View Full Version : Veterans Stadium Photos
sflnyc
10-18-2007, 02:36 PM
Ah yes, the "Vet".
The Cookie Cutters need some love! :rolleyes:
First photo from the stadium opening day on 4.10.71 against Montreal (Att: 55,352). The first ever pitch has just been delivered by Jim Bunning to everybody’s “favorite TV announcer” Tim McCarver. Boots Day of the Expos is a the plate and Ron Hunt is in the On Deck circle. Denny Doyle of 1975 World Series fame is the Second Baseman. Note the Revolutionary War character and cannon being suspended from the upper deck just to the right of dead center field.
Second photo is an aerial of Philly sports facilities in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The Vet of course is now a parking lot, the Spectrum remains (why I don’t know) and mammoth 105,000-seat JFK Stadium is the site of the Wachovia Center.
Third photo is of Section 573 in the upper deck, an area designated as the “Bull Ring”, after Greg “The Bull” Luzinski. He bought tickets there for various youth organizations. Photo is dated 1978.
The fourth and fifth photos: Here we have a ground level shot of the Vet during the 12-10 slugfest on May 4, 1980 won by the Dodgers in front of 34,027. Randy Lerch has just thrown one by Bill Russell. This is probably the Top of the 4th (5-0, LA) or the Top of the 6th (7-0, LA) as both innings had Russell at bat against Lerch with the bases empty. I’m more inclined to think it’s the Top of the 4th because there is nobody warming up in the Phillies bullpen and in the 6th Dusty Baker had just ripped a 2-run HR making the score 7-0 before Russell came to the plate. One would think that Dallas Green would have had the bullpen warming up before Russell ever got a chance to see a pitch.
Dating this picture without a scoreboard looked at first like a daunting task. But then I noticed Luzinski’s “Bull Ring” in Section 573, and the fact that the banners on the left field fence were commemorating the 1950 NL Champs along with the 1976-1978 NL East champs. Luzinski’s last year in Philly was 1980, so the picture had to be taken in 1979 or 1980. From there it was easy.
When I went to my one game at the Vet in 1985, I sat all the way in the back of the 700 level underneath the Marlboro Ad sign.
nymdan
10-18-2007, 03:40 PM
the Spectrum remains (why I don’t know) and mammoth 105,000-seat JFK Stadium is the site of the Wachovia Center.
I've scratched my head about the Spectrum every time I've been in Philly.
Though looking on Wikipedia, JFK Stadium itself somehow survived until 1992.
sflnyc
10-18-2007, 04:57 PM
October 21, 1980: Game 6 of the World Series
One of the most famous catches in Philadelphia sports history. Frank White's one-out pop-up in the 9th inning jumps out of Bob Boone's glove and into Charlie Hustle's glove. Rose promised the Phillies in 1979 he would get them over the hump and he helped deliver 1 year later.
Gary Dunaier
10-18-2007, 09:28 PM
By the time I got to see The Vet in 1991, the huge message board in right field was gone. I remember every day was a "special" day - for example, "Welcome to Hazleton Day" as shown in the photo posted earlier.
What impressed me was that you could buy other teams' yearbooks at the Newsstands inside. The prices were high, but it was better than buying them by mail.
The thing I found fascinating was that the entire property was a parking lot, except for the small group of houses just beyond what was the left field stands. It would be interesting to know the history of the Vet/CBP property - was it originally intended to be residential, or by the time the existing houses were there the landowner received a better offer?
hsnterprize
10-19-2007, 03:14 AM
The Spectrum is still being used. The Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League call that arena home while the Flyers call the Wachovia Center home.
alpineinc
10-19-2007, 08:09 AM
Dating this picture without a scoreboard looked at first like a daunting task. But then I noticed Luzinski’s “Bull Ring” in Section 573, and the fact that the banners on the left field fence were commemorating the 1950 NL Champs along with the 1976-1978 NL East champs. Luzinski’s last year in Philly was 1980, so the picture had to be taken in 1979 or 1980. From there it was easy.
Good detective work! That's half the fun, isn't it?
