VETERANS STADIUM

Veterans Stadium was one of the numerous ballparks created in the horrible cookie-cutter years of the late 60's and early 70's. It was a multi-purpose park, also used by the Eagles. It was big, ugly, uncomfortable, and a place where you don't want to see a ball game if at all possible. The best thing that I can say about this park is that it was imploded in 2004 and replaced by Citizens Bank Park. The following are my comments from 2001. 

The Vet in 2004

The stadium is located at Broad St. and Pattison Avenue, in the sports complex that includes the Spectrum and the First Union Center (now Wachovia Center). It is easily accessible by subway, the Broad Street Line terminates right beside the ballpark. Parking is available, but poorly designed exits make getting out a nightmare - park somewhere else and take the train a few stops, it is probably worth it.

From outside, the stadium is simply boring. The inside isn't much better. Tickets are confusing for a traveler - the 500, 600, and 700 level are all in the third deck, while the 300 level seats are in the first deck but above the walkway and covered by the overhang. I preferred lower seats in the upper deck for $18 than high seats in 300 level for $20. One strange thing is that tickets do not get cheaper as you move away from home plate. 

There are some statues around the outside of the stadium, but they pale when compared to some of the newer statues at Comerica or PNC. 

Sliding statue

The inside of the park is also unremarkable. You can walk around the entire concourse, but there is not much to see. The Phillies have added a few attractions such as the speed pitch, but there is really nothing unique to this stadium. I suppose the best thing was the fans - they are certainly good at heckling the opposition.  

The Vet is simply an old park with no charm. I have seen a number of games there and will not miss it when it is gone. I am looking forward to returning to Philadelphia to see the new stadium 3 years from now and would recommend that you do the same.