FirstEnergy Stadium, already one of the classic ballparks in minor-league baseball, could receive a $10 million renovation if the state comes through with partial funding.
FirstEnergy Stadium, already one of the classic ballparks in minor-league baseball, will receive a $10 million renovation, according to a plan released by the Reading Phillies (Class AA; Eastern League) and the city of Reading.
The plan calls for the entrance of the ballpark to be shifted to the right-field corner, along with the installation of more concessions. In addition, the outfield wall will be padded, the grandstand concrete will be patched, and the lighting will be upgraded. In good news for players, the substandard clubhouses would be seriously upgraded. A new 450-car parking lot would be added as well.
The plans are contingent upon the team and city receiving a $5-million grant from the state; the team and the city would put up the rest. The city and team money is in place; if the state money comes through in time these improvements could be launched at the end of the season and be done for the 2010 season.
The development comes a year after Reading Phillies ownership shot down the idea of a new downtown ballpark, saying FirstEnergy Stadium served their needs just fine.
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