Hammond Stadium set to be finished end of January

When fans file into Hammond Stadium in nine weeks, they essentially will be visiting a brand new ballpark.

Almost everything about the stadium, originally opened in 1991, will seem different from two years ago. But the majority of the changes will have taken place in the seven months leading up to Feb. 22, when Minnesota Twins pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to their spring training home.

Officials from Lee County, architectural firm Populous, Manhattan Construction and the Minnesota Twins gave the media a guided tour of the construction zone Wednesday. Construction hats and fluorescent vests were required.

"We've dramatically increased, by five and a half times, the amount of public space," said Bruce Miller, the architect. "The concourses before were crowded and cramped. Now people can spread out and enjoy the game. The food service here is incredible. And now there's a 360 degree concourse. That's the best way to watch spring training. Fans can get out of their seats, walk around and watch the game from different perspectives."

The increase in space will be noticed.

New concrete juts out from the outside of the stadium. Below and inside will be the expanded home and visiting team clubhouses, a new weight room for the players and a hydrotherapy room.

On the second floor will be the expanded concourse for fans. There also will be a new, two-story gift shop that measures 2,944 square feet.

There have been 130 to 150 construction workers on hand, six days a week. The work has been on schedule, said project manager Peter Hayden.

"It's been a very aggressive schedule," Hayden said. "Before the (Fort Myers) Miracle finished their season, we moved in and took over the stadium."

The project cost $42.5 million and will be paid over 30 years from a portion of hotel taxes collected by the county. The Twins contributed more than $6 million in building the player development academy on what now will be known as CenturyLink Sports Complex.

Doug Meurer, assistant county manager, said studies have shown that having the Twins in the county will have a direct economic impact of $25 million a year. That does not count, he said, the presence down Daniels Parkway of the Boston Red Sox, who moved into their new facility, JetBlue Park, three years ago.

"About 65 percent of fans travel from out of state," Meurer said.

Those fans will have more vantage points and styles of seating from which to choose. The capacity has increased from the original 7,500 to 9,300.

A new, outdoor party suite is being installed on the fourth floor on the first-base side.

On the third floor behind home plate, the former offices are being transformed into six suites for groups.

Part of the third floor will be year-round offices for Twins executives.

Part of the fourth floor will be year-round offices for the Twins Class A affilate, the Miracle.

Also behind both first base and third base will be elevated, outdoor drink-rail seating that will be shaded.

"We think that's going to be popular for people in wheelchairs, because they're in the shade, and it's a great view," Miller said.

Fans will be able to move about the ballpark faster in every direction, including up. The original elevator has been replaced with a faster version. Two other elevators are being installed as well.

"It was exciting to see the level of progress that has been made," Twins president Dave St. Peter said. "There's a tremendous level of excitement, not only that the project will be completed in time, but it will take the fan experience to another level."

Connect with this reporter: David Dorsey (Facebook), @DavidADorsey (Twitter).

HAMMOND STADIUM TIMELINE

Feb. 26, 2013: Project announcement

Oct. 3, 2013: Groundbreaking for Phase One

Feb. 19, 2014: Phase One completion

March 1: Phase one completion first game

Nov. 15: Fourth floor complete

Nov. 17: Concession stands complete

Nov. 30: Media dining room complete

Dec. 1: Suite level boxes complete

Dec. 2: Players' lounge and auxiliary locker rooms complete

Dec. 15: Hydrotherapy and weight room for players complete

Dec. 22: Visitors' clubhouse complete

Dec. 29: Suite level offices complete

Dec. 30: Home clubhouse complete

Jan. 30: Ticket windows and gift shop complete

Feb. 22: Ribbon cutting

March 1: Open house with organized tours

March 4: Twins vs. the University of Minnesota Gophers

March 5: Lee County Day: the Minnesota Twins vs. the Boston Red Sox