Clipper Magazine Stadium
is a 6,000-seat baseball-only stadium in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 11, 2005, as the tenants of the facility, the Lancaster Barnstormers lost to the Atlantic City Surf, 4-3. As ground broke for Lancaster's ballpark, a local periodical company called Clipper Magazine purchased the naming rights for $2.5 million over ten years. [1]
Clipper Magazine Stadium features Power Alley, a concession with a red barn façade, that includes a traditional ballpark menu as well as items produced in Lancaster County. The emphasis on local products involves the Lancaster County-based companies Auntie Anne's, Kunzler, Lancaster Brewing Company, and Turkey Hill. The ballpark also features a carousel for children and a display that provides information about Lancaster's baseball history. [2]
Clipper Magazine Stadium also serves as the corporate headquarters for the Opening Day Partners, the ownership group that owns the Barnstormers, as well as three other Atlantic League teams in Camden, Southern Maryland, and York. [3]
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CLIPPER MAGAZINE STADIUM TICKETS
| EVENT | DATE | AVAILABILITY |
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| Lancaster Stormers vs. York Revolution Tickets 6/9 | Jun 09, 2026 Tue, 6:45 PM |  | | Lancaster Stormers vs. York Revolution Tickets 6/10 | Jun 10, 2026 Wed, 6:45 PM |  | | Lancaster Stormers vs. York Revolution Tickets 6/11 | Jun 11, 2026 Thu, 6:45 PM |  | | Lancaster Stormers vs. York Revolution Tickets 6/12 | Jun 12, 2026 Fri, 6:45 PM |  | | Lancaster Stormers vs. York Revolution Tickets 6/13 | Jun 13, 2026 Sat, 6:45 PM |  |
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History
Forty-four years before the opening of Clipper Magazine Stadium and the Lancaster Barnstormers' inaugural season, the
Lancaster Red Roses entertained baseball enthusiasts for 20 years at
Stumpf Field. Efforts for a new stadium and a new team began in 1987, and what was a long, 16-year battle finally paid off with an announcement in 2003. The Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania agreed to fund roughly half of the cost with
Opening Day Partners and the city of Lancaster covering the remainder. Originally, the stadium was slated to be constructed in
Manheim Township, but the plans never materialized due to some controversy. One politician wanted to use
eminent domain to take over some farmland to build the stadium, while another wanted to build a stadium in an area that already was plagued with traffic problems. Most local politicians preferred a downtown ballpark in order to revitalize a run-down neighborhood. The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Lancaster settled on an industrial site on the corner of North Prince and Frederick streets, where a company called Ace Rents existed. Initially, Ace Rents stalled the process, but quickly came to an agreement as they did not want to be a bump in the road. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on
April 28,
2004 and Clipper Magazine Stadium was finished just before it opened on
May 11,
2005.
With its brick façade and steel beams, the architecture of Clipper Magazine Stadium alludes to its industrial surroundings. The ballpark faces many downtown Lancaster factories, and is itself constructed over a former rail yard.
[4]
2007 Atlantic League All-Star Game
In July 2007, the Lancaster Barnstormers hosted the Atlantic League All-Star Game at Clipper Magazine Stadium. The league's former North Division won by a score of 8 to 6.
[5]
Photos of the park
Ballpark attractions
- Auntie Anne's
- famous pretzels from the Lancaster-based company.
- Cylo's Clubhouse
- entertainment for children featuring the Barnstormers' mascot, Cylo, a large red cow.
- History of Lancaster baseball
- an illustration of Lancaster County's baseball history.
- Inside Corner Team Store
- official Lancaster Barnstormers team apparel and souvenir store.
- Lawn seating
- allows even more fans, with blankets or lawn chairs, to watch the game. There is also some bleacher seating along the walls at left field. Expands the official capacity to over 7,500.
- Power Alley Picnic Area
- features local food items such as cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch quarter-pound hot dogs, beer from the Lancaster Brewing Company, Turkey Hill ice cream, whoopie pies, fresh carved deli sandwiches, and regular ballpark fare.
- Richard M. Scott mural
- a mural dedicated to former mayor, Richard M. Scott, who initiated the effort to bring baseball back to Lancaster.
- Weis Markets Kids' Park
- provides entertainment for children with a carousel, jungle gyms, a rock climbing wall, and various inflatibles.
- Turkey Hill Birthday Zone
- designed for children's birthday celebrations.
Home Run Harbor
Prior to the 2008 season, a unique feature was added to Clipper Magazine Stadium:
Home Run Harbor
. Home Run Harbor is a 36,000 gallon, artificial pond with ten bumper boats equipped with water cannons, a small waterfall, and a bridge. An estimated 30% of the home runs at the ballpark are hit toward the Home Run Harbor area, making the location a great place to see long-ball action. Safety netting prevents incoming baseballs from injuring patrons of Home Run Harbor.
[6] The only other ballpark in North America that features a bumper boat pond is
Regency Furniture Stadium in
Waldorf, Maryland.
Special events
Clipper Magazine Stadium hosts a Hispanic Heritage Night celebration once every season in coordination with the city of Lancaster's annual Puerto Rican Festival. In addition to honoring Lancaster's Hispanic community, the Barnstormers wear specially-themed jerseys, the proceeds of which are donated to the Spanish-American Lancaster Sports Association (SALSA) and Play Ball USA.
[7] [8]
Ice Park at Clipper Magazine Stadium
So that the community can continue to enjoy Clipper Magazine Stadium in the off-season, it is used as an outdoor, public ice-skating rink during the winter months. The pitcher's mound is removed, the infield is covered with sheets of ice, and the concessions serve ballpark fare as well as soup, coffee, and hot chocolate.
[9]
Concerts
Clipper Magazine Stadium has hosted various concerts, including the artists
Bob Dylan,
Bryan Adams,
Clint Black,
Def Leopard,
Dwight Yoakam,
Jefferson Starship,
Kenny G, and
Willie Nelson.
References
- Clipper Magazine Buys Naming Rights
- About Clipper Magazine Stadium
- ODP corporate address
- Clip's architecture
- 2007 All-Star Game
- Home Run Harbor
- Puerto Rican Festival
- Hispanic Heritage Night at the Clip
- Clipper Magazine Stadium becomes ice-skating rink