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Coordinates: 18°25′0″N 66°4′23″W / 18.41667°N 66.07306°W / 18.41667; -66.07306
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{{Short description|Baseball stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
{{Short description|Baseball stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| name = Hiram Bithorn Stadium
| name = Hiram Bithorn Stadium
| nickname =
| nickname =
| logo_image =
| logo_image =
| logo_caption =
| logo_caption =
| image = [[File:Hiram Bithorn Stadium 1.JPG|250px]]
| image = [[File:Hiram Bithorn Stadium 1.JPG|250px]]
| caption = The stadium in 2006
| caption = The stadium in 2006
| fullname =
| fullname =
| former_names =
| former_names =
| location = [[Gobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
| location = [[Gobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
| coordinates = {{coord|18|25|0|N|66|4|23|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|18|25|0|N|66|4|23|W|type:landmark|display=it}}
| broke_ground =
| broke_ground =
| built = 1962
| built = 1962
| opened = 1963
| opened = 1963
| renovated =
| renovated =
| expanded =
| expanded =
| closed =
| closed =
| demolished =
| demolished =
| owner = Municipality of San Juan
| owner = Municipality of San Juan
| operator = Municipality of San Juan
| operator = Municipality of San Juan
| surface = Natural grass (1962–1994)<br /> [[AstroTurf]] (1995–2003)<br /> [[FieldTurf]] (2004–2015)<br /> Turf Nation (2015–present)
| surface = Natural grass (1962–1994)<br /> [[AstroTurf]] (1995–2003)<br /> [[FieldTurf]] (2004–2015)<br /> Turf Nation (2015–present)
| scoreboard =
| scoreboard =
| cost =4.3M
| cost = 4.3M
| architect =Orval E. Sifontes Fontan AIA
| architect = Orval E. Sifontes Fontan AIA
| project_manager =
| project_manager =
| structural engineer =Martinez y Costa
| structural engineer = Martinez y Costa
| services engineer =
| services engineer =
| general_contractor =R.P. Farnsworth & Co.
| general_contractor = R.P. Farnsworth & Co.
| main_contractors =
| main_contractors =
| capacity = 18,264 (baseball)
| capacity = 18,264 (baseball)


