Category Archives: Coca Cola Park

The IronPigs held a Tuesday afternoon open house at Coca Cola Park to showcase their new left field addition.

IronPigs GM Kurt Landes (click photos to enlarge)

Favorable weather has allowed construction crews to reach nearly 50% completion and roof thatching will begin soon. The Tiki Terrace’s additional seating will increase the official Park capacity to 10,100.

Tiki Terrace Construction

While the weather was far from tropical, General Manager Kurt Landes warmed the atmosphere with his description of the Tiki Terrace and Oasis complete with Palm Trees.

Mr. Landes also pointed out that the new Tiki Terrace will not interfere with regular park updates and stated “When you get in the elevators you won’t recognize them”.  The party porches will also be upgraded and other various touches around the park will be completed.

View from front row of over-hanging seating

The view from the front row of the overhanging seats has to be one of the most unique views in all of baseball and ‘The Dish’ is not opposed to bribery in order to get down there during game time. We will have to wait and see if Coca Cola Park will have its own future version of “Jeffrey Maier” as the ground rules have not yet been etched.

Following the blustery outdoor tour, the party moved inside to sample some new tropical themed menu items created by Executive Chef Jan Giejda. The Kahlua Chicken Skewers and the Pineapple Pork Skewers were quite tasty. The other interesting addition was Char Grilled Pierogies with a surprisingly great flavor. Click here for the Tiki Terrace Bar menu and here for the Tiki Terrace Bar Group Outing menu.

Pineapple Pork Skewers & Kahlua Chicken Skewers

Boneless Chicken Skewers, Grilled Steak Sliders and Handcrafted Burgers, previously available only at the FMO Painting Club Bar will make there way to the Tiki Terrace Bar Menu. I’ve had all of them and it’s great that everyone will now have the opportunity to enjoy these delectable Club Level favorites.

Great group seating is still available – be sure to visit the IronPigs Website  before it’s too late.

I was fortunate to steal some one-on-one with GM Kurt Landes’ and I must say that it was enjoyable both as a fan and as a blogger to hear his insight. It’s clear that the IronPigs organization will not rest on their laurels and we are fortunate to have an owner’s group and management team that will not allow seasoned fans to become jaded and still continue to bring new fans to the Park.

I also had the pleasure to meet Jeff Schuler of the Morning Call’s Hog Blog. View his great post here.

View of CF

The Voice of the IronPigs Matt Provence and Jon Schaeffer are keeping their play-by-play skills sharp this off-season. Matt called some Lafayette Men’s Soccer and Women’s Volleyball and is currently doing Basketball for the NJIT.  Jon is calling Seton Hall Basketball. Give ‘em a listen – it’s always entertaining.

Overall another great afternoon at Coca Cola Park – even in the cold!

Is it April yet?

Go Pigs!

DiPro’s Dish

Only 140 days until the opening pitch of the 2012 Season!  In the mean time here’s a wrap of the most recent news and a preliminary look forward.

Coca-Cola Park

The construction of the Red Robin Tiki Terrace and Oasis is progressing nicely. The main steel support structure is mostly complete and as I was leaving CCP on Tuesday (11/15) another full load of steel was being delivered. Amazingly, the field is still exquisitely manicured. Bill Butler is the man!

IronPigs Coaching Staff

As previously reported, Andy Tracy has joined the Philadelphia organization as a coach and (former) Reading Coach Mark Parent has been hired by the White Sox. Thanks to long time poster Emily who found this article, it’s possible that Ryne Sandberg just may return to the Lehigh Valley in 2012. Could this be the first and only successful “occupy” campaign? We can only hope!

If the Phils decide to promote from within will we perhaps see former Phil Mickey Morandini from the Williamsport Crosscutters (Class A Short Season) make a move to Reading or perhaps LHV?  Former MLB pitcher Lance Carter and SS Jorge Velandia are also on the Crosscutter’s coaching staff.

