When we set out to design the 7,500-seat MCU (formerly Keyspan) Park, Coney Island was in a bad way. After periods of neglect and zoning disputes, the once-storied neighborhood had fallen into disrepair. By the 1990s, large parts of Coney Island had been abandoned. Its days as a world-renowned amusement destination were a distant memory.

The city hoped that a new Minor League Baseball Stadium might revitalize the area, so they asked Jack L. Gordon Architects for help. In designing the park, we had two goals: celebrate the area’s rich past and pave the way for a bright future.

Taking our inspiration from Coney Island’s renowned amusement parks, we used playful building forms, bright colors, and custom designed circular filed lighting to create a festive atmosphere. We lowered the seating and brought it in towards the field so that fans would be intimately engaged with the action. And, to foster a sense of connection between the building and the site, we anchored the corner of right field with the historic Parachute Jump Tower.

Coney Island is proud of its stadium. It remains a popular destination for both Brooklyn Cyclones’ games and major concerts. MCU’s success has spurred a resurgence of development along Surf Avenue, turning Coney Island into a treasured destination for recreation.