35,000 (concerts)
40,000 (concerts)
| suites =
| suites =
| record_attendance =
| record_attendance =
| dimensions = '''Left Field''' – 325 ft (99&nbsp;m)<br />'''Left-Center''' – 375 ft (114&nbsp;m)<br />'''Center Field''' – 404 ft (123&nbsp;m)<br />'''Right-Center''' – 375 ft (114&nbsp;m)<br />'''Right Field''' – 325 ft (99&nbsp;m)<br />'''Backstop''' – 60 ft (18&nbsp;m)
| dimensions = '''Left Field''' – 325 ft (99&nbsp;m)<br />'''Left-Center''' – 375 ft (114&nbsp;m)<br />'''Center Field''' – 404 ft (123&nbsp;m)<br />'''Right-Center''' – 375 ft (114&nbsp;m)<br />'''Right Field''' – 325 ft (99&nbsp;m)<br />'''Backstop''' – 60 ft (18&nbsp;m)
| acreage =
| acreage =
| tenants = [[Senadores de San Juan]] ([[Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente|LBPRC]]) (1962–1974, 1984–2000, 2003–2004, 2010–2011, 2014–2015)<br />[[Cangrejeros de Santurce (baseball)|Cangrejeros de Santurce]] (LBPRC) (1962–1982, 1989–2004, 2008–2009, 2012–present)<br />[[Atléticos de San Juan]] ([[Puerto Rico Soccer League|PRSL]]) (2008–2011)<br />[[Academia Quintana]] (PRSL) (2008–2011)<br />[[Montreal Expos]] ([[Major League Baseball|MLB]]) (2003–2004; secondary)
| tenants = [[Senadores de San Juan]] ([[Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente|LBPRC]]) (1962–1974, 1984–2000, 2003–2004, 2010–2011, 2014–2015)<br />[[Cangrejeros de Santurce (baseball)|Cangrejeros de Santurce]] (LBPRC) (1962–1982, 1989–2004, 2008–2009, 2012–present)<br />[[RA12]] (LBPRC) (2020–2024)<br/>[[Atléticos de San Juan]] ([[Puerto Rico Soccer League|PRSL]]) (2008–2011)<br />[[Academia Quintana]] (PRSL) (2008–2011)<br />[[Montreal Expos]] ([[Major League Baseball|MLB]]) (2003–2004; secondary)
| nrhp = {{Infobox NRHP
| name = Hiram Bithorn Municipal Stadium
| added = 22 January 2014
| embed = yes
| refnum = 13001118
}}
}}
}}
⚫
'''Hiram Bithorn Stadium''' (Spanish: '''Estadio Hiram Bithorn''') is a [[baseball park]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], built in 1962 and designed by Puerto Rican architect Pedro Miranda.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Vargas FAIA|editor1-first=Benjamin|title=La Vereda Tropical / Down Where the Trade Winds Blow|date=2014|publisher=AIA|location=San Juan, PR|isbn=9780692324301|language=es, en}}</ref> It is operated by the municipal government of the city of San Juan. Its name honors the first Puerto Rican to play in the major leagues, [[Hiram Bithorn]], who first played with the [[Chicago Cubs]] in 1942. Built in 1962, under the mayoral administration of [[Felisa Rincón de Gautier]], replacing [[Estadio Sixto Escobar]], the stadium is home to the [[Cangrejeros de Santurce (baseball)|Santurce Crabbers]], of the [[Puerto Rico Baseball League]]. It was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|author=U.S. National Park Service|title=National Register of Historic Places Program|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/places/13001118.htm|access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref>

'''Hiram Bithorn Stadium''' (Spanish: '''Estadio Hiram Bithorn''') is a [[baseball park]] in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico]], built in 1962 and designed by Puerto Rican architect Pedro Miranda.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Vargas FAIA|editor1-first=Benjamin|title=La Vereda Tropical / Down Where the Trade Winds Blow|date=2014|publisher=AIA|location=San Juan, PR|isbn=9780692324301|language=es, en}}</ref> The stadium is home to the [[Cangrejeros de Santurce (baseball)|Cangrejeros de Santurce]] of the [[Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente|Puerto Rican Baseball League]] (LBPRC), and briefly was home to [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Montreal Expos]] during their final years.

⚫
It is operated by the municipal government of the city of San Juan. Its name honors the first Puerto Rican to play in the major leagues, [[Hiram Bithorn]], who first played with the [[Chicago Cubs]] in 1942. Built in 1962, under the mayoral administration of [[Felisa Rincón de Gautier]] as a replacement for [[Estadio Sixto Escobar]], it was added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|author=U.S. National Park Service|title=National Register of Historic Places Program|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/feature/places/13001118.htm|access-date=August 26, 2017}}</ref>


== Dimensions ==
== Dimensions ==
The stadium has approximately 18,000 seats. The stadium is 325 feet (99&nbsp;m) down the left-field line, 325 feet (99&nbsp;m) down the right-field line and 404 feet (123&nbsp;m) to center field. The fences are 8 feet (2.5 m) high. When the Expos played home games at Hiram Bithorn, the field dimensions were set to match Olympic Stadium in Montreal.<ref>http://www.oech.pr.gov/Propiedades%20en%20el%20Registro%20Nacional/San%20Juan/Estadio%20Hiran%20Bithorn.pdf#search=hiram%20bithorn {{Bare URL PDF|date=January 2022}}</ref>
The stadium has approximately 18,000 seats. The stadium is 325 feet (99&nbsp;m) down the left-field line, 325 feet (99&nbsp;m) down the right-field line and 404 feet (123&nbsp;m) to center field. The fences are 8 feet (2.5 m) high. When the Expos played home games at Hiram Bithorn, the field dimensions were set to match Olympic Stadium in Montreal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oech.pr.gov/Propiedades%20en%20el%20Registro%20Nacional/San%20Juan/Estadio%20Hiran%20Bithorn.pdf#search=hiram%20bithorn|title=National Register of Historic Places|website=oech.pr.gov|date=6 December 2013|access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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In the mid-1990s Hiram Bithorn Stadium was planned to be the home of the yet-to-be-named Puerto Rico team, a charter franchise of the [[United Baseball League (proposed)|United League]] (UL) which was a planned third league of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB).
In the mid-1990s Hiram Bithorn Stadium was planned to be the home of the yet-to-be-named Puerto Rico team, a charter franchise of the [[United Baseball League (proposed)|United League]] (UL) which was a planned third league of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB).


