Clipper Magazine Stadium

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Clipper Magazine Stadium
"The Clip"
Image:ClipperMagazineStadium.PNG
Location 650 North Prince Street
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
Broke ground April 28, 2004
Opened May 11, 2005
Owner Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster
Operator Opening Day Partners; Lancaster Barnstormers
Construction cost $23.4 million
Architect Tetra Tech, Inc.
Tenants Lancaster Barnstormers (2005-present)
Capacity 6,000, expandable to 7,500
Field dimensions Left Field: 320 ft (97.536 m)

Left Center: 409 ft (124.6632 m)

Center Field: 400 ft (121.92 m)

Right Center: 363 ft (110.6424 m)

Right Field: 300 ft (91.44 m)

Wall: 17 ft (5.1816 m)

Clipper Magazine Stadium is a 6,000-seat baseball-only stadium in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 11, 2005, as the tenants of the facility, the Lancaster Barnstormers, took on the Atlantic City Surf. It was built as a new home of the Barnstormers baseball team, the first in Lancaster in 44 years. As ground broke for Lancaster's ballpark, a local company, Clipper Magazine, purchased the naming rights.[1]

Clipper Magazine Stadium features Power Alley, a concession with a red barn façade, that includes a traditional ballpark menu as well as items produced in Lancaster County. The emphasis on local products involves the Lancaster County-based companies Auntie Anne's, Kunzler, Lancaster Brewing Company, and Turkey Hill. The ballpark also features a carousel for children and a display that provides information about Lancaster's baseball history.[2]

Contents

[edit] History

Forty-four years before the opening of Clipper Magazine Stadium and the Lancaster Barnstormers' inaugural season, the Lancaster Red Roses entertained baseball enthusiasts for 20 years at Stumpf Field. Efforts for a new stadium and a new team began in 1987, and what was a long, 16-year battle finally paid off with an announcement in 2003. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania agreed to fund roughly half of the cost with Opening Day Partners and the city of Lancaster covering the remainder. Originally, the stadium was slated to be constructed in Manheim Township, but the plans never materialized due to some controversy. One politician wanted to use eminent domain to take over some farmland to build the stadium on, and another wanted to build a stadium in an area that already was plagued with traffic problems. Most local politicians preferred a downtown ballpark in order to revitalize a run-down neighborhood. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster settled on a site on the corner of North Prince and Frederick streets, where a company called Ace Rents had existed. Initially Ace Rents stalled the process, but quickly came to an agreement as they did not want to be a bump in the road. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 28, 2004 and Clipper Magazine Stadium was finished just before it opened on May 11, 2005.

Prior to the ballpark's opening, a local, free-distribution periodical company called Clipper Magazine purchased the naming rights for $2.5 million over ten years. Many refer to the stadium as "The Clip"."

Clipper Magazine Stadium hosted the 2007 Atlantic League All-Star Game, of which the former North Division won by a score of 8 to 6.[3]

[edit] Photos of the park

Infield of Clipper Magazine Stadium

The view from the outfield

Richard M. Scott mural

[edit] Ballpark attractions

  • Auntie Anne's- famous pretzels from the Lancaster-based company.
  • Cylo's Clubhouse- entertainment for children featuring the Barnstormers' mascot, Cylo, a large red cow.
  • History of Lancaster baseball- an illustration of Lancaster County's baseball history.
  • Inside Corner Team Store- official Lancaster Barnstormers team apparel and souvenir store.
  • Lawn seating- allows even more fans, with blankets or lawn chairs, to watch the game. There is also some bleacher seating along the walls along left field. Expands the official capacity to over 7,500.
  • Power Alley Picnic Area- features local food items such as cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch quarter-pound hot dogs, beer from the Lancaster Brewing Company, Turkey Hill ice cream, whoopie pies, fresh carved deli sandwiches, and regular ballpark fare.
  • Richard M. Scott mural- a mural dedicated to former mayor, Richard M. Scott, who initiated the effort to bring baseball back to Lancaster.
  • Stadel Volvo Kids' Park- provides entertainment for children with a carousel, jungle gyms, a rock climbing wall, and various inflatibles.
  • Turkey Hill Birthday Zone- designed for children's birthday celebrations.

[edit] Home Run Harbor

Prior to the 2008 season, a unique feature was added to Clipper Magazine Stadium: Home Run Harbor. Home Run Harbor is a 36,000 gallon, artificial pond with ten bumper boats equipped with water cannons, a small waterfall, and a bridge. An estimated 30% of the home runs at the ballpark are hit toward the Home Run Harbor area, making the location a great place to see long-ball action. Safety netting prevents incoming baseballs from injuring patrons of Home Run Harbor.[4]

[edit] Special events

Clipper Magazine Stadium hosts a Hispanic Heritage Night celebration once every season in coordination with the city of Lancaster's annual Puerto Rican Festival. In addition to honoring Lancaster's Hispanic community, the Barnstormers team wears special tie-dyed jerseys, the proceeds of which are donated to the Spanish-American Lancaster Sports Association (SALSA) and Play Ball USA.[5][6]

[edit] Ice Park at Clipper Magazine Stadium

So that the community can continue to enjoy Clipper Magazine Stadium in the off-season, it is used as an outdoor, public ice-skating rink during the winter months. The pitcher's mound is removed, the infield is covered with sheets of ice, and the concessions serve ballpark fare as well as soup, coffee, and hot chocolate.[7]

[edit] References

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Portal
  1. ^ Clipper Magazine Buys Naming Rights. Clipper Magazine. Retrieved on May 16, 2006.
  2. ^ About Clipper Magazine Stadium. Lancaster Barnstormers. Retrieved on May 16, 2006.
  3. ^ Clipper Magazine Stadium to host All-Star Game. Atlantic League. Retrieved on July 15, 2006.
  4. ^ Home Run Harbor. Lancaster Barnstormers. Retrieved on April 4, 2008.
  5. ^ Puerto Rican Festival. Lancaster Online. Retrieved on September 18, 2006.
  6. ^ Hispanic Heritage Night at the Clip. Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Retrieved on September 18, 2006.
  7. ^ Clipper Magazine Stadium becomes ice-skating rink. Atlantic League. Retrieved on November 7, 2006.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 40°2′55.98″N, 76°18′41.17″W

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