On deck: Dodger Stadium renovations (2008)

Dodgers announcer Vin Scully stands alone with his thoughts before team owner Frank McCourt unveils a stadium improvement project with new concessions, parking and a museum. The project is to be completed by Opening Day 2012, according to a Dodgers press release.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, studies a model of a revamped Dodger Stadium being used by team owner Frank McCourt to point out facets of the project. Among the renovations: The area behind the outfield would be transformed into an entrance promenade featuring restaurants, shops, club offices and a Dodgers museum.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

A wooden model of the remodeled stadium is under plexiglass at a press conference in the Dodger Stadium centerfield.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

The Dodgers would not confirm the cost of the renovation project or other specifics, but a news release from the office of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa put it at $500 million. A model of the renovation project is featured at a press conference Thursday.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)

An artist’s rendering of how Dodger Stadium would look after a an extensive renovation. Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes, whose district includes Dodger Stadium, said the project would surround the ballpark with a ring of greenery, with parks and plazas “almost like a campus setting,” so fans could walk from a garage onto a tree-lined walkway leading to an entrance, or to a retail cluster.  (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)