The stadium hosted [[Major League Baseball]]'s Opening Day Game in 2001, in which the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] faced the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in an [[American League]] match-up.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blue Jays beat up Rangers in baseball's season opener|publisher=[[CBC Sports]]|date=2001-04-01|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2001/04/01/bluejaysdebut010401.html|access-date=2009-03-27}}</ref> However, 4,000 who bought tickets were turned away when the police determined the safe capacity of the park had been vastly exceeded.
The stadium hosted [[Major League Baseball]]'s Opening Day Game in 2001, in which the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] faced the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] in an [[American League]] match-up.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blue Jays beat up Rangers in baseball's season opener|publisher=[[CBC Sports]]|date=2001-04-01|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/blue-jays-beat-up-rangers-in-baseball-s-season-opener-1.278353|access-date=2009-03-27}}</ref> However, 4,000 who bought tickets were turned away when the police determined the safe capacity of the park had been vastly exceeded.


It was the object of a major overhaul under the mayoral administration of [[Jorge Santini]], before becoming the part-time home of the [[Montreal Expos]] of the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] in [[2003 Montreal Expos season|2003]] and [[2004 Montreal Expos season|2004]] before their move to [[Washington, D.C.]] as the [[Washington Nationals]]. The Expos played 20 "home" games across the two seasons as a result of poor attendance at their home [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Olympic Stadium]] in Montreal. Before Major League Baseball's announcement of the Montreal Expos' move to Washington, Puerto Rico and San Juan made an effort to lure the Expos franchise to the island territory permanently.
It was the object of a major overhaul under the mayoral administration of [[Jorge Santini]], before becoming the part-time home of the [[Montreal Expos]] of the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] in [[2003 Montreal Expos season|2003]] and [[2004 Montreal Expos season|2004]] before their move to [[Washington, D.C.]] as the [[Washington Nationals]]. The Expos played 20 "home" games across the two seasons as a result of poor attendance at their home [[Olympic Stadium (Montreal)|Olympic Stadium]] in Montreal. Before Major League Baseball's announcement of the Montreal Expos' move to Washington, Puerto Rico and San Juan made an effort to lure the Expos franchise to the island territory permanently.
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In 2008, it served as the stadium for [[Atléticos de San Juan]] and [[Academia Quintana]], two soccer teams in the [[Puerto Rico Soccer League]], [[Puerto Rico]]'s first-ever professional soccer league.
In 2008, it served as the stadium for [[Atléticos de San Juan]] and [[Academia Quintana]], two soccer teams in the [[Puerto Rico Soccer League]], [[Puerto Rico]]'s first-ever professional soccer league.


