The 5.5-acre retractable roof is one of the most prominent features of Globe Life Field and will provide shade and cooler temperature 365 days a year, keeping the average temperature in the mid-70’s. It is the largest single-panel operable roof in the world and weighs 24 million pounds. The roof is comprised by a white rubber membrane on the north and south sloped planes, and the flat center is covered with 223 clear panels made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene), a transparent plastic polymer related material, allowing for natural light to fill the entire facility. The roof structure consists of five steel trusses and tie-in steel between each truss, and its construction required 19,000 tons of steel. The roof can open in approximately 12 minutes.
The retractable roof opens from east to west. It requires the push of a single button to open and close. The operator must keep his or her hand on the button the entire time the roof is in transit. As soon as the finger comes off the button, the roof is programmed to automatically stop.
For each home game, the Texas Rangers and the umpires will make the decision as to if the roof will be open or closed. Opening and closing the roof can only be done once per game and only at the end of an inning.
Climate Control
The new ballpark provides a climate-controlled experience at every game, regardless of the Texas heat outside.
The ballpark also provides a comfortable space in the winter months as well, with heat produced through six boilers that combine to generate the heating system’s hot water.
