In Design Observer, they take a critical look at the upcoming CitiField, noting that they took the expected route of trying to wrap new technology in a fake old school ballpark.

“We all know that baseball fans love their nostalgic ballparks, and I certainly like the human scale and sense of place that the best of these venues provide. But do those values always have to arrive smothered in old fashioned wrappings? Sooner or later someone has to take a risk on something new. In Flushing Meadows, all the conditions were right to take a chance on a home run. What a pity we have to settle instead for a sacrifice bunt.”

I have to disagree here. I like the idea of having baseball parks hark back to the design aesthetics of a classic era. Shea Stadium had the awful 70s aesthetic which is only enjoyable for its kitsch factor. I think the design they decided on with CitiField is timeless.

If they had approached some modern, or even futuristic design it would have not felt like ‘baseball’ which to me is very much a classic game, which should always have an element of the old mixed with the new. I’m not crazy about corporate sponsorship, and thats really my only qualm with our upcoming new home.

Hat tip to Peter W. Knox for the link.