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Citizens Bank Park
Home of the Philadelphia Phillies
Home to the Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park opened it's doors in April 2004. Under the architectural guidance of Ewing Cole Cherry Brott and HOK Sport, construction began in 2001 on this 21-acre, $346 million facility. Open air styling combined with a Kentucky Bluegrass playing surface was made possible due to the construction by Driscoll/Hunt in association with Synterra/Todd. Financing for the new ballpark was based on 51% of public financing and 49% of private financing.
Replacing Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank Park was officially named after the Philadelphia Phillies sold the rights to Citizens Bank. The contract reportedly called for $95 million payable over a 25 year period in exchange for the facility to be named Citizens Bank Park. The ballpark features a combination of multi-level buildings, which house fan facilities and team offices. Among the many amenities that Citizens Bank Park offers fans include concessions, handicapped accessibility and entertainment areas. With a capacity of over 43,000, Citizens Bank Park includes 72 luxury suites, over 6,500 mezzanine club level seats and 21,000 lower bowl seats.
To commemorate some of the legendary Phillies, Citizens Bank Park honors Steve Carlton, Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt and Robin Roberts with 10ft. bronze sculptures located near the outfield seats. Richie Ashburn's statue can be found in Ashburn Alley, Steve Carlton at the left field gate, Mike Schmidt at the third base gate and Robin Roberts and the first base gate. Other photo ops are available at the large Liberty Bell, which measures 50ft. high and 35ft. wide and is valued at $12.6 million. Each time a Phillie hits a homerun, the bell begins to swing and rings throughout Citizens Bank Park.
Ashburn Alley, also located on the ballpark grounds, is located in the outfield concourse and encompasses a total of 50,000 sq. ft. This area is dedicated to former broadcaster, and Hall of Famer, Richie 'Whitey' Ashburn. It features a pleasant environment adorned with picnic tables, vintage baseball moments relived, food, drinks, excellent views of the playing field and an overlook of the bullpens. Ashburn Alley also features the All-Star Walk, Bull's BBQ, Citizens Bank Games of Baseball, Wall of Fame, Memory Lane and Alley Store. In addition, there is an area specially designated for the youngsters.
Still a relatively new ballpark, Citizens Bank Park stands poised to accommodate thousands of cheering fans and a lifetime of history that only baseball can provide. It's the All-American game. It's baseball and it's played here, at Citizens Bank Park.
© 2006 Baseballparkonline.com - All rights reserved.
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