GPU STADIUM

GPU Stadium was built in 1950 but has recently been modified to give fans a few modern amenities. The park is located north of the city near the city limits. Parking is free, but with so many fans, it can be difficult to leave once the game is over. An interesting attraction is the train that occasionally passes through the parking lots.

The best seats are the $4 general admission seats - there is a great choice of GA locations throughout the park, including the upper sections behind home plate and even lower sections along first base. But get there early, the park was full on the night we went. 

The concourse of the stadium is narrow and crowded, but take the time to walk through it and see some Reading Phillies history. Reading has been the AA team for Philadelphia for 35 years now and they have preserved their history well. They have a Hall of Fame wall which includes stars such as Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, and even Roger Maris. Opposite are team photos from years gone by - you can spot current major-leaguers in most of these shots. 

The team also gives you lots of info on the present Phillies as well as the Eastern League as a whole, including stats that are written on whiteboards throughout the park. A unique feature is the alumni report, where info on former players is posted.

There is the usual picnic area along left field, and some bleacher seats above the left field wall. The Power Alley Pub is also out in left field. Behind first base is the grill and some other restaurants where the food is slightly better than average. However, the normal hot dogs are only $1, so you may be torn between your pocketbook and your tastebuds.

Some new additions to the park include the Deck and Boardwalk in left field, and a pool and fountain, added this year in right field. Both of these areas cater to groups, however, so the normal fan can't partake in the fun.

The worst thing about the stadium is the mascots. Yes, there is more than one. In fact, there are 5!  I don't mind the occasional mascot at a game, after all the kids love 'em, but every inning one of these things was around our section creating havoc and blocking my view. This was really the only negative on the whole night, but as baseball is really for the kids, I can't complain too much.

The red seats are general admission - a $4 bargain

Overall, GPU is an old-time park with some new features. I really like the GA seating choices and think that more parks should go to this format. If you are in Philadelphia, why not drive a couple of hours and see a game here - it will be worth it.