Project Location
Wichita, KS
Client
Wichita Wind Surge
Capacity
5,935 seats
Project Type
Baseball Stadium
Building a Ballpark
The ballpark was delivered as a design-build project in 16 months, where DLR Group partnered with SJCF Architects, JE Dunn Construction, and Eby Construction. A key to the project's success was weekly team meetings that included the design-build team, City of Wichita oversight committee, and ballpark stakeholders. This large group built consensus, made decisions, and kept the team moving forward.
Player Development
The multi-purpose stadium was designed and constructed during a significant reorganization of the Minor Leagues by Major League Baseball. This reorganization included the adoption of new facility standards that would focus on player development areas. The new standards were not published prior to design and construction but the Wichita Ballpark would be required to meet the unpublished standards. DLR Group’s experience with minor league baseball, familiarity with player development areas, and discussions with the ball team guided the design. Upon publication of the new standards, Riverfront Stadium easily met or exceeded all the standards required by Major League Baseball.
The ballpark is oriented so all fans in the seating bowl, suites, club and party decks have a view of the Wichita skyline.
Community Stadium
The ballpark is designed as a community entertainment venue, not only hosting the Wind Surge. The stadium has been used for Wichita State University baseball games, concerts, and football games. Paved areas around the concourse can be used as multipurpose event spaces for civic events.
A picnic area on the right field line accommodates large groups to a barbecue and a night at the ballpark.
Ballpark as Economic Driver
The investment in Riverfront Stadium by the City of Wichita has created increased interest in development around the ballpark. The City has further invested with a parking garage and multi-modal transportation center. Riverfront Stadium will be an anchor to the South Delano district for years to come.
The ballpark created development parcels on the Arkansas River for future hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Fit the Wichita Community
Ballparks must reflect the community they are a part of; they must fit. Riverfront Ballpark does this in several ways. First, the ballpark is oriented so the view from the seating bowl, club, suites, and party decks are of the Arkansas River and the skyline of Wichita. Second, materials used in the ballpark – brick colors, exposed black painted structure, weathered wood, copper, plaza paving, and stone accents – reference bridges and the railroad to reflect the Arkansas River, and the rich history of the adjacent Delano neighborhood. Third, Wichita is a city filled with public art. The ballpark incorporated artwork by local, regional, and nationally known artists that support the importance of art in the community.
The baseball mural created by Brickmob is part of the City of Wichita’s public art program.
Brick colors, exposed black steel, and cast stone details echo the materials of the adjacent Delano Historic District.
A New Type of Suite
Typical suites provide two experiences: an indoor lounge and outdoor tiered seating. DLR Group created a new type of suite that adds a third zone: a patio/social space. The patios have proven to be exceedingly popular with suite holders. Providing an outdoor lounge continues the fun of pregame mingling, as well as socializing during the entire game.
A patio outside the suites extends the social area toward the field, and connects suite holders to the ballgame.
