Photo by Cheryl Pursell
IronPigs Feild of Dreams
The crack of the bat. The roar of the crowd.
Bacon. Lots and lots of bacon.
It’s easy to understand why fans flock to Coca-Cola Park in Allentown to cheer on the Lehigh Valley’s very own boys of summer, the IronPigs. But even if you’re not a baseball fan, chances are you’ll still find something to squeal about at the Pigs’ state-of-the-art stadium.
Photo by Cheryl Pursell
Our hometown boy: Matt McBride
Fast Facts
The team previously played under the name the Ottawa Lynx with a home field in Ontario, Canada. Construction on Cola-Cola Park began in 2006. The IronPigs played their first league game there on April 11, 2008, less than two weeks after facing off against the Philadelphia Phillies in an exhibition game. The stadium has 8,089 fixed seats with a maximum capacity of 10,100 (including general admission). It’s already sold out every seat in the ballpark more than 550 times.
The IronPigs have been Minor League Baseball's per-game attendance leader since the team's inception. The team’s current name and mascots—FeRROUS and FeFe—are a shout-out to the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing history. “Pig iron” is used in the making of steel. “FeRROUS” is derived from the Latin word for iron, and “FeFe” is a salute to the symbol for iron (Fe) on the periodic table of elements.
FeRROUS, Matt McBride and FeFe at the IronPigs
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
What you need to know before you go.
It’s affordable. Treating your family to a night at the ballpark won’t break the bank. You can snag a seat on the lawn (BYOB—bring your own blanket) for just $8. Seats in the stands go for $11. There’s plenty of parking spots available around the stadium for $5.
For the diehards: The Pigs Pass allows users to attend all of the home games they want for $35 a month. The “Bacon, USA” club offers tons of perks, from discounts at the stadium to invitations to members-only events. Fans can choose from packages that start at four games and go all the way up to the full season.
Bring two or 20 (or 100) of your closest friends.There’s plenty of elbow room at the ballpark, so if you travel with an entourage, or are looking for a spot for your next family reunion or corporate gathering, you’re in luck. Options range from the Berks Food Picnic Patio off of the left field line, which can accommodate all the way up to 500 people, to the climate-controlled Billiards Suite on the club level, with access to the club bar and lounge. Wanna get even closer to the action? The BSI Dugout Suites are located at the field level behind home plate.
Regardless of which package you pick, your group will get a shout-out on the IronPigs’ video board, and someone from your party could get the opportunity to throw out the first pitch.
GO HUNGRY.
It’s not just about peanuts and Cracker Jack anymore. More than half a dozen new items are on the food menu for 2019.
This Year's Starting Lineup:
1 of 4
IronPigs Lobster Mac & Cheese
2 of 4
IronPigs Cuban Burger
3 of 4
IronPigs Cuban Sweet & Spicy Tenders and Waffles
4 of 4
IronPigs Throwback Grilled Cheese
On the Bench: These join stadium staples like Pot Belly Pierogies, Old Bay Fries, the Pork Parfait, turkey legs and roasted corn from Aw Shucks.
IronPigs Chris P. Bacon
Did we mention there’d be bacon?
Whether you like it candied, wrapped around a hot dog, covered in chocolate, stuffed in a stromboli or in funnel cake form, a bacon fix is always within arm’s reach at Coca-Cola Park.
Yes, you can eat healthy.
Among the offerings for a diet-friendly outing: A black bean veggie burger, grilled chicken sandwich, fresh fruit or a pickle on a stick.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Pigsfoodfinder.com offers an interactive map that details who’s selling what, and where, in the stadium. There are nearly 40 different spots to choose from. And yes, adult beverages are available, including local craft beers and wine.
One Step Below the Bigs
The IronPigs are the Triple A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, meaning the same players who step up to the plate in Allentown could one day be doing the same thing at Citizens Bank Park. Heading into the 2019 season, 137 players have been promoted from the Lehigh Valley to Philadelphia.
