A diamond from the rough: Workers race against April 2 deadline for completion of Hammons Field

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by Eric Olson|ret||ret||tab|

SBJ Reporter|ret||ret||tab|

eolson@sbj.net|ret||ret||tab|

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At the northeast corner of Sherman Avenue and East Trafficway 1.8 million pounds of steel, 100,000 bricks, 8,000 plastic seats, 6,000 yards of concrete and 27,000 square feet of Bermuda grass are being combined to create Hammons Field. Slightly more than two months from its grand opening, construction crews are feverishly applying the finishing touches: installing chairs, painting walls and railings, and hanging fixtures.|ret||ret||tab|

The project was envisioned four years ago when Springfield developer John Q. Hammons and his top aides began researching other minor league baseball diamonds.|ret||ret||tab|

"We traveled all over the country looking at new parks," said Jim Thomas, project director of design and construction for Hammons.|ret||ret||tab|

That was in 2000. Construction began in July 2002. Fast-forward 18 months and the clock is ticking to meet a 7 p.m. April 2 deadline.|ret||ret||tab|

That's when the Southwest Missouri State University Baseball Bears kick off a new era of sports for the city of Springfield in a more than $20 million, 8,000-seat ballpark.|ret||ret||tab|

Until then, Killian Construction crews are working weekends and extended hours. "It is a push," said Thomas, who has become the answer man on the job site, often running over from his Hammons Hotels office about a block south of the park when needed.|ret||ret||tab|

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The look|ret||ret||tab|

Architects and designers describe Hammons Field as eclectic, mixing a pre-1920s ballpark style with modern aspects and amenities. The early-century appeal is obvious in the exposed steel beams that have been painted patina green, the color of weathered copper a la the Statue of Liberty, and the garnet-colored exterior brick.|ret||ret||tab|

"We're trying to do something that relates to traditional values, but doesn't preclude us the use of modern technologies," Thomas said.|ret||ret||tab|

That was the challenge posed to project architect and engineer Pellham Phillips Hagerman, in its first design of a professional baseball stadium. Hammons wanted a look reminiscent of major league parks Camden Yards in Baltimore, Coors Field in Denver and Chicago's Wrigley Field. |ret||ret||tab|

"(Hammons) wanted a feel that screams traditional baseball," said Larry Phillips, principal engineer, who was a part of those early stadium tours. "That's what we're going for in a very modern, state-of-the-art facility."|ret||ret||tab|

Modern amenities include 28 luxury suites and private club seating on the upper level, two outfield party landings, and an indoor training facility the size of the infield located beyond the right field wall.|ret||ret||tab|

But Phillips' favorite element is the park's simplest: the entrance. "You get the full vista of the field when you walk into the stadium," Phillips said.|ret||ret||tab|

Because of its open concourse design, the field of play is visible from concession stands or restrooms along the concourse. Fans walk down to the first-level seating.|ret||ret||tab|

"When I walk in right behind home plate and I scan down right field and left field I really like the whole feel of it. You get the feeling of professional baseball, but you also get a feeling of a hometown field. It's a special feeling. I'm very proud of that," Phillips added.|ret||ret||tab|

Phillips also is pleased with the way his firm's custom structural steel trusses and columns turned out, something he's afraid may go unnoticed. "When you're in there, look up," he said. "That is a custom structural steel design that only fits Hammons Field."|ret||ret||tab|

Chuck Foster is principal designer of the project.|ret||ret||tab|

Phillips said Hammons Field has already garnered more commentary from people on the street than any project in his firm's 27 years.|ret||ret||tab|

"Obviously, it's struck some kind of imagination in the citizens of Springfield," Phillips said.|ret||ret||tab|

He can't wait until the public can actually experience it. "As architects, we would like to be there and record the look on everyone's face when they walk in," he said. |ret||ret||tab|

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To be determined|ret||ret||tab|

There are a number of things still to be determined, according to Thomas, and Hammons is calling those shots. Hammons could not be reached for comment.|ret||ret||tab|

Minor league team: The question on many minds is, "Who's playing?" Hammons did not make good on his promise of having a minor league team in place for 2004 he initially said the announcement would come in February 2002 making the SMSU Bears the park's only resident in its first year of operations. Now Hammons and his staff say 2005 is the year and Texas League is the preferred league. An announcement is expected this year.|ret||ret||tab|

Ticket prices: Pricing structures for either single-game or season tickets, the 28 luxury boxes included, are yet to be announced. Hammons' pro forma states the average ticket price is $9. One luxury box already has a name on it: Hammons. The others are available, Thomas said. |ret||ret||tab|

Food/drink services: The soda and beer distributors and food suppliers are undetermined. Possibilities include local cuisine along with standard ballpark fare. Thomas has contacted Steve Williams at Crosstown Barbecue and Trey Vance at McAlister's Deli.|ret||ret||tab|

Management team: Hammons may assemble his own team or hire an outside company with baseball stadium management experience, Thomas said. Regardless, time is running short; it typically takes 12 months to 18 months to fully market and promote a season for a new minor league team. |ret||ret||tab|

"We need to get going for the Double-A team soon," Thomas said.|ret||ret||tab|

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