MINOR LEAGUE

Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia, PA

After 30 years of playing at Veterans Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies began a new chapter in their history in April 2004 with the opening of Citizens Bank Park. Just as more than a dozen other MLB teams have since 1991, the Phillies wanted a new ballpark built to replace perhaps the worst stadium in the second half of the 20th century, Veterans Stadium. By the late 1990s both the Phillies and the Eagles (NFL) wanted new stadiums for multiple reasons. Three sites were discussed for the Phillies new ballpark: Chinatown, a downtown site known as Liberty Yards and a site adjacent to Veterans Stadium. Both teams and the City of Philadelphia agreed on a location, next to Veterans Stadium, and financial terms for new stadiums in November 2000. City Council approved the agreement on December 20, 2000. A 2% rental car tax, largely paid by visitors, was the only tax increase needed to finance the ballpark. As part of the deal, the Phillies paid for the construction overruns and maintain the ballpark. Like every other team in baseball, the Phillies sold the naming rights to Citizens Bank for $95 million over 25 years, thus getting the name Citizens Bank Park. The ballpark is located near the intersection of 10th Street and Pattison Avenue. The structure of the ballpark is formed by multi-story buildings that contain fan facilities, team offices, and services that surround the grandstand bowl and face 11th Street on the west, Pattison Avenue on the south and Darien Street on the east. On the north, lower scaled buildings parallel Hartranft Street and create an open-air concourse. At the four corners of the site, landscaped entrance plazas open the park to the street. Each of these plazas have a distinct character and focus.

The Philadelphia Phillies christened Citizens Bank Park on April 12, 2004 against the Cincinnati Reds. The ballpark has a capacity of 43,647 and consists of three levels, the lower deck, a suite level, and the upper deck. The main grandstand extends from the left field foul pole to homeplate, to the right field foul pole, and into right center field. There is a break in the upper deck along the first base side, allowing the seating area to be closer to the field. Additional seating is located behind the left field fence. One notable feature is the seating bowl, which has many angles, similar to Shibe Park. The main scoreboard/video board is located above these seats. Nearly 400 bleacher seats are located on the roof of the outfield pavilion. Fans are able to see the skyline of downtown Philadelphia from beyond the center field fence. Split level bullpens are located in right center field. Citizens Bank Park has many amenities, including restaurants and a team store.

When one of the Phillies players hits a homerun, fans are treated to a home run celebration, the icon of Citizens Bank Park. A gigantic Liberty Bell (50' high and 35' wide) accompanied by a Citizens Bank Park sign is located in right-center field above the rooftop bleacher seats. Towering 100 feet above street level, the Bell comes to life after every Phillies home run. The Bell and clapper swing side-to-side independently and its neon edges light up and pulsate. The Bell's ring is heard throughout Citizens Bank Park. Located in the outfield concourse area is Ashburn Alley. This festive outdoor entertainment area in the Phillies Ballpark is dedicated to Hall of Famer and former broadcaster Richie "Whitey" Ashburn. Ashburn Alley features a street-fair type atmosphere complete with picnic areas, family-fun amenities, treasured Philadelphia moments in baseball, enhanced concessions with plenty of Philadelphia flavor, clear views to the playing field, and a special viewing area overlooking the bullpens. The special area dedicated to Richie Ashburn spans 625 feet in length and totals 50,000 square feet. Four 10-foot tall bronze sculptures of Phillies legends Steve Carlton, Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt, and Robin Roberts are are also located in this area. As an added treat, fans are able to enjoy Ashburn Alley one hour before the ballpark opens. After the 2005 season, 200 seats were removed from the first two rows in left center field changing the dimensions from 369ft. to 374ft.

BALLPARK MERCHANDISE

2009 Opening Day Citizens Bank Park Poster with Signatures
12"x20" Limited to 2,009

 Citizens Bank Park Poster
Sizes Vary, Framed or Unframed

Citizens Bank Park Medallion and Infield Dirt Coin
Limited to 5,000

 Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series Champions at Citizens Bank Park
by Rob Arra
13.5" x 39" Framed

Ballparks of Baseball's Citizens Bank Park Pictures
Sizes Vary

CITIZENS BANK PARK FACTS AND FIGURES

2009 PHILLIES SCHEDULE

CITIZENS BANK PARK PICTURES