The Philadelphia Phillies are back in hunt as World Series contenders for the 2024 MLB season. The crowd at Citizens Bank Park will cheer on the hometown team from Opening Day through Red October, but there are things fans should know before attending a Phillies game.
The 2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Heartbreaking losses have left a sour taste in the mouth of Philadelphia sports fans two years in a row. The Phillies went on a miracle ride to the World Series in 2022, but they ran out of gas against the Houston Astros.
They got back to the NLCS in 2023, but a stunning series loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks crushed the championship dreams of Red October once again.
Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber highlight a loaded lineup poised for offensive dominance. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola lead a pitching staff at the top of the major leagues.
Rob Thomson’s squad expects to avenge the heartbreak and bring the World Series trophy back to Broad Street.
Phillies Games at Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park will celebrate its 20th anniversary during the 2024 season. The Phillies will commemorate the ballpark’s incredible history with special events throughout the season.
Expect to see heroes from the 2008 World Series and other teams that have taken the diamond throughout the past two decades. The Phillies will also have great giveaways at the gates at select home games.
The experience at Citizens Bank Park is a full-day event. There’s parking, tailgating, meals, and plenty of other things to consider. Prepare yourself whether you’re a lifelong season ticket holder or a new baseball fan.
New food and drink options will also debut as an irreplaceable element of the ballpark experience.
The summer serenity of the ballpark hits Philadelphia as much as the Jersey Shore or a celebration of America’s birthplace on the 4th of July. Citizens Bank Park is once again the place to be.
Here are 9 things you need to know before going to a Philadelphia Phillies game.
Who Will They Be Playing?
It’s not always a no-brainer. You’ll have your Phillies gear on, but make sure a jacket, a hat, or any other clothes you wear don’t rep the visiting colors. Don’t risk getting stuck wearing orange if it’s a matchup against the New York Mets or navy against the Atlanta Braves. Stay all-in on the Fightin’ Phils.
Where Is A Good Place To Park?
Eight parking lots surround Citizens Bank Park. Availability changes depending on your arrival time, but S Lot at the corner of Pattison Avenue and Citizens Bank Way is typically the easiest to access. Regular spots cost $25, and oversized vehicles cost $50. The lots no longer accept cash.
If you’d rather take public transportation to the game, NRG Station is the terminal stop on the Broad Street Line (Orange Line). It lets riders out at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, just a quick walk from the Citizens Bank Park.
What Time Can You Get In?
The entrances typically open 90 minutes before most home games. However, gates open at 5:35 for weeknight games (Monday-Thursday) that begin at 6:40pm. The Phillies don’t allow reentry.
Concession stands and merchandise locations around the main concourse typically open at the same time as the gates, but the New Era Phillies Team Store also has operating hours on days without home games.
How Will The Fan Screening Process Work?
Limit what you bring into Citizens Bank Park to make the screening process simpler. Fans can only bring small clutch purses or clear bags no larger than 12 x 6 x 12. The bag policy is consistent with the other stadiums at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
The Phillies have made improvements to keep lines at the stadium entrance moving quickly. They will use additional Go-Ahead Entry lanes that allow for quick access using facial recognition technology.
How Do You Access Your Tickets?
The MLB Ballpark App is the most convenient way to access Phillies tickets. The Citizens Bank Park ticket windows offer digital options on game days. The Phillies also have available group packages, monthly specials, and other online deals worthwhile to consider before attending the game. Print at home tickets are no longer available.
What Time Does The Game Begin?
Weeknight games begin at 7pm most of the time. However, the Phillies have some 6:40pm starts, especially early in the season, to accommodate for school nights.
Day games are most common on Sundays, but the final game of a weekday series on Wednesdays or Thursdays sometimes starts at 1pm.
Any nationally televised games can change the typical schedule. Make sure you check before heading to the game.
Where Can You Get The Best Food?
The options are somewhat overwhelming at this point. You can never go wrong with the good old American hot dog, but the Phillies will debut some excellent new choices as part of the Citizens Bank Park 20th anniversary celebration.
Bull’s BBQ in Ashburn Alley has been a crowd favorite for the past two decades, and they’ll debut new items in 2024. The cleverly-named Schwarburger will certainly be a crowd favorite as the 2.0 debuts.
Is There Anything Special Happening?
The 20th anniversary celebrations will ignite Citizens Bank Park throughout the season. The series of promotions will help fans relive history with highlights including ceremonial first pitches from Phillies heroes and Phanavision videos that will feature milestone moments in the park’s history.
The gate giveaways return as a crowd favorite. See the full promotional schedule to find out which tickets get you a banner, a t-shirt, or another merchandise item.
Where Are the Best Places To Go After the Game?
If you’re looking for a night out after the game, head right over to Xfinity Live. The sports complex’s favorite bar offers specials after many games for fans who leave the arena. South Philly has plenty of other bars close to the stadium, including Chickie’s and Pete’s and Philadium.
Citizens Bank Park will also host block parties outside the stadium for select home games. They became a hit during Red October last year.
