The Lancaster Barnstormers and Clipper Magazine Stadium made a great comeback in 2021. People were back together at the stadium, enjoying Atlantic League Baseball. The ballpark, which was voted the best among the Major League Baseball Partner Leagues for the second straight year, was revived.
Clipper Magazine Stadium’s main attraction, the Barnstormers, finished second out of all 41 teams in Major League Baseball Partner Leagues in total attendance. Fans found their way back to the ballpark after the entire 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Even when the Barnstormers were on the road, the stadium was still full of activity and various community events. A Fourth of July event presented by BB&T, and celebratory fireworks drew nearly 5,000 area residents. The Clark and Associates’ 50th anniversary celebration brought 2,500 folks to Clipper Magazine Stadium. Lancaster’s Chamber dinner was attended by 1,500.
One of the most creative ongoing uses of the stadium were the two Lancaster Barnstormers kickball leagues, which brought 8,000 people into the ballpark over a variety of summer evenings.
Clipper Magazine Stadium also served as the host for numerous proms, graduations, wedding rehearsal dinners and other events. It has proven to be the center of the Lancaster community this year.
Hosting all these great events was made easier with the creation of an organization known as Otto’s Hospitality, a new in-house food and beverage service. This was created to enhance the experience of stadium patrons, both on game days and for special events.
“We are incredibly grateful for all the support we received this year for our Barnstormers games as well as all the events we were able to host,” said general manager Mike Reynolds. “I, personally, am incredibly proud of all my colleagues and the ownership for our commitment to make Clipper Magazine Stadium a community center for Central PA and home to so many events in addition to Barnstormers Baseball.”
The stadium will remain active throughout the fall and winter seasons with many holiday parties on tap, several charity events scheduled, as well as the annual Christmas Spirit Light Show presented by Haller, beginning on Saturday, Nov. 27.
All of this while planning is underway for a bigger, better 2022 Barnstormers season in which the club expects to entertain its five millionth fan.
