First Energy Stadium

Surface:  Natural Grass
Capacity:  9,000
Dimensions:  Left 330 ft.  Centerfield 400 ft.  Right 330 ft.
Stadium Opened:  1950

Food:

• Concession stands are located inside the concourse part of the ballpark underneath the seating bowl and outside in VIST Financial Plaza (added in 2011).

• The featured concession item is "The Churger"- a hamburger and a chicken breast separated by a slice of cheese on a roll.

• Other concession items available: Rita's Italian Ice, French fries, funnel cake fries, DiGiorno Pizza, Hot Dogs, Roasted Nuts, Onion Rings, Chicken Tenders, Nachos, Cheese Steak Sliders, etc.
• Prices were very reasonable. In 2011, a bottle of water was only $2.75 and a VERY large portion of french fries were $3.50.

Parking:

• Parking is free, but a little cramped
• There are signs in the parking lot that say “Foul Ball Landing Territory”
• Reading Railroad goes through parking lot. (This RR line is still active)

Seating/Stadium Design:

• Picnic Area in the outfield with TVs on the tables
• No luxury Boxes
• Pool in right field area
• Bleacher Seats (with backs) and box seats

• Seats are blue, red, and yellow. The variety of colors took away from the attractiveness of the park. (main reason for the 3 and a half star rating)
• VIST Financial Plaza- added in 2011, is four times larger than the previous food court. It is covered with protective netting so fans can enjoy their concessions at a table or wait in line without fear of getting plunked on the head with a foul ball. The plaza also features a small performance stage for pre-game music.

Atmosphere/Character:

• Good Sound Effects and PA system
• Free Programs
• National Penn Bank Train Sign beyond the outfield wall - when the Phillies score a run, the train smokes and lights up.
• In between innings contests
• Decorative railroad crossing signs at entrance to the stadium
• Retired numbers in Centerfield
• Oldest ballpark in the Eastern League
• This stadium has a lot of character, mainly due to the unique surroundings. (A water tower is scene beyond the 3rd base side of the stadium, railroad tracks are visible as well)
• Also, the unique features of the stadium, like the heated swimming pool in Right field.

Recognition of Team's History and/or MLB Affiliate:

• Team's name is taken from it's MLB affiliate, the Philadelphia Phillies
• Photographs hung on the wall throughout the concourse area.
• Mural in VIST Financial Plaza.

 Overall Rating:

Questions? Comments? E-Mail me:amanda@baseballstadiumreviews.com