Home Plate Update December 2019 | Page 9

GLOBE LIFE PARK RECONFIGURATION UNDER WAY FOR XFL FOOTBALL, SOCCER T he Texas Rangers released a series of renderings in October of how Globe Life Park in Arlington will be reconfigured from a baseball stadium to a multipurpose facility that will host football, soccer, concerts and other sports and special events. The ballpark, which was home to the Rangers for 26 seasons between 1994 and 2019, will welcome the XFL Renegades and the North Texas Soccer Club early next year. Work is already under way to make room in the ballpark for the football field and the soccer pitch, which will be built to run north and south along what was previously the first base/right field side of the park. The field will be unmarked to make it easier to convert from football to soccer, or to prepare for other sports events the Rangers hope are held at the venue in the future. FC Dallas President Dan Hunt, as well as XFL Renegades Coach Bob Stoops and Renegades President Grady Raskin, all spoke of their excitement to see Globe Life Park continue to be a place where fans and families will make memories for years to come. “ As I stand here today and I look out on the field and see the dirt being moved, it truly indicates the fact that our dreams are soon to be a reality,” Raskin said. “This facility has some amazing memories, many of which I experienced first hand. I am proud to be part of an organization that will continue the legacy of this beautiful ballpark.” Arlington Invests in Portable Radio Technology for Special Events Unit The City of Arlington is working to enhance its portable radio technology for the Public Safety Special Events Unit, which partners with multiple law enforcement agencies during large-scale events in the City’s Entertainment District. This will soon include Globe Life Field, a climate-controlled venue that will host concerts, festivals and other events year-round in addition to Rangers ballgames. Using grant funds, the City is purchasing new portable radios that will facilitate seamless interoperable communication between Arlington public safety commanders and outside law enforcement agencies during special events. These radios will be available prior to the March opening of Globe Life Field. “Having each officer working an event on the same radio channel Fulbright said. “Having extra radios to issue to officers who do not have our channels gives us a greater pool of officers and ensures that we are able to place officers in high visibility positions and have immediate access to communications.” is critical for communication and officer safety. While many agencies in the Metroplex have the ability to add our stadium channels to their portable radios, some do not,” Arlington Police Lt. Donald As the Entertainment District continues to grow, so does the City’s need for personnel and resources to manage event crowds, parking and traffic, Fulbright said. In addition to the opening of the Rangers’ new ballpark, Globe Life Park will continue hosting events, including XFL football games, North Texas Soccer Club games, concerts and other activities. “This only increases our need for outside agency officers to help ensure the residents and visitors to Arlington are afforded the safest environment possible,” Fulbright said. 9