Remember a great time a group of us Met fans had at the Vet one night in the mid 80's (1986 I think) - game was on ABC Monday Night Baseball and we brought a huge Met banner and paraded it around the upper deck - cops eventually took it away to avoid causing a "riot" (their words). Best part was a young lady who bought a beer from the vendor right in the walkway for the sole purpose of throwing it at my friend who was talking up our Mets as we walked by! :p Oddly enough after the game (which the Mets won) the trash talking stopped and it was all handshakes and "good luck", etc. I miss those crazy Vet fans - CBP is much more sedate!
nymdan
10-19-2007, 08:53 AM
The Spectrum is still being used. The Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League call that arena home while the Flyers call the Wachovia Center home.
Exactly. Along with the indoor soccer league team, and the arena football team, who plays there just on Saturdays. It's not even major teams that use it. How could it possibly be profitable for them to keep it open for a few irrelevant teams to play in?
Elvis
10-19-2007, 10:55 AM
Exactly. Along with the indoor soccer league team, and the arena football team, who plays there just on Saturdays. It's not even major teams that use it. How could it possibly be profitable for them to keep it open for a few irrelevant teams to play in?
I'm sure it's used for more than that: Conventions, car/rv/boat shows, boxing, concerts, circuses, rodeos, general rentals etc..
All the major sports tenants moved out of the Fabulous Forum many years ago, however, it's still a thriving, privately owned venue today.
http://www.thelaforum.com/
nymdan
10-19-2007, 11:44 AM
I'm sure it's used for more than that: Conventions, car/rv/boat shows, boxing, concerts, circuses, rodeos, general rentals etc..
All the major sports tenants moved out of the Fabulous Forum many years ago, however, it's still a thriving, privately owned venue today.
http://www.thelaforum.com/
But the Forum and the Staples Center, as you said, are owned by different people. Also the Staples Center has two basketball teams and a hockey team, in addition to the WNBA team, Arena Football team, and NBADL team, so there are going to be very few open dates, making a second arena in the area make more sense.
This may deserve another thread, but is there any other precedent for this? An old baseball stadium/football stadium/arena standing right next door to its sucessor, surviving for years, and still being in use?
MattD1972
10-19-2007, 12:08 PM
This may deserve another thread, but is there any other precedent for this? An old baseball stadium/football stadium/arena standing right next door to its sucessor, surviving for years, and still being in use?
This would be a great topic, admittedly a bit off-topic. One Example is in the pics - JFK Stadium was scarcely used by yhr eagles after the 50's, but was used until 1987 for concerts (most notably live aid).
South Side park was 3 blocks south of Comiskey and lasted into the 40's as the home of the Chicago American Giants.
I think Manhattan Field (PG3)was used for a few years after the Giabts moved next door to Brotherhood Park (PG4).
PeteU
10-19-2007, 12:44 PM
Exactly. Along with the indoor soccer league team, and the arena football team, who plays there just on Saturdays. It's not even major teams that use it. How could it possibly be profitable for them to keep it open for a few irrelevant teams to play in?
Hell, the 19 year old Miami Arena is still techincally open, eight years after the Heat and Panthers moved out. Even the Miami Hurricanes basketball team moved into an arena on campus. I don't know how often it is used, but they haven't torn it down.
PeteU
10-19-2007, 12:46 PM
I've scratched my head about the Spectrum every time I've been in Philly.
Though looking on Wikipedia, JFK Stadium itself somehow survived until 1992.
I think it's interesting from those pictures that JFK Stadium is a good 35,000 seats larger than Veterans Stadium, yet looks so much smaller. I guess it's the elevation that does it.
old perfessor
10-24-2007, 12:31 PM
Last out at Veteran's Stadium - September 28, 2003
Chase Utley grounds into game ending double play 5-4-3
http://i23.tinypic.com/29ll72s.jpg
old perfessor
10-24-2007, 12:35 PM
Pre-game September 28, 2003 (last game at the Vet)
http://i23.tinypic.com/vpf6zo.jpg
old perfessor
10-24-2007, 12:37 PM
7th Inning Stretch - September 28, 2003 (last game at the Vet)
http://i21.tinypic.com/11lr4a8.jpg
old perfessor
10-24-2007, 12:53 PM
Pile of Rubble That Once Was Veterans Stadium - taken April 3, 2004 from Citizen's Bank Park during it's first game (exhibition game against Indians)
http://i22.tinypic.com/2hcl3yq.jpg
sflnyc
10-24-2007, 03:17 PM
Here is a postcard of the South Philly Sports Complex from at 1986 or prior. I know because a classmate of mine at UMiami gave it to me when he knew I collected stadium postcards. The card was postmarked Sept. 1986.