The IronPigs have made it to the playoffs three years in a row—fingers crossed for year number four!
IronPigs fans
Make room for merch.
Whether you’re attending your first IronPigs game or your 40th, it’s easy to look the part. A clubhouse store is accessible from inside and outside the stadium and offers everything a fan needs to suit up for the main event. “We have many new styles for this year, including expanded offerings for women and children,” says Lindsey Knupp, vice president of marketing and entertainment for the IronPigs. “For men, we have doubled the amount of product that we had last year. Every day something new and fun comes in.” Fans can buy the same clothing that players wear in warm-ups and at batting practice, as well as replicas of the jerseys they wear on the field. And—never fear—the food vendors aren’t the only ones slinging bacon. There are bacon-themed items to be found (and sniffed) throughout the store, because, really, who doesn’t need their very own pair of Fighting Bacon socks?
It’s not just about baseball.
Even if you don’t know the difference between a balk and a bunt, you can expect to be entertained at Coca-Cola Park.
IronPigs Golden Bobbleheads
Expect promotions aplenty.
There’s a reason the creative minds working behind the scenes at Coca-Cola Park have been honored with a handful of Golden Bobblehead awards for their marketing and advertising campaigns. The schedule is packed with theme nights, giveaways (bobbleheads galore!) and more.
Upcoming Highlights:
June 11: Seinfeld Night featuring a visit from the “Soup Nazi” himself, Larry Thomas.
June 28: Jurassic “Pork” Night
July 25: Christmas in July - An upgraded ticket gets you a Cousin Eddie-style cap and a chance to win a year's subscription to the "Jelly of the Month Club,” seriously.
August 10: Superhero Night
August 23: Field of Dreams Night
FeFe and a young IronPigs Fan
And remember to keep an eye to the sky.
Fireworks displays are on deck following every Friday and (as of May) Saturday home game at Coca-Cola Park. A special patriotic 3-D display is planned for July 4.
More perks:
June 16: Dad gets dress socks for Father’s Day.
Mondays: Score $1 Berks hot dogs
Thursdays: Raise a glass during the ballpark’s extended Happy Hour starting at 5 p.m.
Sundays: Kids can run the bases after every Sunday game, or register online for a chance to be either the “Play Ball Kid,” who yells those magic words from the field before the first pitch, or the “Tike on the Mic,” who announces the first three batters of an inning from the press box.
IronPigs KidsZone
For the Kids
This year, Coca-Cola Park is unveiling a brand-new playground inside the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital KidsZone. It’s geared toward kids who are between two and five years old, and joins an existing structure for older children. Both areas have added a new, protective flooring that provides a softer landing spot.
For the Ladies
The summer months feature a triple play of pre-game Ladies' Nights at the stadium. Package prices range from $35 to $50 and include a ticket to the game, plus an activity based on the theme of the day:
June 6: Sangria Tasting
July 24: Pig Yoga
August 19: Paint and Sip
Dog Days at IronPigs
For the Dogs
June 12, July 29, August 19: TD Bank Dog Days encourage attendees to bring their pups to the game! Get a season Pawparrazzi Membership for free four-legged entry.
For Everybody
Be sure to bring your fielder’s mitt.
Even if you’re not lucky enough to shag a foul ball during the game, you might have the chance to snag a free shirt or soft-toss ball being launched from the field from the IronPigs’ roving slingshot teams and T-shirt cannons.
Photo by Cheryl Pursell
Pork Racers IronPigs
Root for your favorite stadium snack.
The nightly Pork Race is a fan favorite. Mascots Diggity, Chris P. Bacon, Barbie Q, Ribbie and Hambone give it their all in a sprint that starts outside the stadium (via video, anyway) and ends at home plate.
Photo by Cheryl Pursell
Fans take a Selfie with Cozens
Prepare for prime selfie opportunities.
During the games, FeRROUS and FeFe are just as busy as the men in uniform on the field. When they are not pumping up the crowd or participating in some on-field antics, they’re roaming around the stands and taking pictures with their adoring fans.