The Clearwater Threshers (Class A Advanced) have a few former Major Leaguers on their staff as well.  Dusty Wathan a catcher has a history with the Phillies, Reading, and forerunner to the IronPigs the Ottawa Lynx. John Mizerock who actually managed 13 games for the Royals in 2002 and former MLB pitcher David Lunquist round out the Threshers staff.

Over in Lakewood, the BlueClaw’s (Class A) staff consists of former Major Leaguers 3b Chris Truby, P Steve Schrenk and IF Greg Legg who’s been a member of the Phillies organization since he was drafted.  Perhaps we’ll see some promotions from here.

With the departure of Parent from Reading (Class AA), Frank Cacciatore and former MLB pitcher Bob Milacki remain. Reading will be looking to replace their manager as well. There could be quite a shuffling of the staff within the Phillies’ Minor League Affiliates.

Let’s not forget we have Sal Rende and Rod Nichols to add to the mix. Seems the Phillies have various options to work with utilizing current staff but it appears they may need to bring in some outside talent especially if Ryno does not return.

IronPigs Free-Agency News

So far, free agents Pete Orr and Kevin Frandsen have reportedly been signed and Orr will be a non-roster invitee to Spring Training. It’s likely at some point we will see both of them return to the IronPigs in 2012.

IronPigs Fall/Winter Ball

There’s a number of current or former IronPigs honing their craft in fall or winter ball. Our own Reading born Richie T (Rich Thompson) has appeared in 9 games for the Dominican League’s Estrellas de Oriente. Rich went 9 for 35 (.265) 1 2b, 1 HR, and 9 SB. Former IronPig Mike Zagurski 3.00 ERA in 11 appearances and Philly Michael Martinez are also on the team.

Juan Perez (P) has appeared in 14 games and has a 0.00 ERA in 16 2/3 innings and has yielded only 5 hits for the Gigantes del Cibao also of the Dominican League.

SS Freddy Galvis who was named Phillies Minor League Player of the Year returned to his native Venezuela for the Aguilas del Zulia and is hitting .222 in 36 AB with 9 RBI’s.

Cody Overbeck, listed at 1B has taken to the Arizona Fall League where he is hitting .324 with 79 AB in 23 games.

There were also a number of other players that are listed on rosters of various fall/winter ball leagues but they had no listed uniform number nor stats.

Who do you think we may see back at the IronPigs in 2012 and who may be promoted either to the coaching staff or the lineup?

DiPro’s Dish – OinK!

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have unveiled big plans for 2012

The Red Robin Tiki Terrace and Oasis

General Manager Kurt Landes donning a grass skirt under his suit and complementary lei began the festivities by introducing the increased partnership with Red Robin on the new construction at CCP. Mike Axiotis, Vice President of Operations for the Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group was on hand and spoke of his pleasure with the new Red Robin Tiki Terrace and Oasis. Construction is expected to be completed in January and has already begun with some concrete saw-cutting and removal.

Mr. Landes was keen to point out the overhanging seating where the first row actually is in the field of play – a concept not commonly found in any ball park. To me, this is a perfect addition to Coca-Cola Park and kudos to the IronPigs for making it so. The Tiki Terrace & Oasis has something for everyone from larger hospitality groups to smaller groups right down to the individual ticket holder including some things never before seen at Coca-Cola Park all under a thatched roof!

There will be both bar and food service available at the Tiki Terrace and Oasis. IronPig’s head chef Jan Giejda revealed he has some tropical based recipes in his cook book for the Tiki Terrace.  Jan also mentioned he has finished up most of the hospitality menu and will be commencing work on the other menus shortly. We fans certainly have some great new food selections for 2012 to look forward to from Jan and his staff’s talented hands.

The following seating options are available from the new Tiki Terrace and Oasis:

• Large groups:
  The Tiki Terrace is $37/person for groups consisting of 48-64. This will offer full bar service and a unique tropical themed menu in addition to regular ballpark fair.
• Smaller groups:
  The Oasis will offer a 4 seat table for $60 and is initially being offered only in nine game mini plans. This area will feature wait service and share some of the tropical menu in addition to regular ballpark fair.
• All ticket holders:
  The Oasis will also feature a 300 sq foot bar and 5,000 sq feet of covered tables and drink stands open to all other ticket holders. The bar will also include specialty frozen drinks.

