Meaning:
The quote "Candlestick was built on the water. It should have been built under it." by Roger Maris is a reference to Candlestick Park, a former stadium located in San Francisco, California. The quote reflects Maris' opinion about the stadium's location and the challenges it presented. Here's a detailed explanation of the quote and its significance.
Candlestick Park was originally constructed in the late 1950s and opened in 1960 as the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. It later became the home of the San Francisco 49ers football team as well. The stadium was situated on the shores of San Francisco Bay, which is where the reference to "built on the water" comes from. The location provided scenic views of the bay, but it also presented unique challenges due to its proximity to the water.
Maris' statement, "It should have been built under it," suggests that the stadium's location on the water was not ideal. It implies that the stadium's construction should have accounted for the challenges posed by its proximity to the bay, possibly by being built in a way that would have mitigated the impact of the water on the stadium and its events.
One interpretation of the quote is that Maris may have been alluding to the often unpredictable and harsh weather conditions that can occur near bodies of water. San Francisco's notoriously chilly and windy conditions, often amplified by the proximity to the bay, could have posed challenges for players and spectators alike. Additionally, the exposure to the elements could have affected the overall experience of attending events at the stadium.
Furthermore, the reference to being "built under it" could also be interpreted as a suggestion that the stadium should have been constructed in a more sheltered or secure manner, possibly even partially submerged to better withstand the environmental factors associated with its waterfront location. This interpretation speaks to the idea that the stadium's design and construction could have been better suited to the specific conditions of its surroundings.
In a broader sense, Maris' quote may also be seen as a commentary on the importance of thoughtful and strategic planning in the design and construction of major structures. It highlights the impact that environmental factors and location can have on the functionality and success of a building, particularly one intended to host large-scale events and accommodate thousands of people at a time.
Candlestick Park was eventually replaced by newer venues, and the quote by Maris serves as a reflection on the unique challenges and characteristics of the stadium's original location. It also provides insight into the perspectives of athletes and public figures who have experienced and interacted with iconic sports venues.
In conclusion, Roger Maris' quote about Candlestick Park offers a thought-provoking perspective on the impact of a stadium's location and construction on the experiences of athletes and spectators. It underscores the significance of considering environmental factors and strategic design in the planning of major sporting venues, while also capturing the unique challenges and characteristics of Candlestick Park during its time as a prominent sports facility.