The Tacoma Rainiers are planning an open house on Saturday, March 20, that will give the public an opportunity to weigh in on design plans for renovating Cheney Stadium. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ballpark.

“I think after that we’ll have a real good sense of things that people like and don’t like,” Tacoma Rainiers President Aaron Artman told me Wednesday. “If there are ways to make any realistic tweaks to include features people want to see in the ballpark, and we’re able to do it with our budget, we’ll try to do it.”

After the winning design was revealed last week, some city council members and citizens have suggested the ballpark needs more public viewing areas on its mezzanine level, as well as an extended roof.

Officials for the city, the minor league ball club and the winning contractor have cautioned, however, that major changes to existing conceptual designs for the renovation project might not been possible, due to budgetary constraints. Likely off the table are roof extensions, and a traditional public concourse, like that in SafeCo Field, contractors and team officials have said.

Here’s the press release from the Tacoma Rainiers with details on its ballpark Open House:

Tacoma, WA – On Saturday, March 20th, from 11AM to 2PM, the Tacoma Rainiers will be holding a pre-season party at Cheney Stadium.

Admission to the party is absolutely free. Activities will include – ticket sales, tag-a-seat, ballpark tours – including access to the dugouts and the clubhouses, national anthem tryouts, and more.

The Rainiers will be serving up free hot dogs and sodas. Fans will also get a chance to sample ‘Ohana Harbor’s Baseball Blend coffee, a blend that was chosen by Rainiers’ partners and season ticket holders. Bring the kids to see Rhubarb and get their face painted.

A new Rainiers road logo will be unveiled. The team store will be open and stocked with new Nike merchandise – including the dry fit worn on field, other worn-on-field merchandise, a variety of new hats, new replica jerseys, and even a few 2009 home, road, and batting practice worn jerseys.

One feature of this year’s pre-season party will include a “Tour of the Future – Cheney Stadium 2011”. This virtual tour, hosted by team president Aaron Artman will be held in the gold club at the end of the first baseline. Public who are interested in attending will have a look at preliminary ballpark renderings and hear Artman speak to the value of each addition.

Immediately following the “Tour of the Future”, Aaron will be available for and open to questions, opinions, etc. There will also be comments cards to fill out and leave behind. The Rainiers are hoping to receive much public feedback at this event and utilize it to help finalize Cheney Stadium’s renovations. The three “Tour(s) of the Future” will be held at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm. Guests will be asked to sign up for specific tours.

This year will be Tacoma’s last chance to view Cheney Stadium as it stands after 51 years, seven different teams, and over 3,000 games of professional baseball.

For more information on the pre-season party, contact Annie Shultz at (253) 722-1043 or ashultz@tacomarainiers.com