Say Good Bye to Commerce Bank Park, at least as we know it today. 2009 will be the farewell tour for the more than 20-year old stadium. Today, Mayor Reed along with members of the Harrisburg Senators front office announced that they have secured funding to finally fullfill the promise of a new stadium for Senators fans. The designs released today have me looking forward to the 2010 season....
I've been e-mailing with GM Randy Whitaker today and he offered the following comments regarding the new stadium and what it means to him from a fans perspective and as a GM...
"From a GM standpoint: I couldn’t be more excited about the new opportunities that will be available starting next year for our fans and our business partners. For fans, the level of entertainment will be raised to level unimaginable to this point. With the new video coverage, every corner of the ballpark will be able to join in the excitement that only a few people “in view” of some things could enjoy in previous years. For our business partners, they will have the chance to connect in more and more effective ways with our fan base than ever before – and in exciting ways.
From a long-time Senators fans standpoint: This is just cool! We will be able to enjoy the latest and best technology but in a way that will not take away from the game we love. And when the seating bowl is upgraded, the comfort level will be greatly enhanced. I’ve always liked this ballpark for its intimacy and quaintness, and this new design will not take away from that. Underneath all these new bells and whistles you will still feel good ol’ Riverside Stadium."
For more photos of the new stadium please visit: Slide show of New Stadium
Construction Schedule via the Press Release:
The construction for the first phase of the project will begin immediately and continue into April 2009. There are not expected to be any issues with getting into or out of the ballpark, or the game day experience, due to construction. The changes and additions to Commerce Bank Park for the 2009 season are:
• A public plaza and entrance to be constructed in the left field corner
• A boardwalk surrounding the outfield to be constructed between the foul poles.
• A complete upgrade to the scoreboard
• A new left field seating area, an outfield bar complete with drink rails, and new seating underneath the scoreboard.
• A new outfield wall to be constructed with static advertisement panels.
• A new 8,600 square foot Operations Building which will house the Senators front offices, ranger, security, first aid and the new box office along with the new Senators souvenir store, concession stand, and public rest rooms.
The second phase of the construction project is set to begin in August, 2009. This project will include the comprehensive changes to Commerce Bank Park that will turn the stadium on City Island into one of the best and most unique ballparks in minor league baseball.
The following is a comprehensive list of the renovation project beginning in August 2009 and ending before Opening Day 2010:
• Complete new seating bowl upgrades with individual chair back seats replacing the present bench seating and roofing covering the majority of the seating bowl.
• Construction of 20 suites with amenities including a glass wall located in the front of the suite to see the field and a in the back of the suite to see the city skyline.
• A new sound system.
• The creation of a “Midway” with activities and specialty areas geared towards children, teenagers and families.
• The completion of new concessions and restrooms on elevated concourses.
• Upgraded picnic areas which effectively double the size of the stadium picnic facilities.
• The reconfiguration of field lights removal of two lights, addition of fixtures to remaining eight lights, relamp and re-aim of all lights, addition of quartz lighting bank for emergency purposes.
• The upgrade of the field-level concourse with brick pavers.
• The completion of the Operations Building by August 2009
• A new press box including new media and scoreboard control rooms.
• A complete renovation of existing buildings, including the home and visitors clubhouses and the restroom facilities.
• The development of a reserved parking lot.
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