Case Study

FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches An All-Access, Immersive Baseball Experience

West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

The Challenge

To create a state-of-the-art, two-team Major League Baseball training facility that maintains the intimacy between players and fans that is essential to Spring Training, while recognizing the cultural distinction between the two ball clubs.

The Design Solution

By situating the ballpark at the center of the teams’ clubhouses and practice fields on the 160-acre site, HKS designers immersed the fans in the game. A meandering path from the parking lot through the training complex and a 360-degree, open-air concourse provides maximum accessibility between fans and players, from watching batting practice to chasing down autographs.

The Design Impact

The 160-acre site was formerly a dump site for storm debris and yard waste, at least 60% of which was recycled during the project. Primary parking areas for Spring Training use are on grass lots that can be converted to soccer fields in other months. All irrigation water for the 13 playing fields and 160 acres of landscaping comes from on-site retention ponds in lieu of using potable water.

Project Features

  • Spring Training home of the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals
  • 6,146 fixed stadium seats
  • Lawn seating for up to 1,314
  • Two party decks and six suites
  • Total stadium capacity of 7,838
  • 360-degree concourse
  • 55,000 sf (5,109 sm) clubhouse for each team
  • 12 practice fields (six for each team)
  • Synthetic turf agilities field for each team
  • 1.8-mile walking trail around the 160-acre site
  • Targeting LEED Silver Certification

Awards

  • 2018 ACEC Engineering Excellence National Recognition Award
  • 2018 ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award