I have always had a lingering doubt about the wisdom of abandoning Veterans Stadium, not only because it was such a significant investment, but because it was so recently considered a state- of-the-art facility.
I'd like to offer an economical and responsible alternative to plans under consideration. The Eagles' move to a new venue is imminent, and before committing to a new site we ought to explore the option of renovating Veterans Stadium.
The Vet is not the intimate urban ballpark of the Phillies' dreams, but if we are seriously considering the Spring Garden site, then we are no longer talking about a truly synergistic urban ballpark, and one of the chief arguments for relocating evaporates.
In real, urban terms, Spring Garden is as remote from Center City as South Broad Street. Both sites are served only by the Broad Street Subway, both are too remote from Center City for pedestrian access to be practical, and neither offers significant urban amenities.
That said, Veterans Stadium offers three major advantages over Spring Garden: It could be readily upgraded for much less than the cost of a new facility, the required parking is already in place and it has a potentially great view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Thoughtful renovation can convert the Vet into just the sort of state-of-the-art ballpark the Phillies require to build on their recent success and remain competitive in their division and market segment.
In a revamped Vet, parking would remain a shared amenity with the First Union Center, Spectrum and the new Eagles stadium when it is constructed. This would avoid the unnecessary introduction of thousands more automobiles into an already congested area near Center City, and the high cost of building structured parking would not be required.
