with the Energy and a shorter schedule and games played outside of office hours whose average was 4298 in 2018 and 4293 in 2017. Those soccer numbers hardly warrant a taxpayer subsidized soccer stadium.

I think it is sad when people don't support non-major league teams. I am a huge supporter of the Energy FC and the USL as a league mainly because of the things they are doing right and different from MLS. The product is good and there are lots of clubs around the country. It really has come down to people not wanting minor league sports in my opinion.

I've been to almost as many minor league parks (16) as I have major league parks (17) and I've had some of the most fun at minor league games. Whenever I travel I look for a game, regardless of level. I'd go to a rookie league game. And I guess I probably have to an extent as I've been to spring training in Phoenix.

I don't know about the Dodgers, specifically, but I think to look at one franchise is a bit of cherry picking. The league saw big declines on average. Like, 6% or 7% decline in overall attendance through the season. Don't recall the article but the number is everywhere.


While true on its face, there is a large discussion as to why that is. There are many who believe the atrocious weather last summer was the chief culprit. If you look at the number of games lost due to weather, it makes sense.

I think it is sad when people don't support non-major league teams. I am a huge supporter of the Energy FC and the USL as a league mainly because of the things they are doing right and different from MLS. The product is good and there are lots of clubs around the country. It really has come down to people not wanting minor league sports in my opinion.

I agree with that. In fact I would rather watch NCAAM over the NBA and NCAA fb over the NFL. I enjoyed minor league hockey when it was here as well. The prior administration in OKC certainly did no favors for the AHL or even the CBA when they were looking to return minor league basketball here and instead they went to Lawton.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark021719.jpg

Turf almost full installed as of this morning.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark030919a.jpg

This got me thinking - do any baseball stadiums use the artificial turf that most Football stadiums use these days?

running a bit late? Isn't baseball season next month?

First Dodger home game is April 4th.

This got me thinking - do any baseball stadiums use the artificial turf that most Football stadiums use these days?

The only MLB stadiums with artificial turf are Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Rays. A number of university stadiums including OU have gone to artificial turf that covers the "entire field". Even the areas that look like dirt is artificial turf. They even slide on this stuff, uniforms stay clean.

Just took these.

Put on the finishing touches ahead of tonight's home opener.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040419a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040419b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040419c.jpg

^Looks great. Should be rocking with Kershaw in the house and beautiful night.

Just took these.

Put on the finishing touches ahead of tonight's home opener.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040419a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040419b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040419c.jpg
That first picture is FANTASTIC!

I do like that first picture - it strategically hides the upper deck tarps. ;-)

I do like that first picture - it strategically hides the upper deck tarps. ;-)

it was a great environment last night for the season opener

I do like that first picture - it strategically hides the upper deck tarps. ;-)

Sigh, those upper decks. Can we just remove them and move them to softball facility? I'm joking of course.

Seriously though, maybe we need a maps project to replace them with luxury boxes or something like that.

Took this one Saturday night:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark040619a.jpg

Great pic!

Sigh, those upper decks. Can we just remove them and move them to softball facility? I'm joking of course.

Seriously though, maybe we need a maps project to replace them with luxury boxes or something like that.

I hope this is in jest. OKC is the #1 farm team for a VERY possible world series team. It is full of ready-for-Primetime players that would likely be in the major leagues if not for the outrageous talent on the LA team. OKC is lucky to have such a quality program and should support this team to a point the upper decks should be needed.

I don't think he meant to move the TEAM to the softball field, just the unused upper deck (presumably since they are building an upper deck there)

I don't think he meant to move the TEAM to the softball field, just the unused upper deck (presumably since they are building an upper deck there)
Yes, and I made it pretty clear that was just a joke. But that being said I dont see this deck being used regardless of what happens in the major leagues. They did that because of the sun blinding people. It would be more successful with suites or some kind of party deck. They have done this a few times even with MLB stadiums.

it was clear to me

Yes, and I made it pretty clear that was just a joke. But that being said I dont see this deck being used regardless of what happens in the major leagues. They did that because of the sun blinding people. It would be more successful with suites or some kind of party deck. They have done this a few times even with MLB stadiums.

the sun had 0 to do with them covering that upper deck

the sun had 0 to do with them covering that upper deck

May not be a principle economic reason, but it is why they choose those decks to tarp off. I don't know about everyone else in the city, but it is why I picked third base upper deck when they were both open.

the sun had 0 to do with them covering that upper deck

^^^^^^

Pete, I really liked your photos of the ballpark, so when I found myself in that area this evening I thought I'd snap one as well! Just so happens to give a good perspective of the construction cranes compared to the CBD.

https://i.imgur.com/ZPfb25i.jpg

That is an awesome picture!

