The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Renovations begin on UFCU Disch-Falk Field
09.26.2006 | Baseball
The view from afar does not reveal much change, but upon approach to UFCU Disch-Falk Field one can see much evidence that the much-anticipated renovation project is well under way.
TexasSports.com recently put on its hard hat and went on a tour of the facility, accompanied by project manager Jim Shackelford and project engineer Corey McNabb.
One of the main goals of the renovation is to improve the amenities for fans and offer a more enjoyable game day experience. When completed, spectators will spend less time waiting and more time watching their beloved Longhorns. UFCU Disch-Falk Field will have larger concession areas, box office and restrooms.
Improving the aesthetics of UFCU Disch-Falk Field was also taken into consideration for the renovation. The venue will feature an enclosed concourse twice the size of the existing concourse with approximately 20 feet added to the width. The stadium will feature a brick and glass façade similar to what was used in the renovations of Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Although the project will not be completed entirely until the summer of 2007, there will be some definite improvements ready for the upcoming baseball season, expansion of the lower-level seating bowl. The new seating brings fans closer to the field, extending 135-feet further down each base line.
A turf area will be installed beyond the extended seating area on the first-base line, allowing for an off-the-field practice area. Behind the extended seating area on the first-base line, a new concrete patio and picnic area will be accessible from the seating walkway. The proposed patio and picnic area doubles as a roof for the new Longhorns players' facilities. The expanded facilities will include a larger UT locker room, training room, weight room, coaches' offices and meeting room.
Down the leftfield line, there will be grass berm seating between the extended seating area and the foul pole.
In addition to the new seating areas, the old seats were removed to allow for the installation of more ergonomically friendly seating. The amount of disabled seating will also be increased.
"The new seating will be more comfortable," Shackelford said. "There will also be a lot more seats closer to the action. The fans will really appreciate the change."
When the renovation is completed, Disch-Falk will boast an approximate seating capacity of 6,833, excluding suites.
Due to the complexity of the massive renovation, only a portion of the construction will be completed in time for the 2007 season. Among the improvements that won't be ready for the 2007 season are the planned new dugouts and box seating. The existing dugouts will eventually be demolished and new dugouts will be constructed closer to the field. In between the two dugouts, new box seating will be added.
"We were in the situation where we could probably finish half of that part of the project for the 2007 season," Shackelford said. "We decided it was best to play this season without it and unveil the box seats and new dugouts for the 2008 season."
At first sight of the facility, one can already see progress is being made. All of the seats are gone, as is the press box. The roofing panels that needed to be removed to make room for the new press box and suites have been removed and the indoor batting cages have been relocated.
Various projects are on the slate for the near future. In the next month, the roof structure will be repainted. In the next two months, the area along the leftfield foul line will be filled in and the laying for cement for the expansion of the seating will begin.
By January, workers will begin erecting the structural steel needed to support the new press box and suites and the seat anchor bolts will be dropped to allow for the installation of the new seats in February. A new bullpen is being constructed behind the leftfield wall, replacing the one down the leftfield line that will fall victim to expanded seating.
Among the changes will be many safety improvements. New padding will be installed on the outfield wall for 2007. Fire alarms and fire protection systems are being installed to make the facility compliant with modern codes.
In order to allow the Longhorns to use the facility for the 2007 season, the construction manager developed plans for moving people in and out of the construction zone on a game-day basis. Temporary ticket windows, concessions, toilets and press box will be set up.
The Longhorns will continue to hold workouts at UFCU Disch-Falk Field this fall, but unlike in the past, the practices will be closed to the public due to the construction. With the renovation, the Longhorns' Fall World Series on Oct. 26-27 will be played at The Dell Diamond in nearby Round Rock.
Conducting workouts in a construction zone seems to be more of a hazard to the laborers than to the players.
"The guys always have to be aware of the possibility of an errant throw or foul ball," Shackelford said. "A hard hat protects your head, but it doesn't protect your nose."
Those are just some of the sacrifices being made to help bring Longhorn baseball fans a modern facility that will bring pride to everyone associated with The University of Texas.