In 2010, Major League Baseball returned to the stadium, as the [[Florida Marlins]] faced the [[New York Mets]] in a three-game series during the regular season.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100627&content_id=11651186&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100630203313/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100627&content_id=11651186&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym| archive-date = 2010-06-30| title = Mets-Marlins to add to Hiram Bithorn's history {{!}} mets.com: News}} </ref>
In 2010, Major League Baseball returned to the stadium, as the [[Florida Marlins]] faced the [[New York Mets]] in a three-game series during the regular season.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100627&content_id=11651186&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100630203313/http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100627&content_id=11651186&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym| archive-date = 2010-06-30| title = Mets-Marlins to add to Hiram Bithorn's history}}</ref>


The Marlins were to play the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] on May 30 and 31, 2016 in honor of Roberto Clemente Day. However, on May 6, 2016, it was announced that the Puerto Rico games would be postponed due to the [[2015–2016 Zika virus epidemic|Zika virus outbreak]], and moved to [[Marlins Park]].<ref name="ESPN-Puerto Rico">{{cite web|title=MLB moves Puerto Rico series amid concerns about Zika virus|url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/15477003/mlb-moves-puerto-rico-series-amid-concerns-zika-virus|website=ESPN.com|date=6 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref>
The Marlins were to play the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] on May 30 and 31, 2016 in honor of Roberto Clemente Day. However, on May 6, 2016, it was announced that the Puerto Rico games would be postponed due to the [[2015–2016 Zika virus epidemic|Zika virus outbreak]], and moved to [[Marlins Park]].<ref name="ESPN-Puerto Rico">{{cite web|title=MLB moves Puerto Rico series amid concerns about Zika virus|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/15477003/mlb-moves-puerto-rico-series-amid-concerns-zika-virus|website=ESPN.com|date=6 May 2016|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref>


The [[Cleveland Indians]] and [[Minnesota Twins]] played a two-game series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on April 17 and 18, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2018/01/11/twins-indians-will-still-play-puerto-rico-series/|title=Twins-Indians Will Still Play Puerto Rico Series|date=11 January 2018}}</ref> It is the first time since 2010 that a Major League Baseball regular-season game was played in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the league announced in August 2019 that they would be returning for a three-game series in April 2020 between the [[Miami Marlins]] and [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/marlins-mets-to-play-in-puerto-rico-in-2020|title=Puerto Rico set one of Marlins' 2020 highlights|website=MLB.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-14}}</ref> This series was later cancelled as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=Puerto Rico Series Between Mets, Marlins Canceled|url=https://www.radio.com/wfan/articles/news/puerto-rico-series-between-mets-marlins-canceled|access-date=2020-11-22|website=www.radio.com|language=en}}</ref>
The [[Cleveland Indians]] and [[Minnesota Twins]] played a two-game series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on April 17 and 18, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ballparkdigest.com/2018/01/11/twins-indians-will-still-play-puerto-rico-series/|title=Twins-Indians Will Still Play Puerto Rico Series|date=11 January 2018}}</ref> It is the first time since 2010 that a Major League Baseball regular-season game was played in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the league announced in August 2019 that they would be returning for a three-game series in April 2020 between the [[Miami Marlins]] and [[New York Mets]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/marlins-mets-to-play-in-puerto-rico-in-2020|title=Puerto Rico set one of Marlins' 2020 highlights|website=MLB.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-14}}</ref> This series was later cancelled as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Puerto Rico|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-19|title=Puerto Rico Series Between Mets, Marlins Canceled|url=https://www.radio.com/wfan/articles/news/puerto-rico-series-between-mets-marlins-canceled|access-date=2020-11-22|website=www.radio.com|language=en}}</ref>
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[[File:Hiram Bithorn Stadium.jpg|400px|thumbnail|center|View of the stadium during a baseball game in 2010]]
[[File:Hiram Bithorn Stadium.jpg|400px|thumbnail|center|View of the stadium during a baseball game in 2010]]


