A totally renovated Cheney Stadium will cut down on the lines to buy beer between innings.

What? You want more news on the renovation? But, um, why? I've told you the important part: increased concession space at remodeled Cheney Stadium means quicker lines at the hot dog stands. Buy a beer and head back to your seat in the time it takes Rainiers pitcher Josh Lueke to fan a couple of batters. No more waiting in line for a two innings. No more missing Dustin Ackley dingers. Fast concessions stand lines at Cheney Stadium. Finally.

What? You still want more information? Oh, you readers. Always wanting more, more, more.

Actually, updated concession stands are just one of the many improvements coming down the pike with the remodel of Cheney Stadium. By the time the Tacoma Rainiers host the Sacramento River Cats for their April 15 home opener, Cheney Stadium will look and feel like a whole new ballpark. An impressive entryway will welcome fans into the stadium. There will be an increased variety of ticket options, ranging from the posh Dugout Club to $7 grass berm picnic-style seating. A 4,000-square-foot Summit Club lined with timber will provide great views of the Olympic Mountains off in the distance. The installation of an elevator and more ADA approved ramps will increase accessibility for all Rainiers fans. 

Remodeled? More like brand spanking new.  

On Jan. 21, the president of the Tacoma Rainiers, Aaron Artman, and others celebrated new Cheney Stadium's topping out. Topping out - or topping off - is a construction term used to describe when a piece is put in place to form the structure's highest elevation.  While it does not mean a project is totally complete, it's a big milestone in the timeline of the construction process. Mortenson Construction, the company in charge of Cheney Stadium's remodel, officially topped out Cheney Stadium over the holidays.

Although Cheney Stadium is still taking form, Artman is amped about all the work that has been done thus far.  He's also excited about how a remodeled Cheney Stadium will feel.     

"It's more than a renovation," says Artman, while conducting a tour of the coming-to-form stadium. "It's really remarkable ... how different it really is."

Artman in the half-finished stadium was like a kid in a candy store. He was showing off new restrooms (perhaps with new urinal troughs). He was pointing out spots in the stadium where fans can find great views of Mount Rainier. He was waxing poetic about the stadium's new $7 berm tickets, and the importance of affordable seats and a great outdoor experience. He discussed his hopes that Cheney Stadium will host the minor league all-star game, and that they will install more bleacher seating in the future.

But of all the renovations, Artman seemed particularly excited about the improvements related to food and beverage. Remodeled Cheney Stadium will have more concession stands and a totally renovated kitchen, accoutrements that were definitely lacking in the old, dingy stadium.

"Now we have all this area out here that allows us to cook food faster, cook more of it and get it out to fans," Artman said. "It's going to take away those nights where people stand in line for an inning or two, and get them back to their seats with their cold beverage and their dog."

Artman said more portable food and beverage carts will roam the stadium during games. He also promised an increased variety of food, ranging from cupcakes to salmon burgers. But ballpark staples like hot dogs and nachos will still be the priority.

Toward the end of the tour, Artman joked that he and Mike Curto, the Tacoma Rainiers announcer, would be the first to personally test out the new beer taps. Beer taps that are sure to see plenty of action in seasons to come. Because when it's the top of the fifth and the Rainiers are already down 7-1, you're going to need a cold beverage. 

LINK: Tacoma Rainiers season coverage