A’s complete construction of stadium design team

There are very few questions regarding the team the Athletics will put on the field come Opening Day of 2018. There are fewer questions regarding the team that will be in charge of putting a new field in Oakland come 2023.

The organization announced the hiring of four design firms Thursday, including the Oakland-based Studio T-Square and HOK, responsible for the MLS Earthquake’s Avaya Stadium.

A’s president Dave Kaval said in a press release that the organization looks forward to working with the firms chosen:

“Our goal is to create the best ballpark experience for our fans, players and community. It is critical for our ballpark to truly integrate into the fabric of Oakland.”

Sasaki, Snohetta and T-Square will be in charge of the planning and design efforts, assisting the A’s community outreach efforts. Snohetta will also be involved in co-op design efforts with HOK.

Said Kaval:

“All of the firms are industry leaders and have reputations for leading award-winning transformative and cutting-edge projects.”

Along with San Jose’s Avaya Stadium, the production of which was spearheaded by Kaval, HOK’s resume of American sporting facility also includes Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium and Stockton Arena of the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat.

Said Brad Schrock, AIA, regional leader of Sports + Recreation + Entertainment at HOK:

“The new ballpark is a transformational opportunity for the city of Oakland and the A’s to create an architectural icon and completely reimagine the fan experience. We’re looking forward to collaborating with the A’s and our design partners to create an imaginative, amenity-rich and enduring community asset.”

Sasaki, a global design firmed based out of Boston, is responsible for the design of Cleveland’s Progressive Field of Major League Baseball and had a hand in the awe-inspiring architecture of boasted in China during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, designing the Olympic Green. The company also has history in the Bay Area, having designed San Francisco’s Presidio Park and Oakland’s Lake Merritt Amphitheater.

Snohetta’s design showcase includes the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion at the World Trade Center. They are also responsible for the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Expansion.

Studio T-Square is a full-service architecture, master planning and urban design firm based near Lincoln Square Park in Downtown Oakland, within walking distance of the Peralta Site.Studio T-Square has been part of the Oakland revitalization efforts, including the designing of the Moffett Apartments and Fruitvale Village.

The firm proudly represents the A’s new motto, “Rooted in Oakland.” Chek Tang, president of Studio T-Square, said:

“Studio T-Square is thrilled to be the Oakland design partner. As part of this community, we are excited about the Oakland A’s vision and commitment to create a world-class ballpark and development that will bring further revitalization to downtown Oakland. Our design mission is simply: to bring the A’s motto ‘Rooted in Oakland’ to reality – by featuring the history, legacy and winning tradition of our beloved Oakland A’s and proudly celebrate and display the cultural diversity, community pride, true grit and natural beauty of Oakland.”

Kalama Hines is SFBay’s sports director and Oakland Athletics beat writer. Follow @SFBay and @HineSight_2020 on Twitter and at SFBay.ca for full coverage of A’s baseball.