Part of a stadium complex that includes the Spectrum and JFK Stadium, the Vet is a typical multi-purpose modern facility, housing both the Phillies and the NFL's Eagles. The stadium is circular, with symmetrical outfield fences and artificial turf, and its 62,382 seats currently make it the NL's largest stadium. It has unusually good visibility for batters, due in part to a black canopy between the outfield fences and the seats.

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After the stadium opened in 1971 (christened by a "first pitch" dropped into catcher Mike Ryan’s glove by a hovering helicopter) its fences were quickly raised from 6' to 12' because the lively turf produced an inordinate number of ground-rule doubles. Each section beneath the upper deck contains a small television monitor, allowing fans there to see what is on the otherwise-concealed scoreboard screen. Greg Luzinski (May 16, 1972) is the only batter to hit the replica Liberty Bell that hangs from the third seating level in deep centerfield. (SCL)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » April 10, 1971: The Phillies debut in new $49.5 million Veterans Stadium, beating Montreal 4–1. Don Money connects for the park's first home run. » May 16, 1972: The Cubs Rick Monday hits a single and three consecutive home runs, driving in five runs in an 8–1 win over the Phillies. The Phils only score is a 500-foot clanger by Greg Luzinski off the Liberty Bell in CF at Veterans Stadium. » June 21, 1977: Reds pitcher Paul Moskau homers on his 2nd ML at bat, but gives up four runs in 4+ innings. The Reds prevail over the Phillies, 10–5, at Veterans Stadium. » June 23, 1978: At Veterans Stadium, the Phils whip Cubs twice by 6–1 scores to take over 1st place in the National League East, a spot they will hold for the rest of the season. » June 23, 1986: The Phillies set a club record with 11 doubles, and Juan Samuel hits a pair of 3-run home runs in a 19–1 drubbing of the Cubs at Veterans Stadium. » April 28, 1991: Philadelphia hurler Jason Grimsley sets a major league mark by tossing a wild pitch in his 9th consecutive game (dating back to 1990). The old record of eight was set in 1986 by Jaime Cocanower of the Brewers. In the same contest, the Phillies turn the 1st triple play in the 20-year history of Veterans Stadium as they defeat the Padres, 9-2, with Grimsley notching the win. » May 15, 1999: When SS Alex Arias of the Philadelphia Phillies snags Mike Piazza's line drive in the sixth inning he starts the Phillies' 30th franchise triple play and their 10th against a team from New York City. It was just the second triple play turned in Veterans Stadium and the 237th in the National League since 1901. Arias has participated in two triple plays for the Phils, he initiated one last season against the San Francisco Giants. The Mets still win, 9–7. » June 26, 1999: Shortstop Pat Meares of the Pittsburgh Pirates, on the disabled list recovering from surgery on his left hand, participates in a sausage race at Milwaukee's County Stadium. Meares, dressed as a 10-foot bratwurst, wins the race defeating a giant hot dog and a polish sausage. Two days ago, Meares was caught on videotape sunbathing in the upper deck of Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium for the first six innings of game.