Citizens Bank Park is located to the right of the Vet right where the parking lot is.
This is a VETERANS Stadium thread. Don't be surprised or shocked to see images of VETERANS Stadium here. Don't be surprised if THE VET is shown in an overwhelmingly positive light by myself. What do you expect?
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/123/337902248_9f0f704377.jpg
Philadelphia Phillies players protected by the FINEST policemen on bikes.
http://www.philadelphiaathletics.org/ppp/images/books/billgiles.jpg
Bill Giles at THE VET! Fantastic vision to bring the fans this wonderful venue. :applaud:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2497795791_4141c88ffb.jpg
THE SUN shines on VETERANS Stadium!!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/Veterans_Stadium_satellite_view.png
No gimmicks and forced, contrived, cartoonish angles needed here. Just be glad that THE VET didn't make a mockery of the game like other parks. :twocents:
http://www.msequip.com/VetStadiumViewNorth.jpg
Your ballpark either has ambience or it doesn't. VETERANS Stadium had good ambience.
http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/image/2003/04/27/001358990.jpg
The out-of-town scoreboard is useful and informative. Keepin' up with those pesky interleague rivals VET-style!!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/153/337900053_f1b39dd1cd.jpg
The best premium seating in baseball!! Only at THE VET! :clapping
http://www.vetstadium.com/VetFloorLogoDouble.jpg
Are these not the finest seats you have ever laid your eyes upon??
http://www.vetstadium.com/VetLogoCloseup.jpg
CLASSIC Liberty Bell ornamentation on the seats. Best seats in the history of the universe. :clapping
http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/image/2001/07/22/001235385.jpg
SAFE at VETERANS Stadium! :nod:
http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/national/vet1.jpg
A ballpark that is surrounded by 16,000 parking spaces is built in a suburban style. That term is anything but novel. Type in [VETERANS Stadium] and [suburban style] or [suburban] in search engine and see how many results show up. I didn't make up that term, that's common knowledge. Not saying that's a negative but to not acknowledge it is ignorant of ballpark history, city planning, and basic urban development.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_ukZOzgHTHb4/SE80peXTh5I/AAAAAAAAN60/dq852u27OWo/1982+May+30+Vets+Stadium+%233.jpg
BLACK AND WHITE film in use at THE VET!!!
http://www.philadelphiaathletics.org/images/stamps/13.jpg
Fantastic recreation of the Liberty Bell flanked by two of the most impressive scoreboards in the world, found only at VETERANS Stadium. Wrigley and Dodger Stadium just can't compare! :bowdown:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/337899743_118a65870d.jpg
HOME PLATE, TWO BATTER'S BOXES and MASCOTS at THE VET!! :nod:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pp2nuzFtnjs/SBdqzZh9YvI/AAAAAAAAAHE/cNxvPKntVq8/Cold+beer+Strohs+at+Phils.jpg
Having a cold one at VETERANS Stadium. :waving
http://www.chrisputro.com/ballparks/19810610%20Veterans%20Stadium%20-%20Phillie%20Phanatic%20on%20elephant.jpg
THE VET was the ultimate baseball facility! Unique and built to last! :applaud:
http://pro.corbis.com/images/U1951705.jpg?size=67&uid=%7B2837F28C-9A53-4F23-93B0-A7724D7A99A3%7D
Pete Rose discovers that FOOTBALL also is played at the VETERANS Stadium! In an era of trying economic conditions, THE VET stretched the taxpayers' dollars further! ;)
http://members.tripod.com/~billymupp/vet4.jpg
Wide, expansive concourses served the Phillie fans well! Here is suburban ballparkery at its finest!!! :applaud:
http://members.tripod.com/~billymupp/vet5.jpg
Here be THE VET firemen! Here to preserve another "W" for the Philadelphia hurlers!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/186/404537853_64b2a724ca.jpg
VETERANS Stadium is for lovers!!! :highfive:
http://mentalfloss.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/1980.jpg
LIGHTS at THE VET were installed in the 1970s, decades before Dodger Stadium!! Another space age innovation, and no immigrant families were forced from their homes to make it happen!! :clapping
nymdan
02-28-2009, 05:15 PM
I can't tell if this guy is serious or not with this Veterans Stadium love.
