PHMC Dedicates Historical Marker for Veterans Stadium

PHMC Dedicates Historical Marker for Veterans Stadium

PA Governor Rendell offers his memories in a letter read during the ceremony and Phillies President Dave Montgomery reflects on glory days

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- On the second anniversary of the final Phillies game played at Veterans Stadium, hundreds gathered to witness the dedication of an official state historical marker in honor of "The Vet," the former home of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

Co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) and the Philadelphia Phillies, the marker pays tribute to the memory of Veterans Stadium's spectacular history, which in addition to being home to both the Phillies and Eagles was the venue for many college games, as well as host to some of the biggest music acts in the business. Among those in attendance were PHMC Chairman Wayne S. Spilove, City Council President Anna Verna and Councilman Frank Rizzo, plus Phillies and Eagles alumni.

"The Vet has been part of my life in a big way for decades and it was witness to many treasured and unforgettable games that helped write Philadelphia sports history," Governor Edward G. Rendell wrote in a letter read during the dedication ceremony. The Governor, who is often referred to as Pennsylvania's biggest sports fan, attended a Phillies doubleheader at the Vet during his honeymoon with First Lady Judge Marjorie Rendell.

Phillies president David Montgomery, on the day of the team's last home game for the regular season, said, "For 33 years, more than 100 million fans enjoyed events at Veterans Stadium. This marker is a tribute to all of them and to Philadelphia's great sports tradition."

The stadium opened in 1971 with a seating capacity of 65,532 and was dedicated to America's military veterans. It was razed in 2004. The Phillies were in postseason play seven times at The Vet, including three World Series. Their first World Championship came there 25 years ago when they defeated Kansas City. The Phillies hosted two All-Star Games at The Vet.

The Eagles played their first game at The Vet on Aug. 16, 1971, a preseason victory over the Buffalo Bills. The team hosted 11 playoff games at the stadium and won the NFC championship there in 1981, beating the Dallas Cowboys.

Bruce Springsteen is among the popular music acts that drew thousands of fans to the stadium. Billy Joel, U2, Elton John and the Beach Boys also played there over the years.

This marker joins over 2,500 historical markers that are installed across the state. For more information on the historical marker program, visit http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The text of the marker reads as follows:

VETERANS STADIUM A MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM OPENED HERE IN 1971 AND SERVED AS HOME TO PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES AND PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, 1971-2003. THE STADIUM WAS THE SITE OF THREE WORLD SERIES IN 1980, 1983 AND 1993; TWO MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL ALL-STAR GAMES IN 1976 AND 1996; TWO NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES IN 1981

AND 2003 AND 17 ARMY-NAVY FOOTBALL GAMES. 'THE VET' HAD A SEATING CAPACITY OF OVER 65,000; RAZED IN 2004. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission 2005(R)

CONTACT: Jane Crawford, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, +1-717-783-9882.

Source: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

CONTACT: Jane Crawford, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, +1-717-783-9882

Web site: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/

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