There have been, as of June 2020, 71 professional boxing events that have been held at the stadium, including many world championship fights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/venue/21906|title=BoxRec: Venue}}</ref> Two-time World Lightweight Champion [[Carlos Ortiz (boxer)|Carlos Ortíz]] won four Lightweight title bouts in the stadium, regaining his championship from [[Ismael Laguna]] in 1965 and retaining it against Doug Valiant in 1963, [[Kenny Lane]] in 1964, and [[Sugar Ramos]] in 1967. Also, former world heavyweight champion [[Floyd Patterson]] fought there late in his career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/14544|title=BoxRec: Event}}</ref>
There have been, as of June 2020, 71 professional boxing events that have been held at the stadium, including many world championship fights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/venue/21906|title=BoxRec: Venue|accessdate=27 June 2023}}</ref> Two-time World Lightweight Champion [[Carlos Ortiz (boxer)|Carlos Ortíz]] won four Lightweight title bouts in the stadium, regaining his championship from [[Ismael Laguna]] in 1965 and retaining it against Doug Valiant in 1963, [[Kenny Lane]] in 1964, and [[Sugar Ramos]] in 1967. Also, former world heavyweight champion [[Floyd Patterson]] fought there late in his career.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/event/14544|title=BoxRec: Event|accessdate=27 June 2023}}</ref>


== Other uses ==
== Other uses ==
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[[Shakira]] has performed twice, during her [[Tour Anfibio]], on April 9, 2000, and during the [[Tour of the Mongoose]], on March 22, 2003.
[[Shakira]] has performed twice, during her [[Tour Anfibio]], on April 9, 2000, and during the [[Tour of the Mongoose]], on March 22, 2003.

On March 10, 11, and 12 of 2023, the Colombian singer [[Karol G]] performed three special shows at the stadium, in support of her 2023 album ''[[Mañana Será Bonito]]''. Special guests included [[Bad Gyal]], [[Feid]], Maldy, [[Romeo Santos]], and [[Sean Paul]].


Some of the concerts that have been held at the venue:
Some of the concerts that have been held at the venue:

* [[The Byrds]] – April 30, 1967
* [[The Byrds]] – April 30, 1967
* [[Santana (band)|Santana]] – October 31, 1971
* [[Santana (band)|Santana]] – October 31, 1971
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* [[Blue Angel (band)|Blue Angel]]/[[Peter Frampton]] – August 22, 1981
* [[Blue Angel (band)|Blue Angel]]/[[Peter Frampton]] – August 22, 1981
* [[Blue Öyster Cult]] – October 28, 1983
* [[Blue Öyster Cult]] – October 28, 1983
* [[Bon Jovi]]/[[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]]: Love At First Sting Tour – July 13, 1984
* [[Bon Jovi]]/[[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]]: ''Love At First Sting Tour'' – July 13, 1984
* [[Black Jack (Australian band)|Black Jack]]/[[Ozzy Osbourne]]: Bark At The Moon Tour – August 4, 1984
* [[Black Jack (Australian band)|Black Jack]]/[[Ozzy Osbourne]]: ''Bark At The Moon Tour'' – August 4, 1984
* [[The Motels]]/[[Men At Work]] – August 2, 1985
* [[The Motels]]/[[Men At Work]] – August 2, 1985
* [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] – November 9, 1985
* [[Sting (musician)|Sting]] – November 9, 1985
* [[Cinderella (band)|Cinderella]]/[[Bon Jovi]]: Slippery When Wet Tour – February 21, 1987
* [[Cinderella (band)|Cinderella]]/[[Bon Jovi]]: ''Slippery When Wet Tour'' – February 21, 1987
* [[The Beach Boys]] – April 4, 1987
* [[The Beach Boys]] – April 4, 1987
* [[Poison (American band)|Poison]]/[[Ratt]]: Dancing Undercover Tour – June 12, 1987
* [[Poison (American band)|Poison]]/[[Ratt]]: ''Dancing Undercover Tour'' – June 12, 1987
* [[Toto (band)|Toto]]/[[Rod Stewart]]: [[Out of Order Tour]] – July 1, 1988
* [[Toto (band)|Toto]]/[[Rod Stewart]]:'' [[Out of Order Tour]]'' – July 1, 1988
* [[Stryper]]: In God We Trust Tour – January 14, 1989
* [[Stryper]]: ''In God We Trust Tour'' – January 14, 1989
* [[Gloria Estefan]]: Into The Light Tour - March 14 & 15, 1992
* [[Whitney Houston]]: ''[[The Bodyguard World Tour]]'' – April 24, 1994
* [[Whitney Houston]]: [[The Bodyguard World Tour]] – April 24, 1994
* [[Phil Collins]]: ''Both Sides Tour'' – April 29, 1995
* [[Phil Collins]]: Both Sides Tour – April 29, 1995
* [[Laura Pausini]]: ''World Wide Tour'' – May 10, 1997
* [[Laura Pausini]]: World Wide Tour – May 10, 1997
* [[Olga Tañón]] - Ardiente - October 11, 1997
* [[Billy Joel]] – February 11, 1999
* [[Billy Joel]] – February 11, 1999
* [[Maná]]: Unplugged – May 6, 2000
* [[Maná]]: ''Unplugged'' – May 6, 2000
* [[Backstreet Boys]] – May 19 & 20, 2001 - [[Black & Blue Tour]]
* [[Backstreet Boys]] – May 19 & 20, 2001 - ''[[Black & Blue Tour]]''
* Mega Electronic Fest: March 19, 2011, March 17, 2012, and March 16, 2013
* Mega Electronic Fest: March 19, 2011, March 17, 2012, and March 16, 2013
* [[Rihanna]]: [[Diamonds World Tour]] – October 29, 2013
* [[Rihanna]]: ''[[Diamonds World Tour]]'' – October 29, 2013
* [[Bad Bunny]]: P FKN R – December 10–11, 2021
* [[Bad Bunny]]: ''P FKN R '' – December 10–11, 2021
* [[Daddy Yankee]]: [[La Última Vuelta World Tour]] – January 6–8, 2023 (last concerts of Daddy Yankee's career)
* [[Daddy Yankee]]: ''[[La Última Vuelta World Tour]]'' – January 6–8, 2023 (final performances of Daddy Yankee's career)
* [[Karol G]]: ''Mañana Será Bonito'' - March 10, 11 & 12, 2023
* [[Rauw Alejandro]]: ''[[Saturno World Tour]]'' - March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2023
* [[Romeo Santos]]: Formula, Vol. 3: The Tour — May 20–21, 2023


