The scene beyond the outfield walls was one of perpetual movement as fans swarmed the wide concourses that have become a must for new ballparks.
Below them was the vast, hollow interior of the new structure, which will be twice as large as the current stadium to accommodate wide concourses and clubs within.
To draw more than three million will mean selling out almost every game, unless the team augments those who pay for seats by selling 3,000 to 4,000 standing-room spots, which Howard said there was room to do in the wide concourses.
"The stadium is designed to allow people to hang around after the game, enjoy something to eat, have a few drinks and for the kids to be able to run around and play in the wide concourses.
The more recent venues in the building cycle those built in the past five years or so are superior in assets like corporate meeting space, premium restaurants, wide concourses and sufficient disabled access than those that came during the decade or so before.
Houston (Minute Maid Park): Old-school cozy, with wide concourses and numerous concession stands.
They probably won't be satisfied with wider concourses, flat-panel TV monitors and better food.
Better food, cleaner facilities, wider concourses and a cozier feel were just a few of the improvements fans could expect.
An outer structure will be added to the grandstand that will include the escalators, elevators and wider concourses.
The seats are a key part of the stadium renovation, which also includes wider concourses and seats, more concessions and restrooms, and improved wheelchair access.
And Continental Arena, with wider concourses, greater fan comforts and more revenue sources, would still look like the pedestrian structure it has always been.
