The Community Maritime Park stadium is off to a great start in bringing one of the top multi-use stadium design firms in the country. The Maritime Park Development Partners (MPDP) has selected Populous, the same firm that designed the new billion dollar Yankee Stadium.
“I’m confident this multi-purpose park for baseball, festivals, plays and other outdoor events will improve our community like similar facilities have done for other cities, such as Montgomery (Ala.) and Charleston (S.C.),” Studer added. “I’m positive this venue will be one that our citizens will be proud of and will enjoy.”
Populous was awarded the bid after several weeks of presentations from a total of five different firms. Formerly HOK, Populous has completed more than 90 new build construction or renovation projects including many of similar size, purpose, and scope of Pensacola’s Community Maritime Park. It is currently working on the main stadium and other sports complexes for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
“Not only will this project provide a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium, it will also create a renewed excitement for the surrounding community,” said DiNitto, who will serve as Populous’s project manager. “The community-owned baseball facilities of today are uniquely designed for multi-purpose use and serve the diverse venue needs of their communities like never before. We see this as an opportunity to create a most unique entertainment venue for the Pensacola community.”
The firm plans to begin construction this summer and have the multi-purpose stadium complete by early 2011, in time for the Pelicans 2011 opening day.
The Vince Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park is a public/private venture. The park features three main components: a state-of-the-art Maritime Museum for continuing education and to highlight Pensacola’s great maritime history, a wharf complete with several dining, shopping and entertainment options, and a 3,500 – 4,500 multi-purpose stadium, where numerous events will take place including playing the home of the Pelicans. The southern most end of the project will be an open green space directly on beautiful Pensacola Bay with free access to the public.
