The new Globe Life Field, in Arlington's Entertainment District, is proudly hosting baseball's biggest event. The 2020 World Series began Tuesday night inside the Rangers' new ballpark. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first time a single ballpark has hosted the series since 1944.
Texas Rangers' Executive Vice President of Communications John Blake discussed how the team made sure the new stadium was ready for the World Series and what hometown fans can expect in 2021.
It’s been a challenging year for professional sports and live spectator events. How did the high school graduations at Globe Life Field earlier this year prepare you for hosting the NLDS, NLCS and the 2020 World Series?
Blake: "We started on the 29th of May, had 61 graduations in this park. When the challenge came up of putting 11,500 people in a 40,000 seat ballpark for the NLCS and the World Series, we felt pretty comfortable about where we were...I think as the results of the NLCS have proven, it worked out very well."
Rangers fans can't wait to watch a game at Globe Life Field. But the World Series is still an incredible opportunity. What does it mean to showcase Arlington and the new venue to an international audience?
Blake: "Hopefully in the not-too-distant future we'll be doing this and the Texas Rangers will be hosting games one and two of the World Series...But I think for the Rangers, the City of Arlington, the entire region, being able to host the first neutral site World Series is very significant."
We're all excited for new features, including the air conditioning and roof. Could you describe other parts of the fan experience?
Blake: "A lot of people know 'Sports Business Journal,' the publication of our trade. They did a nice 12 page feature. The best thing we have is 'comfort all season long.'"
Click here to learn more about the new Globe Life Field.
Ballpark Project, MyArlingtonTV, Texas Rangers
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