Akron Civic Theatre undergoing more renovations, after about $20 million worth more than a decade ago. Executive Director of the theatre, Howard Parr, says the upcoming renovations are going to be a on a smaller scale, but are all part of making the Civic a premier concert venue in Akron. The total cost, Parr says, will be around $600,000, the majority of which will be coming from an Ohio capital grant and the rest from the county.
Some of the renovations time around include interior electical work in the Grand Lobby. Parr says they'll be taking down all 7 of the chandeliers inside, shipping them out, and having them restored.
The project has already begun and is expected to last three or four months. Parr says that it'll be business as usual during the current renovations, and great acts will continue to come to the Akron Civic Theatre.
Hear the entire interview with Howard Parr from the Ray Horner Morning Show below:
For the first time since Canal Park opened nearly 20 years ago, the field will be getting a complete makeover. The renovations include removing the existing turf, improving the drainage and irrigation infrastructure , and reconstructing the bullpens, mounds, and batter's boxes.
Officials with the RubberDucks say the renovations are needed, especially ahead of the Eastern League All-Star Game in 2016. Akron will host the All-Star Game and festivities July 12-13. The season opens for the RubberDucks on Thursday, April 7 with the home opener scheduled on Thursday, April 14.
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(Akron RubberDucks - Press Release) The Akron RubberDucks and the City of Akron Mayor Jeff Fusco announced today Canal Park is undergoing a complete field renovation in time for the 2016 All-Star Season. It is the first complete field renovation since Canal Park's construction in 1996 and opening in 1997, and the renovation includes the first resurfacing of the playing field since 2007.
"We are thrilled to partner with Mayor Fusco and the City of Akron to provide a new playing surface and much-needed improvements to the drainage and irrigation infrastructure," said RubberDucks General Manager Jim Pfander. "I know our players and the Cleveland Indians player development team will enjoy a new, improved playing surface for 2016 and beyond."
The tearing out and installation work is being performed by local Seville-based AG Design, and Tuckahoe Turf from Hammonton, New Jersey, will be installing its Tuckahoe Big Roll sod, which is 100 percent Kentucky Blue Grass. The renovation began November 11, and the new turf is expected to be laid in place by the end of the week.
The complete field renovation includes:
· Removal of the existing turf and organic layer to reduce percolation issues
· Installation of a new Rain Bird Irrigation System
· 400 tons of root zone sand and 50 tons of infield material will be added and graded
· 100 tons of warning-track material will be added and be graded
· Reconstruction of bullpens, mounds, and batter's boxes
· ACO Drains will be added to the warning track for improved field drainage
· Playing field will be graded and prepared for new sod
"With the upcoming Eastern League All-Star Game, now is the perfect time to install a new irrigation system and add additional drainage," said head groundskeeper Chris Walsh, who will oversee the project. "The Kentucky Blue Grass field should take root over the winter and be ready for Opening Night and the All-Star Game."
"We've made a number of improvements to Canal Park over the past few years, but this one is a re-investment in the facility that players, coaches, and on-field personnel will enjoy for a long time," said Pfander.
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The 2016 season will be the franchise's 20th since moving to Akron and third since becoming the RubberDucks. Akron will host the Eastern League All-Star Game and festivities July 12-13, and the season opens Thursday, April 7 with the Home Opener at Canal Park on Thursday, April 14 vs. Bowie Baysox at 6:35 p.m.
Fans can secure season tickets, flex plans, or arrange a group outing by contacting the Akron RubberDucks ticketing department at 330-253-5151 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information about the team, please visit the RubberDucks' website, www.akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, Twitter feed @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram at @akronrubberducks.
The Cleveland Indians announced Monday that the more than 10-year-old scoreboard at Progressive Field will be replaced with a new high-definition screen.
The new scoreboard will measure 59-feet high by 221-feet wide and will include a new sound system for the 2016 season.
Renovations are still underway at the stadium to add more local restaurants and a new club on the main level and behind home plate.
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(Cleveland Indians - MLB Pro Blog) The Cleveland Indians announced that a new scoreboard will be in place at Progressive Field for the 2016 season and beyond.
The scoreboard will replace the current, now-outdated system installed at then-Jacobs Field in 2004.
The new scoreboard, manufactured and installed by Daktronics, will feature premier high-definition technology for every fan at Progressive Field. It measures 59 feet high by 221 feet wide, amounting to 13,000 square feet of active display area.
The project includes other boards throughout the ballpark which will enhance fans' experience by providing greater access to statistics, scores from around the league and sound quality. The project also includes a state of the art new sound system to be installed for the 2016 season.
"The new boards will significantly enhance our fans' experience at Progressive Field," said Neil Weiss, the Indians Senior Vice President of Technology and Chief Information Officer. "This project increases our ability to deliver a world-class in game experience, delivering stats, highlights and player profiles in large, high-definition formats."
The installation of the new scoreboard will begin as work continues this offseason on Phase 2 of Progressive Field renovations. Phase 2 expands themes from the successful Right Field District project completed in April to the rest of the ballpark, including:
Concessions: The Indians and Delaware North Sportservice will look to incorporate more popular local restaurants into the ballpark, similar to those that were part of the Right Field District introduced at the start of the 2015 season: Melt, Barrio, Sweet Moses, Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Dynomite Burgers
Club behind home plate: The Indians will construct a new club located on the ballpark's main level and behind home plate, providing great views of the action on the field. The club will include a full bar, access to a variety of new concessions options within the space, a customer service center and a glass front for prime viewing. The club will remain open after games, to offer Season Ticket Holders with access to an option to let traffic clear on high-demand games. The club also will significantly improve views of the field for all fans using the main concourse behind the home plate area.
Additional elements: The second phase of renovations will also feature wayfinding consistent with the Right Field District, updated signage and more team history incorporated throughout Progressive Field, along with the renovation of a select number of suites.
"We're proud to partner with the Cleveland Indians to provide Progressive Field with a premier, high-definition video display system," said Daktronics CEO Reece Kurtenbach. "As venues hosting live sporting events continue to strive to improve fan entertainment, Daktronics continues to provide industry-leading technology to stay in front of these trends. This installation will deliver an impressive and memorable game-day experience for Indians fans in 2016."