As a direct response to the sections of the park showcased by Yard Goats owner Josh Solomon, DoNo Hartford LLC Manager Jason Rudnick, in charge of the development of Dunkin Donuts Park, took NBC Connecticut for a tour of what he believes was left out.
Solomon showed NBC Connecticut yesterday how most of the suite and VIP section of the ballpark is unfinished, and more closely resembles a construction site than a completed high-end seating area in a baseball stadium.
On the way into the baseball stadium, the main entrance is nearly complete with sponsor signs and branding signs prominently displayed. The video board in left center field is operational, with the screen turned on today.
The dugouts are ready for equipment and players.
The Yard Goats' clubhouse is nearly finished, as crews were putting the finishing touches on the team's bathroom Thursday afternoon.
One bathroom that hasn't been completed in the same section of the ballpark is the one for coaches, which is mainly an empty room missing plumbing and walls.
Elevators have been a point of contention between the team and the developer, with the Yard Goats' owner Josh Solomon being particularly peeved at the lack of completion on the lift meant for the VIP section.
Rudnick, with DoNo Hartford LLC, took NBC Connecticut on the elevator that connects the field level from the concourse near the batting cages.
A stairway that had plywood on it yesterday, had smoothly poured concrete over it today.
Rudnick told NBC Connecticut that he admits there is still much work left to do, and pointed out the deck in Left Field meant for Bear's Smokehouse is a key issue. He also pointed out a missing section of concourse in left field, the same section Solomon voiced his displeasure with. Rudnick says there were issues with the design of the section and construction workers needed to make changes for when the section is delivered.
That section is what prevents the concourse from being 360 degrees.
Rudnick wouldn't provide a new possible completion date. He maintains the city bears some culpability when it comes to the delays and missed deadlines because changes directives have continued to arrive near daily.
Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin wouldn't comment Thursday on the back and forth between the developer and the team.
