Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp's multimillion ballpark renovation advances

[thelakelander]

Renovations to the home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp continue to move ahead with new work permitted.

At the end of February, the team announced that the first phase of Project NEXT, a $31.8 million publicly funded renovation of 121 Financial Ballpark, would welcome fans to the 2024 season. According to the team, while aiming to meet Major League Baseball requirements, Project NEXT also aims to "reinvent the Crustacean Nation fan experience."

Starting in the 2024 season, fans experienced the beginning phases of the project: a new video board that is nearly 20% larger, new ribbon boards and new concourse fans. As of Monday afternoon, the city is reviewing a permit for a new, two-story building at 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. called the right field building.

This new construction is slated to cost $11.5 million. Site plans approved in September show a new two-story administration and hospitality building on the right side of the field next to a building for the team store.

A press release in February stated there are plans for a multi-level building in right field, which would make the Jumbo Shrimp VyStar Credit Union Souvenir Store accessible on the street level and on the concourse level. It will also serve as an event space for banquets and meetings.

The long-term vision includes the creation of an enhanced club space behind home plate, a new front porch and center field plaza to welcome fans.

Site plans indicate plans for a center field plaza as well as future development in a second phase.

The Jumbo Shrimp are working on the project with the Canopy Team and Janet Marie Smith. Her credentials include design work of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Fenway Park renovations and others.

Legacy Engineering and Birken Construction are listed as responsible companies on the permit.

Several permits for the ballpark have been issued this year from foundation to site clearing to a roof.

https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2024/11/18/121-financial-ballpark-right-field-building.html?utm_medium=pn&utm_source=pushly&utm_content=281137&utm_campaign=5784064

[tufsu1]

I met with Janet Marie Smith way back in 1992 - just two weeks before Camden Yards opened. - to talk about the new trend (at the time) trend of building new ballparks in urban cores. Yes, I am getting old!

[jax_hwy_engineer]

thanks for sharing, I was curious what they were planning to build after they tore the bleachers along the first base line down.

[Captain Zissou]

The work is progressing quickly.  The masonry is already up for the elevator and stairs for the building and structural steel is on site.  I'm excited to see the results of this project, but I hope it doesn't detract from the APR facing side of the property.