Professional Wrestling:
Professional Wrestling:
* [[WWC Anniversary]] Show 1984: September 14, 1984. Attendance 34,383.
* [[WWC Anniversary]] Show 1984 - September 14, 1984 (Attendance: 34,383)
* [[WWE|WWF]] – October 19, 1985
* [[WWE|WWF]] – October 19, 1985


==See also==
== See also ==
⚫
{{Portal|Puerto Rico|Baseball}}

* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in metropolitan San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in metropolitan San Juan, Puerto Rico]]


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* [http://www.andrewclem.com/Baseball/HiramBithornStadium.html#diag: Clem's Baseball Hiram Bithorn Stadium]
* [http://www.andrewclem.com/Baseball/HiramBithornStadium.html#diag: Clem's Baseball Hiram Bithorn Stadium]
* [http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2016/05/07/ap_823803879626-552538587a340ecd52af3f6765a5504301907579-s900-c85.jpg Hiram Bithorn Stadium Aerial View]
* [http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2016/05/07/ap_823803879626-552538587a340ecd52af3f6765a5504301907579-s900-c85.jpg Hiram Bithorn Stadium Aerial View]
* [http://www.noticel.com/ahora/50-aos-despus-pugna-arquitectnica-por-el-estadio-hiram-bithorn-documento/611570602]


{{Montreal Expos}}
{{Montreal Expos}}
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{{2013 World Baseball Classic Stadiums}}
{{2013 World Baseball Classic Stadiums}}
{{NRHP}}
{{NRHP}}
⚫
{{Portal bar|Puerto Rico|Baseball}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


