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MLB

City & Senators Announce $45 Million Renovation to Commerce Bank Park

By Terry Byrom
December 19, 2008

Click Here to view stadium renderings

Harrisburg, PA - Earlier today Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed announced at a press conference the long awaited plans for the renovation to Commerce Bank Park. The renovation project will be done in two phases, with the first phase being completed before Opening Day 2009. The second phase of the project is set to begin in August 2009 and will be completed prior to Opening Day 2010.

"We're very excited about the renovation to the ballpark. This ballpark is going to be very unique," according to Senators principal owner Michael Reinsdorf. "We are going to have not only a very unique ballpark, but it's in the most unique location in all of baseball. Combining the ballpark with the location makes this the place to be in Harrisburg."

Beginning with 2009 season Senators fans will be able to walk completely around the outfield on a brand new boardwalk. They'll be able to catch home runs in left field while seated in the new left field seats. They'll be able to have a drink while standing underneath the new video board in right field. And they'll get to watch their favorite Senator pitcher warm-up while standing right above the bullpen.

The construction for the first phase of the project will begin immediately and continue into April 2009. There are not expected to be any issues with getting into or out of the ballpark, or the game day experience, due to construction. The changes and additions to Commerce Bank Park for the 2009 season are:

  • A public plaza and entrance to be constructed in the left field corner
  • A boardwalk surrounding the outfield to be constructed between the foul poles.
  • A complete upgrade to the scoreboard
  • A new left field seating area, an outfield bar complete with drink rails, and new seating underneath the scoreboard.
  • A new outfield wall to be constructed with static advertisement panels.
  • A new 8,600 square foot Operations Building which will house the Senators front offices, ranger, security, first aid and the new box office along with the new Senators souvenir store, concession stand, and public rest rooms.

The second phase of the construction project is set to begin in August, 2009. This project will include the comprehensive changes to Commerce Bank Park that will turn the stadium on City Island into one of the best and most unique ballparks in minor league baseball.

The following is a comprehensive list of the renovation project beginning in August 2009 and ending before Opening Day 2010:

  • Complete new seating bowl upgrades with individual chair back seats replacing the present bench seating and roofing covering the majority of the seating bowl.
  • Construction of 20 suites with amenities including a glass wall located in the front of the suite to see the field and a in the back of the suite to see the city skyline.
  • A new sound system.
  • The creation of a "Midway" with activities and specialty areas geared towards children, teenagers and families.
  • The completion of new concessions and restrooms on elevated concourses.
  • Upgraded picnic areas which effectively double the size of the stadium picnic facilities.
  • The reconfiguration of field lights removal of two lights, addition of fixtures to remaining eight lights, re-lamp and re-aim of all lights, addition of quartz lighting bank for emergency purposes.
  • The upgrade of the field-level concourse with brick pavers.
  • The completion of the Operations Building by August 2009
  • A new press box including new media and scoreboard control rooms.
  • A complete renovation of existing buildings, including the home and visitors clubhouses and the restroom facilities.
  • The development of a reserved parking lot.

The total construction costs for the project are estimated at $32 million and the total development budget for the entire project, including all costs, is approximately $45 million. Prior to the 2005 season a new playing surface was installed which is also a part of the $45 million total project cost.

"What excites me the most about this renovation is how truly unique this ballpark will be," said Kevin Kulp, Senators president. "There is a little something for everybody. There have been a lot of new, very nice ballparks built in the past 15 years but this one may be the most unique. Harrisburg is going to love this ballpark!"

Originally built in 1987 Commerce Bank Park (Riverside Stadium then) was the crown jewel of the Eastern League. But over the years minor league baseball parks have changed drastically with improvements to lighting, sound systems, video boards, and luxury suites, which left the Senators and Commerce Bank Park behind the times.

The exciting 2009 season opens on the road at Reading on April 9th with the home opener set for Thursday, April 16th at 7:00pm. Season tickets and group tickets are available by either phoning the Senators at 717-231-4444 or by going online to www.senatorsbaseball.com.