First Energy Stadium--Reading, Pennsylvania

Opened--1950

June 15, 2002 - Reading Phillies 7, Akron Areos 0

Eastern League--AA

Future Major Leaguers - Jhonny Peralta, Victor Martinez, Jody Gerut

First Energy Stadium is the home of the Reading Phillies, the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, since 1967. The park does a great job of mixing the old with the new. It still has the old covered grandstand and concourse located beneath it, which gets quite crowded. It has bleachers that run down both lines, you have to sit with your head tilted on an angle because the seats face straight out. They have incorporated some features of newer major leagues parks. In left field they have a party deck, sort of like the one at Turner Field. In right field they have a Bank One Ballpark type swimming pool. Every time a player on Reading homers the fountains spray up

Down the first base side is a patio section that has several different types of food and many tables and chairs to enjoy said food. The food was reasonably priced. You can't see any of the game from this area but it seems to be quite busy. At the end of the patio is a kid's section, complete with the inflatable house for kids to bounce in, mini golf and speed pitch. This is also where the train leaves from that rides children around the park. On the third base side is a hair cutting both, nothing like getting a hair cut at the ball yard.

Parking is free, but a little tight. Plus, it seems everywhere to park is a foul ball landing area, so as the sign says, "Park at your own risk". Reading has self proclaimed itself "Baseball Town" and if you go there you can see why. Early arriving, enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans make for an enjoyable time at the park.

Stadium Rating : B+

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