·         Year in Review:  The future home of the Reds has grown by leaps and bounds over the past year. The first full calendar year of construction has seen the framework of Great American Ball Park grow right before our eyes. This issue of the Play-By-Play focuses on project work accomplished in 2001.

·         Steel Work:  Steel workers have been busy since first installing steel in July. Crews installed structural steel for the first time on July 23. More than 10,000 tons of steel was installed during 2001, and installation will continue through April 2002. Steel work has progressed in the following areas:

o        The steel structure for the Administration Building is well underway.

o        Triangular metal structures were put into place and will form the base of the light towers.

o        Huge steel portal frames were installed alongside the third base line. The frames will form the vast concourses that will eventually hallmark Great American Ball Park.

o        Steel installation has progressed far enough west to shape “the Gap,” the opening that aligns with Sycamore Street, which will open up the ball park allowing fans inside a view of the city and pedestrians outside a view of the field.

·         Concrete Work:  Workers began placing concrete for the ball park’s foundation in early February. This work signified the beginning of an extensive work schedule that included:

o        The first elevated concrete pour in May. The first pour consisted of 8,000 square feet of concrete elevated approximately 10 feet by support beams. The pour constituted the mezzanine level of the northeast parking garage.

o        The final pieces of the floodwall and the outer protective walls.

o        Concrete for flooring has been poured beneath the left field seating structures.

o        Pre-cast concrete seating structures were installed alongside the third base line and the lower seating levels. Elevated slabs also were poured along the third base line, as well as for topping and supporting structures.

o        Crews completed installation of structural concrete that will support Crosley Terrace, the main entrance to the ball park.

o        Installation of the left field wall. This wall reaches from the seating area to the playing surface. It will house the out-of-town scoreboard.

o        Much of the main parking area on multiple levels of the Main Parking garage. There will be a total of 850 spots within the park.

·         Interior/Utilities Work: Ductwork, air handling, and electric groundwork have begun within the ball park. Crews also have been working diligently on the main media access area and the visitors’ clubhouse as well.