[Teflon]

Bucking the trend of small retro-style ballparks, this massive 68,000 seat venue is not hesitant to use the word “stadium” in its name. Über Stadium carries the name of a large German appliance manufacturer that purchased 30 year naming rights. It was designed to accommodate the enormous crowds that routinely packed the team’s old ballpark to overflowing during a long and storied history of tight pennant races and post season appearances.

Completely triple-decked, the ballpark still manages to retain an open feeling by using a descending design on the upper deck as the outfield stands wrap around towards the center field grandstand which is free-standing. The stadium’s dimensions are asymmetrical at 345’ down the left field line and a substantially shorter 319 to right. The wall heights compensate a bit for these disparities with an inviting 6’ barrier in left ,an 8’ wall in center, and an imposing 15’ wall in right topped by an 18 ‘ scoreboard.

The stadium offers the now-usual list of ballpark amenities including 130 private suites, 3 restaurants, a micro-brewery, and a day-care facility. The ball club’s team offices occupy a 7-story building that backs the centerfield grandstands and houses a 20,000 square foot retail store at street level.

The most distinctive feature of the ballpark is the red-seated “Rooters Roost” located atop the center field grandstands. Tickets to this special seating section are only sold the day of the game as part of a pre-game ticket rush for $6 a seat. This was a popular practice at the old stadium dating back to the 1920s that has been carried on through the years. Über Stadium has added a special Rooters-only club area at the top of the stands that features a daily barbecue and regular appearances by old-time ballplayers who greet the fans and sign autographs for team charities.