http://www.johnflynn.net/pics/3/vet/phillies.jpg
Equipped with expensive all-terrain vehicles, THE VET is prepared for anything!!! This is important out in the suburbs, where ballclubs make due away from urban conveniences.
http://www.andrewclem.com/Baseball/Photos/Vet_500level2.jpg
LEGG MASON is a proud sponsor at VETERANS Stadium!!
http://photos.toddrothsteinphoto.com/images/A_8/2/8/3/23828/Vet_Stadium_11x14_FINAL_8d384.jpg
Lights and intensely informational signs efficiently take fans to their seats, and then back out to restrooms and refreshment stands. Well done. :applaud::applaud:
http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/image/2002/11/11/001312322.jpg
Never know who you will run into at THE VET!!!
http://www.hungovergourmet.com/fun/vet/vet1.jpg
Gotta love the festive pregame atmosphere outside VETERANS Stadium!! THE VET deserves another round of applause!! :applaud::applaud:
http://members.tripod.com/franksballparks/phil2.jpg
How about a little BP?!
http://philliesnation.lyonssoft.com/images/phillies-redsox_laborday/Picture%20006.jpg
Championship memories preserved along the left field wall!! Thanks Hugh Stubbins and Associates, you did it right. :applaud::bowdown:
ChineseDemocracy
02-28-2009, 05:48 PM
More pictures please!
http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/images/2006/02/10/vgMQtlvo.jpg
Here we have the ORGAN, always jammin' out the hits VET-style!!
http://image24.webshots.com/24/3/4/23/93930423xgAyMi_ph.jpg
Always a great place to bring the whole family!!
http://www.zonkernet.com/photopage/01.26pm.jpg
Only the finest DIRT is used at the VETERANS Stadium!! :clapping
http://www.citypaper.net/vet/111402/big/eskinjaws.jpg
Did you know that THE VET is a suit-and-tie kinda joint? :nod:
http://images19.fotki.com/v37/photos/3/32121/417310/phillies008-vi.jpg?1064672506
VETERANS Stadium, always in harmony with its suburban surroundings. Fantastic!! :applaud:
http://www.summerharmony.com/images/Vet%20Nat'l%20Anthem.jpg
One BARBER SHOP QUARTET just won't do!! This is THE VET!!!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/28808966_11e2fbf3f9.jpg?v=0
The finest GARBAGE CANS in professional sports, if not the world. So awesome!! :clapping
DallasGoon
02-28-2009, 06:39 PM
I grew up watching games at the Vet, and just like what some folks say about Shea, it might've been a dump, but it was our dump. Fact of the matter is, these cookie cutters really were'nt "dumps" just highly utilitarian stadiums. In other words, it is unfair to compare them to the HOK breed of ballpark.
Bazookadale
02-28-2009, 08:23 PM
I've scratched my head about the Spectrum every time I've been in Philly.
Don't know why this old thread was revived but since it was - does anyone know where the Phantoms will play next year after the Spectrum is gone? I can't imagine them sharing the big arena with the Flyers and Sixers. I thought the Phantoms were created to have an anchor team for the Spectrum
mets16
02-28-2009, 08:46 PM
Don't know why this old thread was revived but since it was - does anyone know where the Phantoms will play next year after the Spectrum is gone? I can't imagine them sharing the big arena with the Flyers and Sixers. I thought the Phantoms were created to have an anchor team for the Spectrum
I actually think they will be playing at the Core States err First Union err.. Wachovia err... Wells Fargo center. I loved going to the Spectrum, had good memories going there, but I also always envisioned the Philly complex with a Xanadu type center. Remember the Phantoms used the big place on special occasions, just don't know how they can juggle NHL and NHA and AHL schedules in the same season.
