Construction workers at Great American Ball Park already know what Reds batters will find out next year — hitting a home run to left field will be more difficult than it looks.

        Thee ballpark is open in right field, so wind swoops into the stadium before hitting the large scoreboard in left field.

        “The wind will come across the river, then the scoreboard deflects it down into the park,” explained Tyrone Heinmiller, a project executive for construction manager Hunt Construction Group.

        “It will make hitting a home run a lot (harder)” than the 379-foot distance to the left field fence suggests, Mr. Heinmiller said. A similar situation exists in the new Detroit ballpark, which he also helped build.

        The ballpark is about 70 percent complete. Project manager Arnie Rosenberg said it will be ready for Opening Day next year, and he expects the stadium to stay within the $280 million maximum public contribution.

        Some of the construction milestones coming in the next two months include:

        • The stadium's boilers and chillers are in place.

        • The final areas of the seating bowl, those closest to the field, are being installed.

        • The roof is on the “batter's eye” building in center field, which will provide a solid backdrop for hitters and a party building within the stadium area for fans.

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