3-02-08 Venue Updates

Good afternoon. Well it was good when I started to write this, but as I look out my window toward the SW I see more trouble coming our way…Of course, Saturday’s Spring-like weather was too good to be true.

First a CAB policy update:

We'll be rolling out the stadium policies and procedures over the coming days. And as you can imagine there will be some changes to the game day experience at CAB, with the parking plan being one of the changes to what everyone is used to from previous years out at Arrowhead.

Since people are beginning to ask about parking and the big supporters tailgate, I thought it would be helpful to give everyone a heads up and clarify some operational issues relating to both.

As many of you already know, on Wizards game days, access to CAB’s paved parking lots will be reserved for season ticket holders. At the supporters tailgate location we will reserve space for the RV and a few "support vehicles". This area, hand picked by Sam, backs up to the largest grassy area within the lots and should be a really pleasant space to hang out. But let me offer this: I’ve read the concerns over this spot and if the tailgate and supporters leadership want to meet to discuss other locations, shoot me an email.

Back to parking: Current parking operation plans call for the lots to be filled systematically, meaning with flag-holding staff loading one row at a time, starting closest to the stadium and moving away. Upon entrance to the lots, STH’s will be directed to the next available parking space. Once parked, it’s a short walk over to the tailgate. This procedure is necessary due to the limited size of these lots and will help ensure we utilize every available parking space. It also keeps people from having to drive around the lot trying to find an open space (the dreaded mall experience).

Fans who are not STH's will need to park in one of the other available lots, and then either walk, or take the free soccer shuttle back to the stadium and walk over to the tailgate. More to come this week on the free shuttle and the locations of the other lots.

Now on to the construction update, and unlike the previous week, this week we had nice weather and both our venue projects made great progress.

At CAB, electrical upgrades continue for TV broadcast requirements and the Cauldron seating project passed the half-way mark in terms of concrete in place. Ten of the 16 rows have been poured plus the wheelchair platform at the top, and Dunn has begun to pour aisle steps as well. All in all, the conversion is coming along nicely, both in speed and quality of construction.



I took the opportunity to stand in the new first row to see what it will feel like. And let me tell you, you…will…be…close! So close you’ll hear elbows hitting ribs on a corner kick. Those who stand there should study up on the opposing ‘keepers family history, because I’m sure you’ll have plenty of chances to converse.

View from Houghton's spot!

Field 3 as Swope made even more noticeable progress. The perimeter fencing is 90% complete (the tall green posts are for the kick-netting behind the goals), the irrigation system is complete, and with the mud drying out the flat panel drainage laterals were going in Friday afternoon with the gravel base beginning on Saturday. And once the gravel is laser leveled, the folks from FieldTurf will begin to roll out the carpet.

Rolls of drain laterals await installation

A lot of the finishing touches are beginning to become visible, entry stairs, concrete walks, and re-grading in preparation for seeding of all the disturbed areas is well underway.

The entry steps Friday morning

The same area 6 hours later

With a little luck weather-wise, field 3 and CAB will be ready within days of each other. Then you know what comes next on the construction front…

Go Wizards!
DF