While the stadium has undergone many upgrades over the year, Baseballtown’s FirstEnergy Memorial Stadium turns 75 years old this season. In honor of that milestone, you’ll see more articles here this season–hopefully so that you’re compelled to make the trip down there when the IronPigs are away (like, say, this week) and check it out.
Looking Back
After losing all three games at home during the season-opening weekend, the Fightins took to the road to visit the AA-Yankees, Somerset Patriots where they were able to split the series. Their record is currently 3-6 as they sit in last place in the Northeast division of the Eastern League.
Phillies Prospects, Reading Roster
#2 SS Aidan Miller
#5 RHP Moisés Chace
#11 RHP Jean Cabrera
#19 RHP Eiberson Castellano
#25 OF Hendry Mendez
#29 C Caleb Rickets
Also of note: OF/1B Keaton Anthony, OF/1B Leandro Pineda, OF Marcus Lee Sang
Printable Roster: Roster 4.13.25
Mets Prospects, Binghamton Roster
#2 SS/OF Jett Williams
#4 1B/OF Ryan Clifford
#5 RHP Nolan McLean
#6 RHP Jonah Tong
#18 OF Nick Morabito
#24 RHP Jonathan Pintaro
#29 RHP Jack Wenniger
Also of note: C Francisco Alvarez is currently listed on the Binghamton roster for MLB Rehab assignment. The Binghamton manager is former IronPig Reid Brignac.
What’s Going On At The Park
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are “unused ticket” nights. Bring any unused ticket from any year and receive a General Admission ticket in exchange. The outfield grandstands on both sides are open for GA tickets on these nights and it’s a great deal. Also, I have a ton of unused tickets (above) so reach out if you’re coming down and I’ll find a way to get a few to you. Game times are 6:45PM
Friday: Andrew Painter bobblehead for the kiddos. Game time 6:45PM
Saturday: Post-game fireworks. Game Time 5:15PM
Sunday: Easter Celebration. Easter Bunny. Faith Discussion. Replica Jersey giveaway (kiddos). Game time: 1:15PM
Pitching Probables
Tuesday: RHP Moises Chace vs RHP Jonathan Pintaro
Wednesday: RHP Jean Cabrera vs RHP Jonah Tong
Thursday: LHP Braeden Fausnaught vs. RHP Jack Wenninger
Friday: RHP Griff McGarry vs. LHP Felipe De La Cruz
Saturday: TBA vs. RHP Nolan McLean
Sunday: TBA vs TBA
Reading FAQ
- What is the best way to get tickets? You can purchase and print from their website. They use TicketReturn which is what the IronPigs used to use years ago. You can also have them held for you at Will Call or walk up to the window and purchase. Buy before game day saves a couple dollars.
- Where do you park? Most Reading fans consider free parking to be their birthright. The streets and lots around the stadium are mostly open for free parking. You can purchase preferred parking ahead of time if you’re nervous, and park right across from the stadium.
- Which seats are best? Just like any small park, all the seats are good. The grandstand behind home plate is behind the net and offers good views of the field. Advanced: The last row of the same number of seats contains the most space. ie four seats per row converts to five, pick seats in the last row of four if you can. Also, while the seats higher up (green?) are tighter together, many of them are under cover.
- What about autographs? It’s not really my thing and now that the clubhouse is out in the Redner’s Center in the outfield, you don’t see players in the concourse as often. I’d head to the fence on the first base side for Reading, and the third base side for the visiting team.
- What’s new in Reading? Well, the obvious thing is the huge building in center field. That contains the clubhouses for both teams as well as an event center. You have to have tickets out there in order to get inside. The bullpens moved to center field under the video board, as well, as they used to be on the field in foul territory. The new thing for this season is the store has been expanded. By like 200%. I think they’re still working on filling it with stuff, but it’s a really nice retail environment; check it out.
- What’s your favorite concession? I think at plaza favorites as well as out on the deck, you can get a cheeseburger shaped like a hot dog. I find them delightful and easy to eat, although they will get dry if they get over-cooked. The ‘Churger’ is interesting. And get the fries. Not at the regular concession, but at Manny’s under the grandstand. The best shoestring fries ever. And the old hot dogs are pretty good because they get the good ones from Berk’s Packing and they cook them on a flat-top grill. Finally, the deck buffet can be added to any ticket, and it’s worth the price–especially if you have teenage boys. It’s a better buffet than anything I’ve ever had at Coca Cola Park. Get the BBQ Chicken from the buffet.
If you haven’t been–or if you haven’t been in a long time–I’d implore you to make the drive to Reading during one of these IronPigs ‘Away’ weeks. It’s not better than the IronPigs–it’s just really good and really different.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Featured image is the view from the ‘Kram’ seats.