ARLINGTON -- Coming next to Globe Life Field is the actual retractable roof.

That’s the next big step now that the two fixed trusses on the east and west side were completed at the Rangers' new ballpark, which is scheduled to open in March of 2020.

“We are actually building the operable portion of the roof,” said Jim Cuddihee, senior superintendent for Manhattan Construction. “It’s going good. Wish Mother Nature would cooperate a little bit. We can’t control that.”

There are some 1,400 workers still involved in the $1.2 billion ballpark with the construction going on sometimes as much as 22 hours a day. Together, they'll soon be celebrating 3 million man-hours of construction.

In addition to the roof work, about half of the ETFE panels have been installed in the openings along the west concourse which will allow natural light into the building. The lower bowl seating is over 50-percent complete and the installation of exterior glass on the south side is nearly finished.

Installation is going on everywhere, including Limestone in the south entry, hand-laid brick for the entryway arches, metal panels on the office building, concession and restroom tiles, stone countertops in the suites and dry wall all over the facility. Re-bar has been laid and concrete has been poured in dugouts, camera wells and the bullpen.

The Rangers also announced a multi-year contract with Choctaw Casinos and Resorts that includes significant branding at Globe Life Field. The deal makes Choctaw the official Casino and Resort of the Texas Rangers.

“As part of this process, we wanted to find partners who fit our like-mindset and will be perfect long-term partners for the Rangers family,” Rangers COO Neil Leibman said. “We think we have found it with Choctaw. We are excited to have the new branding in Globe Life Field. This isn’t their first opportunity to partner with us. They partnered with us at Texas Live! and today’s announcement greatly increases their presence here.”

The Choctaw Casino and Resort is a AAA Four Diamond entertainment destination just across the Red River in Durant, Okla. The resort is currently undergoing a $500 million expansion that is expected to be completed by the spring of 2021. The project is expected to add another 1,000 rooms to the 716 luxury rooms and suites already in place.

Choctaw is expected to have a significant presence at Globe Life Field for many years to come.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” said Janie Dillard, senior executive officer of the Choctaw Nation. “This place is going to be unbelievable. Expansion and construction projects are something we both do very well. We both know how to get things done and we love working with the Texas Rangers. We are looking forward to seeing this new field come to life. We are committed to helping the Texas Rangers take America’s favorite pastime to the next level.”

Globe Life Field will not only be the Rangers new home but also a venue for hosting high school, college and international sports, along with entertainment events. The hope is that Globe Life Field will eventually be a site for the World Baseball Classic and Major League All-Star Game. The Rangers hosted the All-Star Game for the only time in 1995.