Staten Island, NY-The Staten Island Yankees' new home at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George was given the Chairman's Award at the 40th Annual Building Awards Luncheon by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce on Friday, December 7.

The new stadium was awarded the honor above all other commercial entries.  The Caruselle Residence won the award for Residential entries.

An Award of Excellence was also given to the stadium for "Exterior, Interior, Natural Beauty, Craftsmanship and Interior Design."

Designed by HOK, the same architectural firm that designed Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Jacobs Field and Enron Field, the ballpark seats 6,886 for baseball and 7,500 for other event s.  The stadium offers views of the New York skyline, 18 luxury suites and one party suite that can be used for parties or conferences during the off-season.

The Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George opened its doors for the first time this season on June 24.  In its five short months of operation, it has hosted 39 professional baseball games, two charity softball games and a concert.  It was also used by the American Red Cross as a triage center after the September 11 attacks, as well as a site for New York City's "Prayer for America."

Close to 200,000 spectators came to the stadium in its inaugural season to cheer on the Staten Island Yankees, who finished their season with a 48-28 record and made an appearance in the post season for a second straight year.

The Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George is poised to compete with the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey, the Jones Beach Theater in Long Island and the Beacon Theater in Manhattan for concerts and festivals, as usage of the stadium is not limited to baseball and will be used for many events next season.