Wachovia Center ranks well in cleanliness study

According to a study by ESPN.com, the Wachovia Center had 15% of its vendors in “critical violation” of the health code in 2009.

“Inspectors found evidence of mouse and fruit fly infestations at one bar location.”

As revolting as that sounds, the home of the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers ranks as the most compliant professional venue in the state of Pennsylvania and is in the upper echelon of all the arenas graded.

The Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park had 29% of its vendors in violation, while the the home of the Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, landed at 33%.

Mellon Arena, the former home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, ended at 55% with the Pirates’ PNC Park scoring 53%.

But heading the Keystone state in violations with 61% is the home of the NFL’s Steelers and site for the 2011 NHL Winter Classic — Heinz Field.

“Inspectors found employees lacking in overall food-safety knowledge after observing one worker washing his hands with his gloves on. Another location had a gallon of milk that had expired 10 days prior.”

The Air Canada Center (Toronto Maple Leafs), United Center (Chicago Blackhawks), Scottrade Center (St. Louis Blues) and Nassau Coliseum (NY Islanders) ranked the best in the NHL with no violations.

The Verizon Center, home of the Washington Capitals, proved to be the worst in the league with every vendor violating the health code due to mouse droppings.