Reading makes splash with pool

READING — Everyone wants the best seat in the house.

Front row, center stage, ringside — you name it, spectators want to be where they have a good view.

And at Reading Phillies games?

That best seat may be a wet one.

Just beyond the right field fence sits a swimming pool, a pool that is one of most unique aspects that any ballpark — major league or minor league — has to offer.

In fact, other than the pool in the stadium where the Arizona Diamondbacks play, this pool is the only other.

And the fans love it.

"We're much closer to the field than the other spectators," Sarah M. Wilson, 13, of Fleetwood, said. "It seems that way anyway."

The pool sits above right field, surrounded by a deck that is filled with benches, chairs and tables with umbrellas.

During games, a buffet is set up and there is also an open bar.

"A (pool) ticket covers your admission to the game and pool area and allows you to eat at the buffet," said Amelia D. Wierzbicki, a Reading Phillies pool area attendant.

The pool is intended for private parties with a minimum of 10 people.

Sometimes, a corporation that is having a private party may provide its workers and their families with admission.

"My dad got us tickets from Herr's that allowed us to get in the pool and eat at the buffet. I couldn't wait to watch a game while swimming," Adam J. Mercado, 14, of Allentown said.

Others may have obtained the tickets by luck.

"My family won the pool tickets. It was a really cool prize," Courtney L. Johnson, 10, of Bath, said.

The pool area can hold up to 300 people. But even with all the space, spectators at the game (with normal tickets) are not permitted.

"We won't let them swim, but after eight, when the buffet is cleaned up, we allow people to look at the pool. But it's just a quick in and out," Wierzbicki said.

Many fans believe the right field location is the ideal spot to catch key game moments.

"There's a perfect view of first base and the whole outfield," Alexandra N. Hillegass, 9, of Palmerton, said. "It lets you see right where players hit the ball and how they steal bases."

Special pool features add to the entertainment.

"When the Phillies hit a home-run, there are fountains that shoot up water that gets us soaked," Jessica N. Weidner, 13, of Allentown, said. "It's so much fun."

Even when the games not exciting, the pool may still be.

"There's a seat you can watch the game from that pours water on you. It's awesome because it feels like sitting under a waterfall," Morgan K. Radcliff, 13, of Reading, said.

Although baseball games are a fun recreation, the summer heat may be uncomfortable.

"I wouldn't want to be wearing long pants in the bleachers with the hot weather. It's much easier to be in the sun when you're in a bathing suit," David M. Keckroth, 10, of Philadelphia, said.

For some people, it's the heat. But for others, sitting in metal stands for hours bothers them.

The pool eases these fans too.

"You don't have to sit on your butt the whole game," Claire C. Spence, 11, of Philadelphia, said. "It's more comfortable to be moving around in the water."

Kids also enjoy the pool because it may permit them to relax with other baseball fans their own age.

"The best part is being able to (watch the game from the pool) with friends and other younger people. Most of the time, parents don't get in the pool with us," Michael F. Micek, 10, of Bath, said.

Although many parents aren't in the water, they are still able to keep an eye on their kids.

"It (the pool) keeps both of my daughters amused and is also a safe place for them to be during the game. There's always two lifeguards on duty and I'm able to sit nearby and watch them," Michele J. Davis, 33, of Bethlehem, said.

Those who work at the pool enjoy themselves as well.

"When it's hot, it's a really cool place to work in a pool, especially because it's at a baseball game," said Jonathan K. Bradshaw, a pool lifeguard.

Bradshaw explained how few problems ever occur.

"The only thing that ever really happens is when kids are running around and they trip. We just have to hop in and help them up, but other than that it's really mellow," he said.

Employees like this calm atmosphere.

"I like watching the games from the side of the pool with the people I work with because it's such an easygoing job," Adrienne B. Breidenstine, a lifeguard in the pool area, said.

Everyone loves the excellent view, especially because they can see it from a relaxing place.

"You don't have to swim seriously. A lot of people just get in to hang out somewhere different during the game and relax," Samantha M. Rock, 11, of Philadelphia, said.

The Reading Phillies "right-field pool" attracts baseball fans for various reasons and most say that audience draw should continue for some time to come.

"I've swam here with people before and I plan on doing it again because it's really a different way to have a lot of fun at a baseball game," Rock said.

Pool Pavilion Pricing Monday- Friday and Sunday - $25 Summer Saturdays - $27 Children 4 and under - FREE Contact: Christie Chrisanthon (610) 375-7469 ext. 224 christie@readingphillies.com

Pool Pavilion Features Unlimited access to heated pool. Reserved picnic table setting Two-hour catered buffet (one hour prior to game) Private bathrooms and locker rooms/ changing areas. TVs on each table broadcasting the game Pool professionally maintained by Apollo Pools