CLIPPER MAGAZINE STADIUM

'Clipper Magazine Stadium' is a 6,000-seat Multi-purpous stadium in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 11, 2005, as the tenants of the facility, the Lancaster Barnstormers, lost to 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 new stadium, a local company, Clipper Magazine, purchased the naming rights.^[1]The stadium features the Coors Light Home Run Pavilion, a concession with a red barn façade, that includes menu items produced in Lancaster County such as hot dogs, Philly-style cheesesteaks, pizza, beer, sandwiches and wraps, barbecue, and funnel cakes. Clipper Magazine Stadium also features a carousel for children and a display that provides information about Lancaster's baseball history.^[2]

Contents

History

Ballpark Attractions

Special Events

The Ice Park at Clipper Magazine Stadium

References

External links

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 plauged 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.^[3]

Ballpark Attractions

★ 'Coors Light Home Run Pavilion'-Features local food items such as cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch quarter-pound hot dogs, Turkey Hill ice cream, whoopie pies, fresh carved deli sandwiches, and regular ballpark food. The Pavilion also features beer from the Lancaster Brewing Company, Stoudt's Brewing Company, and Coors.

★ 'Cylo's Clubhouse'-More entertainment for children featuring the Barnstormers' mascot, Cylo, a large red cow.

★ 'History of Lancaster Baseball'-An illustration of Lancaster County's baseball history.

★ 'Lawn Seating'-Allows even more fans, with blankets or lawn chairs, to watch the game. There is also some bleacher seating along the walls (first come, first serve) along left field. Expands the official capacity to over 7,500.

★ '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 climbing wall, and various inflatibles.

★ 'The Inside Corner Gift Shop'-Official Lancaster Barnstormers team apparel and souvenirs.

★ 'Turkey Hill Birthday Zone'-A facility designed for the celebratation of birthdays.

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.^[4][5]

The Ice Park at Clipper Magazine Stadium

Like Rockefeller Center in New York, Clipper Magazine Stadium becomes a 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 so that the community can continue to enjoy the ballpark in the off-season.^[6]
Clipper Magazine Stadium is located in the northwestern corner of Lancaster City and is bordered by Harrisburg Pike to the southwest, North Prince Street to the east, and West Ross Street to the north.

References

1. Clipper Magazine Buys Naming Rights
2. About Clipper Magazine Stadium
3. Clipper Magazine Stadium to host All-Star Game
4. Puerto Rican Festival
5. Hispanic Heritage Night at the Clip
6. Clipper Magazine Stadium becomes ice-skating rink

External links

★ Clipper Magazine Stadium

★ Ballpark Digest's visit to Clipper Magazine Stadium

★ Ballpark Reviews' visit to Clipper Magazine Stadium

★ Photographs of Clipper Magazine Stadium - ''Rochester Area Ballparks''