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[[Category:Montreal Expos stadiums]]
[[Category:Montreal Expos stadiums]]
[[Category:Pan American Games opening ceremony stadiums]]
[[Category:Pan American Games opening ceremony stadiums]]
[[Category:World Baseball Classic venues]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1963]]
[[Category:Sports venues completed in 1963]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:1963 establishments in Puerto Rico]]

Latest revision as of 14:41, 25 November 2024

Hiram Bithorn Stadium
The stadium in 2006
Map
LocationGobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Coordinates18°25′0″N 66°4′23″W / 18.41667°N 66.07306°W / 18.41667; -66.07306
OwnerMunicipality of San Juan
OperatorMunicipality of San Juan
Capacity18,264 (baseball) 40,000 (concerts)
Field sizeLeft Field – 325 ft (99 m)
Left-Center – 375 ft (114 m)
Center Field – 404 ft (123 m)
Right-Center – 375 ft (114 m)
Right Field – 325 ft (99 m)
Backstop – 60 ft (18 m)
SurfaceNatural grass (1962–1994)
AstroTurf (1995–2003)
FieldTurf (2004–2015)
Turf Nation (2015–present)
Construction
Built1962
Opened1963
Construction cost4.3M
ArchitectOrval E. Sifontes Fontan AIA
Structural engineerMartinez y Costa
General contractorR.P. Farnsworth & Co.
Tenants
Senadores de San Juan (LBPRC) (1962–1974, 1984–2000, 2003–2004, 2010–2011, 2014–2015)
Cangrejeros de Santurce (LBPRC) (1962–1982, 1989–2004, 2008–2009, 2012–present)
RA12 (LBPRC) (2020–2024)
Atléticos de San Juan (PRSL) (2008–2011)
Academia Quintana (PRSL) (2008–2011)
Montreal Expos (MLB) (2003–2004; secondary)
Hiram Bithorn Municipal Stadium
NRHP reference No.13001118
Added to NRHP22 January 2014

Hiram Bithorn Stadium (Spanish: Estadio Hiram Bithorn) is a baseball park in San Juan, Puerto Rico, built in 1962 and designed by Puerto Rican architect Pedro Miranda.[1] The stadium is home to the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Puerto Rican Baseball League (LBPRC), and briefly was home to Major League Baseball's Montreal Expos during their final years.

It is operated by the municipal government of the city of San Juan. Its name honors the first Puerto Rican to play in the major leagues, Hiram Bithorn, who first played with the Chicago Cubs in 1942. Built in 1962, under the mayoral administration of Felisa Rincón de Gautier as a replacement for Estadio Sixto Escobar, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.[2]

Dimensions

[edit]

The stadium has approximately 18,000 seats. The stadium is 325 feet (99 m) down the left-field line, 325 feet (99 m) down the right-field line and 404 feet (123 m) to center field. The fences are 8 feet (2.5 m) high. When the Expos played home games at Hiram Bithorn, the field dimensions were set to match Olympic Stadium in Montreal.[3]

History

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The Hiram Bithorn Stadium was opened in 1962.

The first outdoor National Basketball Association game was played between the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks on September 24, 1972, during that year's preseason. The Suns defeated the Bucks, 116–103.

In the mid-1990s Hiram Bithorn Stadium was planned to be the home of the yet-to-be-named Puerto Rico team, a charter franchise of the United League (UL) which was a planned third league of Major League Baseball (MLB).

The stadium hosted Major League Baseball's Opening Day Game in 2001, in which the Toronto Blue Jays faced the Texas Rangers in an American League match-up.[4] However, 4,000 who bought tickets were turned away when the police determined the safe capacity of the park had been vastly exceeded.

It was the object of a major overhaul under the mayoral administration of Jorge Santini, before becoming the part-time home of the Montreal Expos of the National League in 2003 and 2004 before their move to Washington, D.C. as the Washington Nationals. The Expos played 20 "home" games across the two seasons as a result of poor attendance at their home Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Before Major League Baseball's announcement of the Montreal Expos' move to Washington, Puerto Rico and San Juan made an effort to lure the Expos franchise to the island territory permanently.