Mike Axiotis (L), Ferrous, Kurt Landes and Red before the unveil

Kurt Landes and the Tiki Terrace & Oasis (note construction in background)

Ferrous and the New Tiki Terrace

The New Red Robin Tiki Terrace & Oasis

Red and The Tiki Terrace (note construction in the background)

Detailed view of The Tiki Terrace (note the overhanging row of seats)

A press announcement went out Friday with:

“The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be holding a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 2:00 p.m. at Coca-Cola Park to issue a significant announcement regarding their home facility.”

Our minds started spinning wondering what this announcement will be… Can we wait until Tuesday to find out?

Thanks to DiPro… we might not have to!

To save any dramatics… here is what we got.

From the Modular Product Blog there is a plan to build a Tiki Bar around the bullpens in Left field at Coca Cola Park.

Images included from the source:

A rough sketch of the project

The Tiki Bar appears to wrap around and connect to the existing picnic area.

View from the field

View from the Kid Zone area

View from Kram's Korner, the club level

So, perhaps we are gaining another outfield bar, a few more what I expect could be “premium” seats and an area to heckle opposing pitchers in the bullpens. Not bad, really.

That space has been open and relatively unused for the first four years of IronPig’s baseball. A great use of space in our opinion. Might lose the golf game and speed pitch – perhaps they will be relocated.

The overhang seating does remind me of something the R-Phils had a few years back. I had the opportunity to sit in that section once and was impressed by the view and the accessibility.

Certainly that brings about a few questions should this construction occur:

1. Will this area be first come – first serve as the current Trough deck area is?

2. If not, will the seating and tickets be available to individuals or just as a “party package” to groups? If it is groups only, hopefully the minimum will be low – 5+ seems acceptable. This would allow smaller groups to take advantage of the amenities.

3. With two bars in the outfield, will more restroom facilities be required??

4. Will security be increased in the outfield area?

5. I hope they spell Lincoln correctly. (probably just scratch drawings)

Anyway, the good news of a possible Tiki Bar behind the bullpen has me in smiles tonight.

Many, many thanks to Dipro for digging this out and…

OinK!

Sounds like a good idea to me!

The Red Wings will host a World Series Party, on Wednesday, October 19.

Fans can enjoy the comfort of Frontier Field’s suite level High Falls Lounge, Press Box and an assortment of individual Diamond Suites. The all-you-can-eat menu includes toasted ravioli, chicken wings, baked ziti, cheeseburgers and hamburgers, red and white hot dogs, veggie burgers, snacks, cookies and Coca-Cola products. Beer and wine will be available for purchase at a cash bar.

Fans will have the choice of either a basic ticket, or a private suite with suite attendant service (minimum of 12 guests required for a private suite).

Tickets are $25 per person for a basic ticket, or $35 per person for a private suite ticket (minimum of 12 guests).

OinK On!

Thanks to reader RD who pointed out there was a discrepancy between the schedule posted by the IronPigs and the Press Release from SWB. (Which turns out not to be a discrepancy – just somewhat confusing)

Mike Vander Woude, media relations director for SWB stated via e-mail that the SWB Press Release from IL HQ is 100% correct.

I have just now learned that (4/5-4/6) will wind up being HOME games in exchange for two others (so we have Opening Day as a home series) and an announcement is forth coming.

Seems the (4/28-4/29) games have been changed to SWB home games at CCP and the (4/5-4/6) games have now become IronPig’s home games against SWB.

Regardless 4/5 lives on as our new (now) HOME opener and it sounds good to me! Only 188 days to go!

OinK On!

Speculation continues on the fate of the 2012 SWB Yankees’ season. Latest reports reveal SWB may remain in Moosic at PNC Field in 2012. Renovations would either be postponed until 2013 or construction would occur during the season (sounds awful for attendance). Yet another option is to schedule the construction over a 2 year period (and remain in Moosic) thus adding $1.4 million to the construction budget.

