Skydome

Skydome is somewhat of a paradox amongst the newer breed of ballparks. Opened in 1989, Skydome was the first practical, retractable domed stadium; however, it is also the last stadium constructed with Astroturf, and with a basically symmetrical outfield configuration.

Somehow, all this equipment seems a bit excessive to tend to a pitcher's mound. home plate and three sliding pits around each base. Maybe a government funded program?

This image highlights some interesting for some of the aspects of Skydome's that it highlights:

The outfield warning track is composed of synthetic paneled materials, like the rest of the turf.
The foul pole is suspended from the roof, (and does sway somewhat, when the roof is open, and the wind is blowing).
The caution sign for "Low Headroom" was ordered by the same people who bought all the equipment for the grounds crew, as the sign is about 30 - 35 feet above the seats.

Mike Hampton, Mike Piazza and Al Leiter seem content in knowing that the Canadian Mounties are watching their backs.

A view of the roof as it starts to close in mid game (due to high winds, as evidenced by the championship banners between the Canadian and U.S. flags).

When Skydome first opened, Toronto set league attendance records, with sell out crowds for almost every home game. Looking closely at this panoramic image, one can count 20 sections of the upper deck that have been covered, rather than expose all the empty seats. That is usually one of the early warning signs that a new facility is needed. Let's see what happens here.

Another view of the ballpark, this time from right field.

A view not often recorded. The image below id from behind the hitter's backdrop in centerfield. It seemed to be made of some sort of nylon mesh, and there were several holes through it.