MLB expansion project unveils ambitious designs for new $2bn, 45,000-capacity ballpark

The Orlando Dreamers, the group behind efforts to land a Major League Baseball expansion team, has unveiled fresh renderings for a $2 billion ballpark and surrounding district in Florida.

Designed by Populous, a Kansas City-based architecture firm, updated images show a 45,000-capacity domed stadium with three hotel towers surrounding it.

Instagram / orlandodreamers

The renderings will be presented to the Orange County Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force on Wednesday, amid hopes of securing approval for $975 million in funds to ‘partially finance the construction’ of the future facility.

Premium office space, a museum attraction, a multipurpose special events center and space for restaurants, retail and hospitality would also feature in the district.

A site north of the Aquatica waterpark, and south of State Road 528, is said to be the preferred location for the project.

Vancouver is said to be another city pushing hard for an expansion team.

The updated design for Orlando, created by Populous, includes about 10 revisions from previously shared renders.

Andrew Herdliska, the Dreamers’ chief marketing officer, believes an MLB expansion and state-of-the-art ballpark will help generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for Orlando over the coming decades.

He has vowed that money can be put back into ‘community priorities’ like transportation improvements, housing and public safety.

“Everyone involved with the Dreamers either grew up here or calls Orlando home,” he said, per a report from WESH 2.

“We are listening to the conversation and want to do our part to help make Orlando the No. 1 city in America to live.”

According to a team spokesperson, the Dreamers have secured more than $2 billion on the baseball side of the project for stadium construction and team acquisition.

Instagram / orlandodreamers

The group also plans to make the largest private investment in a publicly owned stadium in MLB history, with hopes of turning the complex into a ‘year-round tourist destination.’

A statement, previously shared on the Orlando Dreamers website, reveals the plan is to one day provide an experience like no other for sports fans.

“The vision for the stadium is to provide a unique experience for all types of fans, an experience unlike any other in Major League Baseball,” the message reads.

“Using innovative architectural design, the stadium will have a roof but still provide the feel of natural sunlight. Games will start on time, never rain out and comfort levels will be at all-time highs inside the building.

“While stadium capacity is expected to be approximately 45,000 fans, we have continuously strived to create an intimate atmosphere.

“The fan-centric bowl will provide premium experiences, sightlines, acoustics and amenities to maximize the gameday experience.

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“There will be many different aspects of the stadium to explore, and the venue is being designed to be a place where people come for memorable, family-friendly entertainment.”

The Deamers believe MLB is expected to begin reviewing competitive expansion bids from cities in 2027, with the A’s already moving to Las Vegas.