The NY Mets have recently blocked SWB from playing at Newark’s Riverfront Stadium due to territorial issues. Oddly enough the newest report has the Yankees AAA team splitting time between Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester. So, the Mets block the Yankees from Newark and now they are going to end up at their own AAA team in Buffalo? (The Buffalo Bisons are the IL AAA team of the NY Mets).

For the record, Coca-Cola Park was not mentioned in any recent reports. At the same time it doesn’t appear it’s been ruled out either.

The three way split doesn’t seem very palatable at all for IronPigs fans who hoped to start their season on April 5^th with two away games at SWB or perhaps a home “away” opener at Coca-Cola Park.

Buffalo:        327 mi, 5 hours 48 mins
Rochester:  272 mi, 4 hours 56 mins
Syracuse:    205 mi, 3 hours 35 mins

All are quite a bit farther than Moosic but not quite as far as the “middle of the woods in Rhode Island”!

Who’s up for a chilly NY road trip in April?

OinK On!

Reports from IL HQ reveal no additional sanctions were served against SWB for missing the previous deadline (Sept 20) other than a new deadline. That new deadline was not specified.

At this time, the IL directors will not huddle again until Baseball’s Winter Meetings in December.

So, it appears the fate of the SWB Yankees will not be sealed until at least the end of the year.

Updates will follow accordingly.

OinK On in 2012!

While no decision has been publicized as of yet, the speculation on the fate of the 2012 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees continues.

During last night’s Phillies viewing party (pix below) and although I didn’t expect to break any story, I searched diligently for anyone whose opinion would be noteworthy.

The first quote of the night, was:  “If I did know, I wouldn’t tell you (giggle) – but I really don’t know” and that is the central theme at this point. It wasn’t personal – no one is talking – mainly because they just simply don’t know yet.  In a recent e-mail exchange with Mr. Landes, he was kind enough to reply with a very polite “no comment” and understandably so.

I was able to conduct an informal, impromptu conversation with another IronPig’s insider to gain their perspective on some of the ideas that have been mentioned by Dan, Kram, Decal and others. Everyone seems to agree that money is certainly the central theme here, but there have been a number of other theories discussed that may effect the IronPig’s fans 2012 season at Coca-Cola Park.

While joking about the LHV Yankees, someone named Slim Too None was mentioned – not sure who he is (ha). Regardless, there is little likelihood of that happening for a myriad of reasons.

In a recent post Dan mentioned the wear and tear on the field and employee fatigue. I discovered in the past when SWB “borrowed” CCP in 2009 due to drainage issues, their employees traveled south. Unfortunately, not many fans would have realized they were there. Upon their arrival they were unfamiliar with CCP’s systems/procedures and wound up mostly just enjoying the game with the fans. We’ll have to keep an eye on this one and how it may effect the fan’s enjoyment of the 2012 season.

The discussion then turned to the dilution of the IronPig’s brand. The organization has spent untold time and money carefully crafting the brand to the point of number one attendance in all of MiLB. Would the Yankees marching into town in some way tarnish the IronPig’s sterling product?

The overall consensus seems that a home “away” opener on April 5 and 8 extra games would be mostly welcomed and not very taxing on the IronPigs, Yankees, or their respective fans. This would also result in a season long home stand of 11 consecutive games at the end of June through the beginning of July.

It’s been a fun ride speculating, debating and theorizing where this will all end up.  I’m confident Mr. Mobley, Mr. Landes, the IronPigs, and the Yankees organization will do what’s best for the business. Hopefully, what’s best for the business will be best for the fans as well.

At the end of the night it was bittersweet to say one last goodbye to the good folks of CCP and spend one final evening of 2011 with old friends and even a few new ones.

Finally, I noticed one thing that sort of bothered me (which doesn’t happen often). I watched people who brought bags with them to carry home 12 boxes of popcorn – I know – I counted. Others were leaving with plates of pizza and bunches of hot dogs.  Maybe in the future there will be a new rule – what’s cooked in CCP stays in CCP!

A few snaps of Phils Viewing Party 9/22/11

Cuuttt On and missed (the ticket)

One final view...

OinK On!