Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark takes Star turn
The park-within-a-ballpark houses the Frisco Rough Riders, the Texas Rangers' Double-A affiliate and reigning league champions. On June 20-21, the field will also host All-Star festivities.
Just three years old, ballpark has been regarded as one of the most unique stadiums in the Minors. With features such as bullpens in the middle of the concourse and pavilions and beach houses for stands, it's easy to understand why.
The 10,000-plus capacity stadium is a wonderful blend of new-age architecture that pays homage to Texas baseball history. The field is surrounded by the main seating bowl and gives fans a panoramic view of the game.
The concessions, restrooms and luxury suites are placed in separate buildings called "pavilions" and set in the rear of the main bowl. Each pavilion is constructed with the same materials used for residential homes in Texas, giving the park a true neighborhood feel.
Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark's ground level is lined with concessions and restrooms while the upper-level houses luxury suites that resemble tropical beach houses.
"We wanted a truly unique ballpark for our fans. The pavilions look like garden apartments, the suites like beach condos -- the idea was to have a park within the ballpark," said Aaron Artman, the team's director of communications.
Upon entering the main gates behind home plate, the pavilions sport a "Wild West" theme. Fans get the feel as if they are taking a stroll in the park, with beautiful walkways and winding pathways -- in essence, the park within a park.
The pavilions are each connected by pedestrian walkways, surrounded by some of baseball's finest landscaping. The 360 -degree open-roofed concourse allows fans to circulate throughout the park without missing any of the action on the field.
The team made more improvements for fans this season. Fans who opt not to sit in the main bowl have a few other options to choose from, including San Juan Hill and the Teddy section.
The latter, named after self-proclaimed baseball lover, Teddy Roosevelt, stretches 10 rows behind each dugout and treats each ticketholder to a free meal during the game.
Families can stretch out on blankets on San Juan Hill while enjoying the game under the stars. The name honors some of Texas' original RoughRiders who fought in the great battle of San Juan.
"The Teddy section and San Juan Hill are always the first to sell out -- families love it -- we also thought it would be a nice way to preserve some of the historic ties of the community with that of the RoughRiders," Artman said.
A members-only seating area spanning 12 rows behind home plate called the Founders Club provides free food and drink until the seventh inning and guarantees fans a good time.
Located above home plate on the second level is a second Founders Club -- a restaurant/sports bar with the latest in high-definition entertainment. A third Founders Club that runs along the first baseline offers fans true Texas BBQ treats.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark lies in the middle of the stands: the bullpens.
Unlike other parks where bullpens are placed in the outfield or along the foul lines, fans are right next to the pitchers in the bullpen.
"It's such an unusual location for a bullpen," Artman said. "Fans are able to mingle with the guys during the game, kids get autographs -- it's a great way to really get to know the players."
The atmosphere will be even cozier as the team plays hosts to the league's best for the All-Star Game. Even players will find a great view of Dr. Pepper/Seven Up Ballpark from the Embassy Suites when they mingle with fans at a Fanfest on Monday night.
"The hotel overlooks the park -- you can really take it in and see the entire idea come together," Artman said.
The next day, fans and players will get away for a bit with a quick round of golf before heading over for the Home Run Derby, which will be presented a bit differently this year.
Only the preliminary rounds will be played before the game, then after the end of the third inning, the final rounds will be played to ensure that even the late-arriving fans will be able to watch the conclusion.
"(The locals) have a real love affair with this ballpark, and they've really embraced the idea of an All-Star Game," Artman said. "With that kind of reaction, a spectacular event is inevitable."
Sapna Pathak is a contributor to MLB.com.