The city of Wichita has unveiled new renderings of the future baseball stadium in Delano.
Construction crews will have just more than a year to finish the stadium in time for the 2020 baseball season.
The design isn’t finalized, but the latest concept drawings give a clearer look at the $75 million, 10,000-seat stadium and baseball village, including a river plaza, picnic area roof deck and three main entrances. Another $6 million in riverfront improvements are also planned to complement the project.
"There's a lot of opportunity for different groups in different areas for entertainment," said Shannon Bohm, who serves on the stadium design-build team.
The building's accents of black steel and limestone reflect the Delano neighborhood, Bohm said, as well as the limestone found long the Arkansas River.
"Our goal is to make this uniquely Wichita," she said.
The stadium is also designed to accommodate various sports, including football. Bohm says they expect to host about 200 events there throughout the year, including the 70 or so baseball games.
The stadium will be situated much like Lawrence-Dumont was, with stands facing northeast toward the river and downtown Wichita.
Vice Mayor Jeff Blubaugh said Wednesday that for now, there are no plans to close McLean Boulevard, but it may be converted into a two-lane, more pedestrian friendly street in the future.
The design will go to the City Council for approval on Feb. 12. A ceremonial groundbreaking is scheduled for Feb. 13.
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