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A model of the new Phillies stadium, which is currently being constucted in south Philadelphia. (Chris Gardner/AP)

More than a quarter of the red steel that will become the scoreboard and facade points has been erected. Workmen are progressing on schedule as they move counterclockwise beginning from left field. By Opening Day, 2004, Kentucky bluegrass will line the playing field, a stark difference from the NeXturf surfaces that exists at the Vet now.

During media tours at the preview center for the ballpark, Phillies officials showed off many of the amenities contained within the team's soon-to-be new home. It is here that sales people pitch one of the 71 luxury suites and display the nuances contained within two other premium areas.

The team has already sold 58 suites, mostly to holders at Veterans Stadium, and more than half are for seven- to 10-year commitments at prices ranging from $115,000 (down the left-field line) to $180,000 (down the right-field line) a season.

Two boxes are owned by Pat Burrell and Jim Thome, while others, like the Mike Schmidt Suite (Section 20, behind third base) and the Steve Carlton Suite (Section 32, behind home plate) are also gone.

Potential buyers can get a taste of each luxury suite at the preview center, as they can sit in an exact replica surrounded on three walls by a panoramic view, as seen from behind home plate. Through a computer, customers can get a virtual view from any box.

"Phillies fans will enjoy fantastic sightlines, open-air concourses and comfort features second to none," manager Larry Bowa says in the opening video presentation at the center. "Our players have enjoyed playing in the other new ballparks. Now it's our turn. Thanks for your support and I look forward to seeing you at our new ballpark."

After the video a wall opens to display, in the next room, the Phillies' lone World Series trophy from 1980. On display in the next room is a model of the ballpark.

Besides the suites, the new park will feature "Diamond Seats" behind home plate on the lower level, and "Hall of Fame Seats" a level higher. These premium seats will be padded and extra wide, and ticket holders will have exclusive access to private restaurants and lounges located behind those seats. In these lounges, they can belly up to bars made with baseball bats and dine off "home plates." Even the bathrooms and lined with tile floors made to look like grass.

Other fans can sit in a 300-seat rooftop bleachers section above the center field bullpens -- a section that pays homage to fans who sat on nearby roofs at Connie Mack Stadium.

The consistent theme of the ballpark, as described by Sharon Swainson, spokesperson for the new ballpark, is the feeling of openness from no matter where you are. The field sits 23 feet below ground level, and fans can see it as they stroll through the main gates and they will rarely lose sight of it if they head to one of the concourses.

"I fall in love with each steel beam that goes up," said Swainson. "It's going to be magnificent."

Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.