Well we’ve had 2+ years to make a comparison between the two closest baseball organizations in the area and I think I’ve decided which I like best.
Granted, I grew up in Berks county and have some great memories of games in Reading before it took on the moniker “Baseballtown.”
I remember meeting Max Patkin in Reading.
Those humid summer nights tossing peanuts from the bleachers at girls we thought were cute.
The night, many years later, when I was offered free tickets to the game along with a few other Marines in uniform that afternoon. At that time there was a small private box hanging over the left field foul line and someone gave up 4 seats to us. Thanks to that guy.. I don’t recall his name.
The Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, The Tooth Fairy cleaning bases between innings, the pool beyond the right field wall.
The history of a multi-decade stadium. 🙂
When they renamed the stadium for marketing purposes. 😦
The vegetable races.
The train theme.
The “old ballpark” feel of the grandstand and concessions area.
A “real” main gate.
The players entrance widely available to stand near. (not hidden)
A chance to get a foul ball outside the stadium.
Free parking.
Many of things I have mentioned are tried and true practices at most ballparks these days and the connection between Reading and Lehigh Valley is solid.
Lehigh Valley has a brand new fan oriented park.
The Pork Races.
The Piglet races.
Big exploding Coke bottle.
About 100 more concessions options.
Open concourse for a nice walk and a lawn for families who would feel restained by seats. (Also nice for the folks who would be sitting around those families)
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Now both teams are playing considerably poor this season.. the Lehigh Valley has better food but Reading comes a close second with all you can eat gluttony nights.
I honestly have to say.. Reading is hands down the promotions winner.
A Mr. Belding night (Saved by the Bell fans)
A Ryan Howard Garden nome give away!
Heck next Tuesday a baby T-rex dinosaur will throw out the first pitch! Land of the lost? I think not.
Given my location, I am closer to the Ironpigs by about an hours drive. (5 minutes from CCP) I choose to buy season tickets to Lehigh Valley.. but my heart is in Reading.
Unfortunately, the part of Reading that I prefer will soon be gone. An announcement earlier this year told us that the R-Phils plan to completely remodel the existing grandstand structure extending the locker room facilities into what is now concessions and placing all concessions into the right field courtyard.
I get that same feeling I did when they renamed their stadium away from the dedication to local Veterans and went with money instead.
Oh well.. For Love of the Game.
Again, just my opinions. Feel free to leave yours in the comment section of this post.
DK
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