DESIGNING OF BALL PARKS FOR MAXIMUM SPECTATOR SATISFACTION
For the spectator to derive maximum satisfaction, the following are essential:
- Every seat should be angled towards the home plate, which spares the spectator nine innings of turning and twisting to watch the action
- The ballpark should be of at least 1 million square feet and have a seating capacity of 50,000
- Availability of good press facilities
- Availability of a good clubhouse
- Good cafeteria containing snacks like hot dogs, pizza, burgers etc.
- Restaurants and shopping malls
- Some attractions for kids
- A Garden for recreation
- A retractable roof to ensure non-stop action without any interruptions
Ballparks are not just about baseball but encompass an entire range of commercial ventures. A ballpark with all the above facilities plus more innovative schemes to attract people would ensure its commercial viability. The ballpark can, in addition to gate fees, reap good returns from sales/ lease of commercial space, advertisement space, corporate sponsorship and sale of luxury enclosures.
The World's Most Famous Arena
Madison Square Garden , New York built in 1968.
Used for Basketball and Hockey – Seating capacity – 18,000
This is the most difficult arena to get into as well as the most expensive.
Given below are the Top Three across various categories
(Based on a recent survey)
The best baseball parks
- Wrigley Field
- PNC Park
- Yankee Stadium
Most valuable teams
- The New York Yankees with US$849 million
- New York Mets with US$498 million
- The Boston Red Sox with US$488 million
Top three highest earning Players in various leagues
MLB
| 1 |
Alex Rodriguez |
Shortstop |
Texas |
22 |
| 2 |
Carlos Delgado |
First Base |
Toronto |
19 |
| 3 |
Kevin Brown
|
Pitcher |
Los Angeles |
15 |
NFL
| 1 |
Brian Griese |
Quarterback |
Denver |
15 |
| 2 |
Corey Dillon |
Running Back |
Cincinnati |
15 |
| 3 |
Tim Couch |
Quarterback |
Cleveland |
12 |
NBA
| 1 |
Kevin Garnett |
Forward |
Minnesota |
22 |
| 2 |
Shaquille O'Neal |
Center |
LA Lakers |
21 |
| 3 |
Alonzo Mourning |
Center |
Miami |
18 |
NHL
| 1 |
Jaromir Jagr |
Right Wing |
Washington |
11 |
| 2 |
Pavel Bure |
Right Wing |
Fla-NYR |
10 |
| 3 |
Paul Kariya |
Left Wing |
Anaheim |
10 |
|