Field:

Surface:  Nexturf
Capacity:  62,382
Dimensions:  Left 330 ft.  Centerfield 408 ft.  Right 330 ft.
Stadium Opened:  April 4, 1971
Demolished: March 21, 2004

Food:

• Very few vendors in the stands
• Long  lines at concession stands
• Variety of food- cheese steaks, chicken fingers, Pizza, Hatfield Hotdogs

Atmosphere:

Veterans Stadium was lacking the atmosphere of teams with past histories of world championships.  The outfield walls displayed retired numbers of a handful of Phillies such as, Mike Schmidt, Robin Roberts, and Steve Carlton.  Other than that, there was not other reminder of past accomplishments.  The screen in centerfield never once showed highlights of any past Phillies great moments. 
The 7th inning stretch consisted of the most pitiful rendition of “Take me out to the ballgame” that I have ever heard.  Very few people sang along.
The Phillie Phanatic made his appearance twice throughout the game.  Despite, the long tradition this mascot has, it seems as if he is very outdated and does not incite much energy in the crowd.

The stadium contained the usual player introduction music clip, but sound effects were minimal.  After a Phillies’ hit a sound effect was played that resembled someone spitting into a microphone.  The overall rally inciting sound effects were lacking.  The PA announcer was nothing out of the ordinary. 
The fans were into the game, but not as much as I would have expected in a major city like that.  The fans seemed to represent a higher socio-economic status than other large city teams. 

Parking:

• Large lots ranging from $7- $10 to park.  Some are a far walk from the stadium, but neighborhood seemed okay.   No parking garage.

Restrooms:

• Several restrooms were located throughout the stadium on each level.  Although, containing few stalls…..but no lines.

Seating:

• Sections go in numerical order, as opposed to odd/even sides
• Long ramps leading to levels
• Sections were clearly marked
• The circular seating gave a feeling of enclosure.  The stadium almost feels like you are in a dome since you can’t really see daylight out in the outfield. 

Interesting Facts/Features:

• Illuminated Liberty Bell hanging from centerfield façade
• Centerfield Screen played “Rocky” clip in between innings
• In left field, the pitch type and speed was displayed
• TV Screen is centerfield was crystal clear

Overall Rating:

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