JetBlue Park and the new Player Development Complex are being designed and constructed by a team consisting of Fort Myers-based Parker/Mudgett/Smith Architects Inc.; global architectural practice Populous; and Boston-based D’Agostino Izzo and Quirk.
The new complex will provide latest training facilities including JetBlue Park, the main ballpark with a total capacity of approximately 11,000 fans; six practice fields; and other adjoining facilities that will house both the Major and Minor League operations and a rehabilitation center.
Most of the design elements of the new ballpark are inspired from Fenway Park, including a ‘Green Monster’ that will feature seating both on top of and behind the wall, a manual scoreboard; exact replication of Fenway’s unique playing field dimensions seating bowl configuration; and location of the bullpens beyond the outfield wall in right-center field.
The street positioned immediately south of JetBlue Park on the complex grounds will be designed as an extension of the ballpark’s concourse, creating additional space to enhance the fan experience on game days. This is modeled on the lines of Yawkey Way in Boston. The area will be lent a family-friendly, ‘street festival’ feel, featuring entertainment, concessions, and other activities, both pre-game and in-game.
JetBlue Park and the surrounding complex will feature elements inspired from its Southwest Florida location. Eco-friendly features will also be incorporated throughout the facility and complex. The surrounding landscaping will feature vegetation indigenous to the area.
The Fort Myers office of Manhattan Kraft is partnering with Casey Construction and Chris-Tel Construction to provide construction management services for the project.
