Dodgers to unveil plans for restaurant, shops at stadium

[Lil Bit Special]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodrep24apr24,0,7561857.story

Renovation project is attempt to offer options to fans who come early or stay late. In a letter, McCourts say they are committed to Dodger Stadium 'for the long haul' but such amenities are needed.

By Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

April 24, 2008

The Dodgers plan to unveil their most extensive stadium renovation yet Thursday, a project that would transform the area behind the outfield into an entrance promenade featuring restaurants, shops and a Dodgers museum.

In a letter sent today to season-ticket holders, owner Frank McCourt and President Jamie McCourt said the improvements would "give the stadium a chance to remain viable and perhaps see its 100th birthday."

The letter did not detail the renovations, but the plan would enact a vision Frank McCourt made when he bought the team in 2004 -- to transform at least part of the Dodger Stadium parking lot into an area offering dining and shopping for fans who arrive early and stay late, avoiding pregame and postgame traffic. The Dodgers would generate additional revenue as well.

Dodgers officials could not immediately be reached Wednesday afternoon to discuss the project or its cost. But representatives of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is scheduled to appear with the Dodgers officials Thursday to discuss the project, described it as a "$500-million renovation and modernization."

The "plans include building a new entrance beyond center field, a new plaza inside the stadium gates, a 'Top of the Park' outdoor deck area, a modern promenade, restaurants and new Dodger history museum," said an e-mail sent by the mayor's office announcing the event.

In the letter, the McCourts said they were committed to Dodger Stadium "for the long haul" but made clear the stadium could not survive deep into the new century without such amenities.

"This is a project that will green the area around Dodger Stadium and reduce its carbon footprint while spreading out the traffic impact on the neighborhood," said City Council President Eric Garcetti, whose district has many of the streets used to enter and exit Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium opened in 1962.

"The viability of a 50-year-old ballpark comes into question when you realize that, come next year, Dodger Stadium will be the third oldest in baseball," the McCourts' letter read.

Once the two New York teams move into new stadiums next year, the only older ballparks in use will be Boston's Fenway Park, which opened in 1912, and Chicago's Wrigley Field, which opened in 1914.

The Dodgers also plan to enlarge the outdated and cramped home clubhouse this winter.

Times staff writer David Zahniser contributed to this report.