Sounds stadium construction disrupted by weather

Construction on Metro's new baseball stadium for the Nashville Sounds was disrupted by this week's ice and snow, but project leaders say the ballpark will still be ready for opening day.

Exterior work on the new First Tennessee Park was halted as a result of the weather, leaving construction crews to turn their full attention to the stadium's interior.

"The weather this week will have an impact, much like it has for the city," said architect Ron Gobbell, project manager for the stadium construction. "However, work has continued on the inside of the building which is fully enclosed, and the focus is on interior finishes such as painting and electrical wiring. That ballpark workforce is growing as roads clear and more trades can safely get to the site.

"Exterior work has stopped and will not start back until the weather has cleared. Nevertheless we plan to play ball on April 17th at 7:05p.m."

Though time is of the essence to get the stadium ready by mid-April, officials of the triple-A baseball Nashville Sounds have said that playing a few games at old Greer Stadium is not a fallback option.

Metro officials say they, too, are confident the stadium — which the city floated $65 million in bonds to build — will be finished.

"We knew it was going to be a stretch, but we're planning on playing ball on April 17," Metro Finance Director Rich Riebeling said.

Reach Joey Garrison at 615-259-8236 and on Twitter @joeygarrison.