In late 2016, Fulcrum Associates was selected as the construction partner for the stadium improvements. With a goal of having construction completed in advance of the 2017 season opening, construction began with structural modifications to allow for the plaza area infill and accommodations for the new tiered seating area. As a result, the ballpark entrance was completely redesigned into a breathtaking pavilion and plaza; featuring a tiki bar, game area and live music stage. The new fully equipped stage is ideal for musical performances, speaking engagements, live broadcasts and more. The new full service, self-contained, and modular tiki bar was constructed out of laminated bamboo product, “lamboo”, and covered with a synthetic engineered thatched roofing material.
Guests to the park are now greeted with a majestic rock waterfall feature atop the main stairway, designed by Stonemakers of Merrimack, N.H., which leads to the Samuel Adams Bar & Grill. Additionally, the in-stadium restaurant has now fully opened its west wall to provide an open-air pathway to the new plaza. Below the Bar & Grill, the left-field seating area was enhanced with four rows of tiered seats and powder coated drink rails. The new seating section has 165 swivel chairs with mesh backs overlooking the playing field, perfect for group outings. The conversion of the former picnic area to tiered seating was executed with the use of poured in place concrete walls and prefabricated geofoam that will support the new concrete slabs at the tiers.