Not yet complete, Bright House Networks Field is already getting rave reviews. The new stadium, which opens Feb. 27, promises to get fans closer to the action.
By JENNIFER FARRELL
Published January 25, 2004
[Times photo: Scott Keeler]
On Thursday, Florentino Zamudio smooths wet cement on a set of stairs behind the leftfield wall of the new Bright House Networks Field.
Kevin Dunbar, Clearwater's director of parks and recreation, tours the new Bright House Networks Field on Thursday.
CLEARWATER - It's a ballpark that even a Philadelphia fan would have a hard time booing.
With grass seats in the outfield and a drink holder at every chair, Bright House Networks Field is filled with design touches to bring the spectator closer to the game. It's nothing short of "phantastic."
Set to open next month at 601 Old Coachman Road, the new spring training home for the Philadelphia Phillies features triple the parking available at Jack Russell Stadium, elevated bullpens, tiki bar and tiered picnic areas overlooking the outfield.
Inside, every seat is angled toward home plate and concession stands face the diamond.
For the Phillies phaithful, that means never having to miss a pitch while waiting in line for a cheesesteak.
And if you thought Jack Russell offered an intimate baseball experience, Bright House Field is a whole new ball game.
"There's not a bad seat out here," said Kevin Dunbar, Clearwater's director of parks and recreation.
During a tour of the new 7,000-seat facility, where crews are wrapping up the finishing touches before the Feb. 27 grand opening, Dunbar ranked the new field among the city's top treasures.
"The first one's Clearwater Beach," he said. "This is the deuce."
Dunbar, who came to the city nearly five years ago, has worked to finish the project in partnership with the Phillies organization. Its $34-million price tag will be paid by the city, the Phillies, the county and the state. Clearwater's share comes to $6-million. Originally, the Phillies agreed to spend $3-million, but ended up kicking in $11-million, according to Dunbar.
Extras, such as an outdoor fountain near the entrance and specialty tiles featuring the Phillies logo, helped drive up the cost, he said. Thick wooden doors, stainless steel drinking fountains and a sprawling children's playground also set the stadium apart.
"We didn't skimp on anything," said John Timberlake, director of Florida operations for the Phillies.
Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the field line the team store, where crews worked last week to unload Phillies merchandise.
Off the locker room downstairs, a rehab area for players includes a sunken whirlpool with an underwater treadmill. Upstairs, the 204 club seats with cushions and wait service are virtually sold out. Five of six luxury boxes are spoken for, but three party suites are available for rental by the game, according to Timberlake.
In the distance, games are clearly visible on Carpenter Field, where the team's class A, AA and AAA franchises will play during spring training.
"This is way cool, huh?" Dunbar asked. "And the city owns all of it."
On Thursday, workers assembled the framework for the tiki bar, where fans can sit overlooking leftfield, all for the price of an $8 ticket.
Covered batting tunnels lie below, and the field dimensions mirror those at the club's new home ballpark in Philadelphia, which is also slated to open this year.
In Clearwater, the new stadium was designed with Spanish Mediterranean elements in earth tones, including an off-white stucco exterior and barrel tile roof. Inside offices are decorated in shades of beige and navy blue.
To help inspire Florida-friendly designs, Timberlake took photos of local landmarks such as Clearwater's historic downtown post office and the Fort Harrison Hotel and e-mailed them to architects.
The end result is a far cry from Jack Russell, an aging concrete bowl that leaks in the rain.
There, a small practice field stood behind the rightfield fence, out of sight for curious fans. In the new ballpark, a practice field lies near the entrance, at the stadium's front steps, meaning fans can catch batting practice while waiting in line for tickets.
The new location also will make the park more visible, especially with the overpass on U.S. 19 under construction at Drew Street.
Built on the old Bomber Field and land under a demolished Home Depot, the stadium will also be home to the Clearwater Threshers, one of the Phillies' minor league teams.
Peter Dinsmore, 62, of Clearwater, counts himself among the most curious fans and keeps tabs on construction, driving by once a week to peer through fences.
"I think it's fabulous," he said. "It's kept me entertained just going down there watching them do it."
Dinsmore has his Phillies gear ready and plans to attend Phan Fest, the ballpark's opening celebration on Feb. 27.
From his perch outside the construction zone, Dinsmore already likes what he sees.
"I didn't expect them to build first class," he said. "And from what I can see, they're going first class."
You won't find Tastycakes on the menu, but fans will be able to get real Philadelphia cheesesteaks, complete with Amoroso rolls. Below is a sampling of what you can expect to spend during a day at the ballpark, from tickets to Cracker Jack.
General admission grass seating: $8Parking: $5Seat in the stands: $16 or $24Hot dog: $2.5014 oz. draft beer: $3Cheesesteak: $5Cracker Jack: $2.75Hamburger: $4Bratwurst with onions and peppers: $3.75Pretzel: $2.5021 oz. soda: $2.25Frozen margarita: $4.50One chicken tenders meal at the children's concession, including fries and a drink: $4
- Source: Philadelphia Phillies. Prices subject to change.
