Clipper Magazine Stadium

The Clip
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
Surface	grass
Construction cost	$23.4 million
Architect	Tetra Tech, Inc.
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)
Tenants
Lancaster Barnstormers (2005-present)

Clipper Magazine Stadium is a 6,000-seat baseball-only 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, 4-3. As ground broke for Lancaster's ballpark, a local periodical company called Clipper Magazine purchased the naming rights for $2.5 million over ten years.^[1] In October 2008, Clipper Magazine Stadium hosted Republican Party vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin for the Road to Victory rally.^[2]

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.^[3]

Clipper Magazine Stadium also serves as the corporate headquarters for the Opening Day Partners, the ownership group that owns the Barnstormers, as well as three other Atlantic League teams in Camden, Southern Maryland, and York.^[4]

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, while 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 an industrial site on the corner of North Prince and Frederick streets, where a company called Ace Rents 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.

With its brick façade and steel beams, the architecture of Clipper Magazine Stadium alludes to its industrial surroundings. The ballpark faces many downtown Lancaster factories, and is itself constructed over a former rail yard.^[5]

2007 Atlantic League All-Star Game

In July 2007, the Lancaster Barnstormers hosted the Atlantic League All-Star Game at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The league's former North Division won by a score of 8 to 6.^[6]

Photos of the park

Infield of Clipper Magazine Stadium

The view from the outfield

Richard M. Scott mural

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 an additional 1,500 fans to view the game. Additional bleacher seating is available along the left field wall.
• 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.
• Turkey Hill Birthday Zone- designed for children's birthday celebrations.
• Upper level suites- luxury boxes available for business or pleasure, with professional catering.
• Weis Markets Kids' Park- provides entertainment for children with a carousel, jungle gyms, a rock climbing wall, and various inflatibles.

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.^[7] The only other ballpark in North America that features a bumper boat pond is Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland.

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 wear specially-themed jerseys, the proceeds of which are donated to the Spanish-American Lancaster Sports Association (SALSA) and Play Ball USA.^[8][9]

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.^[10]

Concerts

Clipper Magazine Stadium has hosted various concerts, including the artists Bob Dylan, Bryan Adams, Clint Black, Def Leopard, Dwight Yoakam, Jefferson Starship, Kenny G, and Willie Nelson.

References

Lancaster, Pennsylvania portal

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

Coordinates: 40°2′55″N 76°18′39″W / 40.04861, -76.31083