AS MUCH AS Philadelphia sports fans and players trash Veterans Stadium today, they loved it back in April 1971. Here are some of the comments that were printed after the dedication and first game at the new park:
"It's just great. It's easy to get here, easy to park, easy to see, and pretty to look at." - Sam from Philadelphia
"In the old stadium, there were poles to look around, and it was less comfortable. There's no trouble here." - John from Willingboro, N.J.
"If you can't play here, you can't play. It's fabulous, just fabulous. I walked to the upper level whenI came in today and looked around. It's beautiful." - Terry Harmon, Phillies infielder
"I think it's the prettiest park I've ever seen, and the facilities go right along with it." - Tim McCarver, Phillies catcher
"What a difference a year makes. Now it's a pleasure to get out of your car, to walk in, to step on the red carpet. It's a palace." - Frank Lucchesi, Phillies manager
"The clubhouse is out of this world. I think I'll put a bed in there and live in it." - Ray Rippelmeyer, Philies pitching coach
"More than 30 persons were informally polled and none was able to think of a single complaint. Most of the praise was directed at:
* The red, yellow and brown seat combinations;
* The eye-stopping "Hot Pants" patrols and "Fillies," platoons of skimpily attired ushers and stadium guides;
* Convenient parking, and the absence of stairs;
* The unobstructed view."
