Citizens Bank Park is an impressive baseball only stadium and something Philadelphia can be proud of. The stadium has a significant capacity of 43, 302 seats, opened on April 3, 2004 and hosted its first regular season baseball game on April 12th of that year. The stadium was built to replace Veterans Stadium which is now demolished and the tenants are the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. The stadium features some unique and impressive features including the largest LED video score board in the National League. Also the ballpark features natural grass and dirt playing fields. The ballpark features regional specialties at the food outlets which include cheesesteaks and hoagies. The stadium also features a walkway of restaurants and items from Phillies history, like a walkthrough history. Also featured here is a restaurant bar and grille called “Harry The K’s” named after Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. This impressive area is called Ashburn Alley named after another Phillies Hall of Fame member Richie Ashburn. Ashburn Alley offers an excellent place for pre game entertainment and opens two and half hours before the scheduled first pitch.
Stadium history and funding
It was in 1998 when the Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League joined forces with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers in making requests for separate stadiums. They would be looking to replace Veterans Stadium and Three Rivers Stadium. There were problems especially at Veterans Stadium when a railing collapsed during the Army-Navy game which injured eight cadets. On top of this there were also threats from the Pirates to move from Pittsburgh in 1997. The end result was a decision needed to be made. Funding for the four prospective stadiums was made by the state legislature. Originally it was planed for the new phillies stadium to be located in the downtown area, but there were protests from residents of Chinatown. Technically the stadium was not to be located in Chinatown, but a compromise was made. The stadium was to be located at 13th and Vine streets. This was just north of Interstate 676 and an easy walk from downtown with a great view of the skyline. The ball park was constructed at a cost of $346 million and was a joint architectural venture between Ewing Cole Cherry Brott and HOK Sport.
Ground breaking and naming rights deal
The unveiling of the new park was on June 28, 2001. Following the game that evening, the location of the left-field foul pole was unveiled at the outset of the team’s annual 4th of July fireworks display. The next milestone for the stadium came on June 17, 2003 when the naming rights deal was agreed. The Citizens Bank division of the Royal Bank of Scotland agreed a 25 year, $95 million deal for the naming rights and advertising on telecasts, radio broadcasts, publications and inside the facility. The ballpark was officially topped off on August 12, 2004 and it was exactly one year later when it hosted its first regular season game.
Ashburn Alley features:
• All Star Walk – Runs the length of the alley and pays tribute to all phillies players who have played in the MLB all star game since 1933.
• Bulls BBQ – This is located at the eastern end of the alley and is partly owned by former Phillies outfielder. The menu features ribs, turkey legs and pork, beef and chicken sandwiches and “Bulldogs.
• Games of Baseball – This is sponsored by Citizens Bank and is an interactive games area where prizes of Phillies memorabilia can be won.
• Harry The K’s Bar and Grille – Named for Phillies legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas, this is a two level bar located under the scoreboard. The menu options are finger food and sandwiches.
• Memory Lane and Wall of Fame – This area contains information on Philies history as well as those who have contributed to it.
• Rooftop Bleachers – Fans can observe the game in 1920’s and 1930’s style seating and get special food and beverage options.
• Starting Lineup – The Phillies starting lineup is displayed by giant baseball cards as fans enter the Left Field Gate.
Other attractions
• Build-A-Bear Workshop Make-Your-Own-Phanatic – Fans are invited to purchase a Phillies doll and dress it up.
• The Hall of Fame Club – This special area only available to those sitting in levels 212-232. The area features exclusive food, games and memorabilia from the teams past.
• High and Inside Pub – This is located on the terrace level and behind home plate, the area is open to groups before game. The pub is then open to the public once the game begins.
• Liberty Bell Home Run Celebration – This liberty bell replica rings and lights up after every Phillies home run and victory.
• Majestic Clubhouse Store and Alley Store – These stores feature general baseball merchandise and Phillies themed merchandise. The clubhouse is open year round and Alley Store is open during home games.
• McFadden’s Bar and Grille – This is another popular eatery especially post game.
• Phanatic Phun Zone and Phanatic Rock Climb and Giant Shoe Slide – These are two popular play areas for the kids.
Statues
Mike Schmidt Robin Roberts Steve Carlton Richie Ashburn
Largest Attendance Games (Regular Season)
• Day Game – August 17, 2006 vs. NY Mets, 45, 775
• Night Game – July 26, 2006 vs. Arizona, 45, 459
Information in this report from wikpedia.com: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_Bank_Park)
