When was Veterans Stadium Demolished?
Veterans Stadium, also known as "The Vet," was a multi-purpose stadium located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that served as the home of the Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) and the Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) from 1971 to 2003. After being replaced by Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field, respectively, the stadium was demolished in 2004. In this article, we will explore the history of Veterans Stadium, its significance, and the process of its demolition.
Early Years and Construction
Veterans Stadium was built in 1971 to replace the aging Shibe Park, which was the home of the Phillies from 1909 to 1970. The new stadium was designed by architects Owen Meaney and Harry Barton, and it was constructed at a cost of $43 million. The stadium had a seating capacity of approximately 62,000 and featured a distinctive concrete design with a unique arch-shaped roof.
The Golden Years
Veterans Stadium was the site of many memorable moments in Philadelphia sports history. In 1980, the Phillies won their first World Series title, defeating the Kansas City Royals in six games. The stadium was also the home of the Eagles during their successful run in the 1980s, including their appearance in Super Bowl XV.
Decline and Abandonment
By the late 1990s, Veterans Stadium was showing signs of wear and tear. The stadium’s infrastructure was aging, and the playing surface was in poor condition. In 2000, the Phillies began exploring options for a new stadium, and in 2003, they broke ground on Citizens Bank Park, which would become their new home.
Demolition
The demolition of Veterans Stadium began on March 13, 2004, and took approximately six months to complete. The process was done in phases, with the upper deck being removed first, followed by the lower deck. The stadium’s iconic arch-shaped roof was the last part to be demolished.
Before and After Photos
Here are some before and after photos of Veterans Stadium’s demolition:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| [Image of Veterans Stadium in 2003] | [Image of demolished site in 2004] |
The Site Today
Today, the site where Veterans Stadium once stood is home to the Pat’s Playground and Geno’s Steaks, two iconic Philadelphia landmarks. The site also features a small memorial to the stadium, which includes a plaque and a piece of the stadium’s original concrete.
Conclusion
Veterans Stadium was an iconic part of Philadelphia’s sports landscape for over three decades. Although it was eventually replaced by newer, more modern facilities, the stadium remains a beloved part of the city’s history and culture. The demolition of the stadium in 2004 marked the end of an era, but it also paved the way for new developments and improvements in the area.
Timeline of Demolition
Here is a timeline of the demolition process:
- March 13, 2004: Demolition begins
- April 2004: Upper deck removed
- May 2004: Lower deck removed
- June 2004: Roof removed
- July 2004: Demolition completed
Interesting Facts
- The demolition of Veterans Stadium was done in a way that allowed for the salvage of many of its original materials, including concrete and steel.
- The stadium’s iconic arch-shaped roof was sold to a scrap metal company and was used to build a new bridge in Pennsylvania.
- The site where Veterans Stadium once stood was originally a vacant lot that was once used as a dumping ground.
In conclusion, the demolition of Veterans Stadium in 2004 marked the end of an era in Philadelphia sports history. The stadium may be gone, but its legacy lives on through the many memories and moments that were made within its walls.
