BALLPARKS
BALLPARKS
Wow! What a difference a few bulldozers can make!
The Phillies old park, Veteran’s Stadium, was certainly one of the worst ballparks in America. And now, Philadelphia can be proud of it’s park. Although certainly not the best ballpark in the Majors, it is a great stadium and a serious upgrade.
Instead of an enclosed cement block, the new stadium opens up to a view of downtown Philadelphia. It is situated next to the Eagles stadium and the Wells Fargo center (the 76‘ers Home), so it still feels a bit municipal. But once you’re inside, you forget your in the middle of a big parking lot running next to a freeway.
The field is actually below street level. This helps with the view of downtown, and keeps it from feeling so tall and imposing.
The one thing I’m glad they did keep from the old stadium is the Phillie’s Phanatic. Created just after the San Diego Chicken craze in the late 70’s, the Phanatic was created by a company who had ties to Jim Henson Productions -- Thus the Big Bird meets Oscar the Grouch look. To me, he (or is that she??) is still one of the early team mascots that is entertaining to watch.
I’d write a bit more, but that cheesesteak is getting to me. Nothing like a little Geno’s while in Philly!
Philadelphia Phillies - Citizens Bank Park
Friday, September 17, 2004