One of the best pictures of Oklahoma City I’ve ever seen... salute

Yes, and I made it pretty clear that was just a joke. But that being said I dont see this deck being used regardless of what happens in the major leagues. They did that because of the sun blinding people. It would be more successful with suites or some kind of party deck. They have done this a few times even with MLB stadiums.

Did somebody say party deck? http://www.milb.com/content/page.jsp?ymd=20110104&content_id=16387768&sid=t588&vkey=tickets

Out for bid is a project to replace the seats at the ballpark for an estimated $1.7M.

Good news, Pete.

Will be nice to see the ballpark returned to its original state or close to it. The tarped off section beyond 1st base line upper deck seats have great sight line (IMO). Wish The Chick had sections of arm chair seating throughout the outfield and underneath the current tarped off section.

Wish The Chick had sections of arm chair seating throughout the outfield and underneath the current tarped off section.


I don't understand what this means...unless it is a typo.

:D Commonly referred to as The Brick, I call it The Chick--short for Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Shorten theses names, a new one The Tail = Scissortail Park. :)

:D Got it

Any chance they plan on opening the tarped off areas once they get new seating in then?

I understand they aren't selling out by any means even with the upper sections tarped off, but why not sell those as general seating for like... $5? I believe they are already in the upper echelon of AAA attendance, I'd love to sit in the upper decks again! I'd bet I haven't sat up there since...2004 or so.

Any chance they plan on opening the tarped off areas once they get new seating in then?

I understand they aren't selling out by any means even with the upper sections tarped off, but why not sell those as general seating for like... $5? I believe they are already in the upper echelon of AAA attendance, I'd love to sit in the upper decks again! I'd bet I haven't sat up there since...2004 or so.

nope but you can sit in the 3rd base line upper deck

nope but you can sit in the 3rd base line upper deck

Yeah. I think the 1st base line is in the sun at night, so they tarped those off.

Any chance they plan on opening the tarped off areas once they get new seating in then?

I understand they aren't selling out by any means even with the upper sections tarped off, but why not sell those as general seating for like... $5? I believe they are already in the upper echelon of AAA attendance, I'd love to sit in the upper decks again! I'd bet I haven't sat up there since...2004 or so.

They probably make more in advertisement money from the tarps.

They probably make more in advertisement money from the tarps.

They might as well replace those seats with LED boards instead of replacing them with new seats that will never be used.

The ramifications of this will be interesting to watch and see what happens.
As many as 42 minor league baseball teams could be eliminated in new MLB proposal
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/minors/2019/10/19/minor-league-baseball-many-teams-could-be-eliminated-mlb-proposal/4035666002/

Snow tubing starts Nov. 29th.

Also, all the seats have been removed and will be replaced with new models before the start of the Dodgers season in the spring.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark111619a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark111619b.jpg

New seat installation almost complete:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark021920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark021920e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark021920f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ballpark021920d.jpg

Muuuuuch needed. By chance, are they, or will the be selling any of the old seats? Be pretty neat to snag a few and use as backyard seating.

Muuuuuch needed. By chance, are they, or will the be selling any of the old seats? Be pretty neat to snag a few and use as backyard seating.

I don't what they did with them.

They pulled them out not long after the end of last season.

You should call the Dodgers gift store and I bet they could point you in the right direction.

Muuuuuch needed. By chance, are they, or will the be selling any of the old seats? Be pretty neat to snag a few and use as backyard seating.

They look exactly like the seats they replaced, which to me seemed fine even if they were 20 years old. Were they in that bad of shape?

Looks like the same design down to the numbering and plaques on the ends. I assumed they would change the color or cup holders or something when they stripped. The old ones were pretty worn though - the color was very washed-out and they looked dumpy. Not sure how often seats are replaced at other venues.

Are they replacing the seats in the 1st base upper deck sections, or are those staying perma-tarped?

Are they replacing the seats in the 1st base upper deck sections, or are those staying perma-tarped?

I suspect since the tarps have been placed over the denuded risers, no seats will be installed for now.

Muuuuuch needed. By chance, are they, or will the be selling any of the old seats? Be pretty neat to snag a few and use as backyard seating.

Maybe call the OKC Dodgers Foundation. As a fundraiser, they sold the old field dirt in bottles from when the field was replaced. I picked up a bottle. Wouldn't be too terribly surprised if they did something similar with at least some seats.

https://twitter.com/cityofokc/status/1384158981589901319

Mickey Mantle Drive closed from Johnny Bench/Reno to Flaming Lips Alley for crane work at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, April 22.

Do we know what this crane work is for via permits?