Construction began on Forbes Field on January 1st 1909. Barney Dreyfuss contracted
Charles Wellford Leavitt Jr. to design and construct the ballpark. Leavitt was
well known for his tremendous work in the racing circuit where he had designed
the Belmont and Saratoga Racetracks *wiki. The new stadium would cost a total
of $1 million dollars which… even during the turn of the century was a bargain
for a 3 tier steel and concrete stadium. Forbes Field wouldn't be ready
until mid-season, so the Pittsburgh Pirates |
continued to play at their previous home… the all wooden Exposition Park, until
June 29th when they played their final game there vs. the Cubs. Field opened up
to a sold out crowd amid much fanfare. It was described as the biggest sporting
opening ceremony in United States history up until that time. All seats were
sold and 5,000 overflow tickets were sold for people to sit in the outfield along
what would have been the warning track. |