Gary Dunaier
03-01-2009, 12:25 AM
I can't tell if this guy is serious or not with this Veterans Stadium love.
Serious or not, he's providing some interesting ballpark photos.
I was only at the Vet twice, both times in '91.
One of the things that fascinated me was that the Vet was in the middle of a parking lot, except for a small residential parcel outside the Vet's third base/left field stands. It must have been something to live there when the Vet was imploded.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/VeteransStadium-07-07-91-14.jpg
(Photo taken July 7, 1991. © Gary Dunaier.)
And as someone accustomed to the open stands of Shea Stadium, it was fascinating to be able to walk all the way around the field.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/VeteransStadium-07-07-91-05.jpg
(Photo taken July 7, 1991. © Gary Dunaier.)
Ironically, this view can never be duplicated - not only because the Vet is gone, but because this area has since been developed. Even if the Vet was still around, you could no longer see it from this vantage point because there are now houses here. :eek:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/VeteransStadium-07-07-91-20.jpg
(Photo taken July 7, 1991. © Gary Dunaier.)
MarcianoNY
03-01-2009, 12:46 AM
http://www.citypaper.net/vet/111402/big/eskinjaws.jpg
Did you know that THE VET is a suit-and-tie kinda joint? :nod:
http://images19.fotki.com/v37/photos/3/32121/417310/phillies008-vi.jpg?1064672506
VETERANS Stadium, always in harmony with its suburban surroundings. Fantastic!! :applaud:
Hilarious and informative! I had no clue the planners of the Vet made such an effort to keep the stadium in tune with its suburban south philly environs. This deserves another round of applause.:clapping
parlo
03-01-2009, 01:47 AM
The second photo in post#27 really shows the similarities with Jack Murphy Stadium (Qualcom).
The infield seats at the Vet and JMS were designed somewhat different than the movable seats at Shea, Busch, Riverfront etc. And the box seats curve towards the field in the outfield.
Also, the two stadiums were not circular. They were more like squares with rounded corners.
We tend to group all cookie cutters together, but these two were a slight variation in design.
Bazookadale
03-01-2009, 09:31 PM
Don't know why this old thread was revived but since it was - does anyone know where the Phantoms will play next year after the Spectrum is gone? I can't imagine them sharing the big arena with the Flyers and Sixers. I thought the Phantoms were created to have an anchor team for the Spectrum
I actually think they will be playing at the Core States err First Union err.. Wachovia err... Wells Fargo center. I loved going to the Spectrum, had good memories going there, but I also always envisioned the Philly complex with a Xanadu type center. Remember the Phantoms used the big place on special occasions, just don't know how they can juggle NHL and NHA and AHL schedules in the same season.
Just found my own answer - the may be leaving Philadelphia
From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Phantoms
The Future
On February 4, 2009, it was announced that Comcast Spectacor has reached agreement to sell the Phantoms to the Brooks Group of Pittsburgh. While no formal agreement has been reached, the new ownership has expressed interest in moving the Phantoms to Allentown provided that a multi-purpose arena can be constructed there. Comcast Spectacor will continue to operate the team through the conclusion of the 2008-09 AHL season. Due to the impending demolition of the Wachovia Spectrum, the team is trying to find a new temporary and permanent home. They are focusing on the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania.
PhillyFan
03-02-2009, 12:13 AM
Will be leaving Philadelphia. The Spectrum MAY be imploded on New Year's eve.
Mygirljess
03-02-2009, 01:30 AM
I was at the Vet about four times, I kind of liked the place. Did not like the Phillies, but I thought the food and beer selection was better than what was offered at Shea. Free toppings on your jumbo hot dog, melted cheese or chilli? And various brands of beers, we never had that at Shea! I recall going there in '79 or '80 for a Mets-Phils game, another game in the '80's when Rose and Morgan were on the Phils, later I attended a Phils-Padres doubleheader and once in the late '90's I drove over there to see the Mets when I was on vacation in Ocean City, N.J. Never been to the new Phils ballpark. Maybe someday. If I do I won't wear my Mets cap! LOL
PhillyFan
03-02-2009, 08:31 AM
No doubt our rivalry with you (NY) is in full force heading into this season. Mets Phillies is always entertaining! I want to check out Citi Filed this year. That looks like a great park!
