Rangers won't knock down Globe Life Park; Texas Live! to open in 2018

The Texas Rangers will re-purpose Globe Life Park if the team gets a new retractable roof ballpark.

The team and the project's developer on Tuesday revealed new plans and pictures for the stadium and the entertainment venue project known as Texas Live!

If voters approve a new ballpark in November, the facade of Globe Life will stay. Inside the shell of the stadium, the park would be turned into a venue for tenants that could include shops, restaurants and offices.

The change in plans for Globe Life Park may have happened after the city got blowback from Arlington residents and fans, but Mayor Jeff Williams says he has faith in the project developers. If it happens it would be the first successful repurposing of a major league stadium.

The Rangers also released more details about the Texas Live! development that will be built adjacent to Globe Life Park and would be immediately next to the new ballpark.

Construction on the entertainment venue will begin as soon as the Rangers season ends and is scheduled to open in time for Opening Day 2018 at the current site of Rangers Lot A at the corner of Nolan Ryan Expressway and Randol Mill Road.

The 200,000 square foot space would include three venues:  Arlington Backyard (a covered area lined with bars/restaurants), Rangers Republic (a two-story building with restaurants), Live! Arena (a large indoor venue with restaurants and event space).

A hotel and convention center space would open in Fall 2018.

The cost of Texas Live! is now an estimated $250 million, with Arlington chipping in $50 million of the cost. The Rangers and the developer are paying for the rest.

November’s election on the new retractable roof ballpark asks Arlington voters to approve $500 million worth of bonds.