The new spring training home of the Chicago Cubs, the $99m Cubs Park, has opened in the US.
Architectural firm Populous designed the complex, which features a ballpark, a two-storey player development facility, six full practice fields, 12 covered batting tunnels and an enhanced Riverview Park over a 146 acre site.
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Populous said the ballpark has a seating capacity for 15,000 people and has brickwork, steel and ornamentation resembling that at Wrigley Field.
Several design elements were used in the project, including the main entry marquee, the brick wall behind the home plate and the green scoreboard.
More than 60% of the seats are shaded from the sun inside the seating bowl and the facility integrates several party and patio decks and berm seating.
Populous principal David Bower said the company’s priority with Cubs Park was to create a new spring training experience designed with sport and community in mind.
"The Cubs are an iconic brand and their new facility is an iconic, game-changing complex. It has comfort, shade, variety and intimacy for fans," Bower said.
Hunt Construction Group served as the construction manager for the project.
Chicago Club owner Tom Ricketts said: "This new ballpark and player development facility will allow our players to better train and compete."
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the new Cubs Park and Riverview Park are connected by a palm tree-lined paseo with opportunities for retail, restaurant and hotel development on either side.
Image: The Cubs Park will be the new spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. Photo: courtesy of Populous.
