ARLINGTON, Texas _ Proof that the retractable roof at Globe Life Field works came in the form of a morning news conference at the Texas Rangers' new home after a night and morning of cold rain showers.
The playing surface inside, with the exception of below the remaining seven panels to be put in place, was dry.
Placing those ETFE panels (ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene) is among the more significant tasks remaining for the crew that is putting the final touches on the $1.2 billion project.
Construction is 93% complete, the Rangers say, with the first game there scheduled for March 23 against the St. Louis Cardinals. They say the ballpark will be ready to go.
"I'm fully confident by Opening Day," executive vice president Rob Matwick said. "We're at Feb. 5. The first game is March 23. We're pressing forward. We'll get done."
The current plan calls for the playing field to be installed by Feb. 27, save for 25% that will be completed after the Chris Stapleton All-American Road Show on March 14.
The video boards and full stadium lighting will be tested for the first time this month, and a massive shipment of furniture is due to help complete suites and other areas. Concession stands and club areas are also getting closer to game-ready.
Over 30,000 seats have been installed in the seating bowl.
An estimated 1,500-1,600 workers have been pulling shifts of 16 hours to 24 hours depending on the size of the project, and the Rangers are committed to keeping that schedule until construction is done.
"As you can tell, still a lot of activity but significant progress every day," Matwick said.