Hiram Bithorn Stadium hosted parts of the first two rounds of the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Pool C, which included the teams of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, and the Netherlands, was played there. It also hosted Pool 2 of the second round of the Classic which featured Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, the top two finishers from Pool C and Pool D. Pool D games of the 2009 World Baseball Classic were played there between March 7 and March 11, 2009. The Hiram Bithorn Stadium hosted the 2013 World Baseball Classic with Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and newcomers Spain in Pool C.

In 2008, it served as the stadium for Atléticos de San Juan and Academia Quintana, two soccer teams in the Puerto Rico Soccer League, Puerto Rico's first-ever professional soccer league.

In 2010, Major League Baseball returned to the stadium, as the Florida Marlins faced the New York Mets in a three-game series during the regular season.[5]

The Marlins were to play the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 30 and 31, 2016 in honor of Roberto Clemente Day. However, on May 6, 2016, it was announced that the Puerto Rico games would be postponed due to the Zika virus outbreak, and moved to Marlins Park.[6]

The Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins played a two-game series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on April 17 and 18, 2018.[7] It is the first time since 2010 that a Major League Baseball regular-season game was played in Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the league announced in August 2019 that they would be returning for a three-game series in April 2020 between the Miami Marlins and New York Mets.[8] This series was later cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[9]

View of the stadium during a baseball game in 2010

There have been, as of June 2020, 71 professional boxing events that have been held at the stadium, including many world championship fights.[10] Two-time World Lightweight Champion Carlos Ortíz won four Lightweight title bouts in the stadium, regaining his championship from Ismael Laguna in 1965 and retaining it against Doug Valiant in 1963, Kenny Lane in 1964, and Sugar Ramos in 1967. Also, former world heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson fought there late in his career.[11]

Other uses

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Along with sporting events, the stadium has hosted concerts by many famous artists.

Metallica were scheduled to perform during their Nowhere Else to Roam Tour on April 28, 1993, but it was rained out and never rescheduled.

Shakira has performed twice, during her Tour Anfibio, on April 9, 2000, and during the Tour of the Mongoose, on March 22, 2003.

On March 10, 11, and 12 of 2023, the Colombian singer Karol G performed three special shows at the stadium, in support of her 2023 album Mañana Será Bonito. Special guests included Bad Gyal, Feid, Maldy, Romeo Santos, and Sean Paul.

Some of the concerts that have been held at the venue:

Professional Wrestling:

  • WWC Anniversary Show 1984 - September 14, 1984 (Attendance: 34,383)
  • WWF – October 19, 1985

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Vargas FAIA, Benjamin, ed. (2014). La Vereda Tropical / Down Where the Trade Winds Blow (in Spanish and English). San Juan, PR: AIA. ISBN 9780692324301.
  2. ^ U.S. National Park Service. "National Register of Historic Places Program". Retrieved August 26, 2017.
  3. ^ "National Register of Historic Places" (PDF). oech.pr.gov. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  4. ^ "Blue Jays beat up Rangers in baseball's season opener". CBC Sports. 2001-04-01. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
  5. ^ "Mets-Marlins to add to Hiram Bithorn's history". Archived from the original on 2010-06-30.
  6. ^ "MLB moves Puerto Rico series amid concerns about Zika virus". ESPN.com. 6 May 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  7. ^ "Twins-Indians Will Still Play Puerto Rico Series". 11 January 2018.
  8. ^ "Puerto Rico set one of Marlins' 2020 highlights". MLB.com. Retrieved 2019-12-14.
  9. ^ "Puerto Rico Series Between Mets, Marlins Canceled". www.radio.com. 2020-03-19. Retrieved 2020-11-22.
  10. ^ "BoxRec: Venue". Retrieved 27 June 2023.
  11. ^ "BoxRec: Event". Retrieved 27 June 2023.
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