We’ll see a radical realignment of left field this season at Coca-Cola Park, as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Class AAA; International League) announced plans for new “Pig Pen” seating in front of the bullpens.
Essentially, the IronPigs are moving the left-field fences in 13 feet and adding a new group seating area between the bullpens and the home-run fences. The new group seating area — the “Pig Pen” — is pitched to groups of 20 or more for any of the IronPigs’ 72 home games in 2015. As a bonus, the home-run fence will be lowered to just six feet allowing for breathtaking sightlines and access.
The 13,000 square-foot “Pig Pen” area will be located on the field level and in close proximity to the bullpens and the field of play while featuring 78 exclusive seats across two rows, providing an intimate viewing experience that was previously only enjoyed by the pitchers and catchers in the bullpen. The first row of seating features 46 extra-wide fixed seats while the second row includes 32 bar stool seats. While savoring this truly unique player’s perspective, fans can also enjoy in-seat food and beverage service and take advantage of a completely distinct and mouth-watering menu that’s unique for “Pig Pen” ticket holders. Additional amenities include wide drink rail counters to allow for a more comfortable viewing and dining experience.
As a result of the redesign, the fence is now just 323 feet from left field to home plate, down from 336 before.
“The addition of the ‘Pig Pen’ and in turn, the reconfiguration of Coca-Cola Park’s playing dimensions, represents another significant investment that our organization has made to ensure that this remains Minor League Baseball’s flagship ballpark,” said IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes. “Our fans have shown time and time again that they have a huge appetite for truly unique seating areas and we are excited to add another affordable locale for them to enjoy.”
The changes should be interesting to pitchers and batters alike. The ballpark had a reputation as being a pitchers’ park with a spacious outfield and a wind pattern that often brought potential home runs back into the park. Good for batters, bad for pitchers. Then again, the 323 feet down the line won’t be that much different than Citizens Bank Park, where the left-field measurement is 329 feet.
As stated, the “Pig Pen” is geared toward groups of 20 or more (up to 78), with tickets just $20 per person with each ticket receiving $5 of Ballpark Credit – redeemable for food, beverages and merchandise throughout Coca-Cola Park. If its’s not sold out, individual game “Pig Pen” tickets are $20 per person but can be purchased in advance until the day of game for just $18 once individual game tickets go on sale to the general public during the IronPigs’ National Pig Day celebration on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m.
This is the third significant seating project addition in the last four years at Coca-Cola Park, following the introduction of the popular “Hot Corner” and “Bacon Strip” in 2013 and the debut of the Red Robin Tiki Terrace & Oasis in 2012.