Originally called Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium, FirstEnergy Stadium was completed in 1951 and was named in honor of the service men and women who risked their lives for our country. In 1999, a giant dog tags monument was placed in front of the stadium to honor our area's veterans.
Starting in 2014, at each home game, we fly a Ceremonial Flag in front of the ballpark at the giant dog tags monument to honor one specific servicemen or woman who has served or is currently serving our country. The honored servicemember is either a living or deceased member of the US military. It is our hope that by doing so, we will bring even more attention to the fact that FirstEnergy Stadium is a memorial to the veterans & servicemembers of our community.
In 2016, as part of the “POW/MIA National Chair of Honor Program”, the Reading Fightin Phils dedicate “One Empty Seat” at FirstEnergy Stadium to honor all Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. This Empty Chair serves as an instant reminder of all the sacrifices made for 'Our Country' by these still missing American servicemen who have for too long been forgotten by all but their immediate families and close friends.
As a way of showing our ongoing support to our military, the Reading Fightin Phils offer military discounts on tickets, the team has worm military tribute jerseys, and the flags of each branch of the military fly on top of the stadium’s main grandstand.