JeremyEye
03-02-2009, 08:46 AM
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/7/l_9dc86ac4a221463dab315f42eba24845.jpg
Me on the pitcher's mound at what is formerly Veteran's Stadium, with CBP in the background. I'm facing toward home plate.
PhillyFan
03-02-2009, 03:34 PM
The four bases, mound, and the two end zone goal post markers are all marked in the parking lot.
curb my enthusiasm
03-02-2009, 03:41 PM
Demolish Citizens Bank Park, hello Veterans Stadium 2010.
RICHIECOQUI
03-02-2009, 04:35 PM
Question i read some where that during the football season the vet had a court with a judge for out of control fans is this true? if it is where was it at in the vet?
btown12
03-02-2009, 06:30 PM
Question i read some where that during the football season the vet had a court with a judge for out of control fans is this true? if it is where was it at in the vet?
This is true haha, the judge's name was Seamus McCaffrey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seamus_McCaffrey
The cells and "courtroom" were in the lower portion of the stadium underneath the stands (i.e. where the clubhouses/storage/general innerworkings of the stadium were). I don't believe the courtroom was ever utilized for the Phillies...although whoever threw the batteries at J.D. Drew should have been sent there. Either that or been tossed in the same manner as the batteries!
alpineinc
03-10-2009, 11:48 PM
From OldTimeBaseball (http://picasaweb.google.com/rriescher/OldTimeBaseball#) on Picasa.
Second game ever at the Vet.
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/00398_s_8ac95rbc70483.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/00371_s_8ac95rbc70456.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/00369_s_8ac95rbc70454.jpg
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj90/alpineinc/00364_s_8ac95rbc70449.jpg
ChineseDemocracy
03-11-2009, 01:48 AM
I've always wondered why they had the black curtain.
mets16
03-11-2009, 08:16 AM
Second game ever at the Vet.
Wow, pretty scarce crowd for the second game there. I guess Philly has never changed.
Astros
03-11-2009, 08:41 AM
I've always wondered why they had the black curtain.
I think that curtain served as a batter's eye backdrop and it covers the retractable seating used during football games.
alpineinc
03-11-2009, 09:58 AM
Wow, pretty scarce crowd for the second game there. I guess Philly has never changed.
Expos never packed 'em in anywhere either.
mets16
03-11-2009, 10:05 AM
Expos never packed 'em in anywhere either.
Yeah, I always thought about that place as a mistake in a baseball sense, but Philly should have been more welcoming of baseball. The Expos were sad to see go though, they had more character than the Nationals franchise
ChineseDemocracy
03-11-2009, 10:59 PM
I think that curtain served as a batter's eye backdrop and it covers the retractable seating used during football games.
Batter's eye I could understand.
But I had no idea they kept the retractable football seating over there.
Thanks!
PhillyFan
03-12-2009, 04:09 PM
Yeah, those seats were kept under the outfield 300 level and rolled out for football. I think it added rougly 6,500 seats but some seats were put away for baseball. The third base seats (some) were pushed back to make way for one end zone.
DallasGoon
03-12-2009, 05:23 PM
What I don't really understand is why and when they removed that tarp in Center? Once during the 1994 season we sat in dead Center right where that is. Anyway, those "life size" Phil and Phylis are really cool.
PhillyFan
03-12-2009, 07:27 PM
I don't know when or why that happened. If I had to guess, it would be whenever they took those animated boards in the outfield out. I believe the 300 level was closed in the outfield around the entire outfield. I wa sborn in 1979 and don't remember it ever looking like that. :D
Astros
03-13-2009, 08:35 AM
I don't know when or why that happened. If I had to guess, it would be whenever they took those animated boards in the outfield out. I believe the 300 level was closed in the outfield around the entire outfield. I wa sborn in 1979 and don't remember it ever looking like that. :D
According to Green Cathedrals by Philip J. Lowry, the tarp covered an unfinished area in April, 1971. It mentioned right field, but clearly in the previous photo shown the tarop is covering retractable seating in right field. Perhaps Lowry meant centerfield. It goes on to say, "Fly balls hitting the plastic would just drop down and lie still at the base of the wall."