Citizens Bank Park
Ballpark #4
Philadelphia is gritty, from the surroundings to the people. Phillies are dedicated fans and it defiantly showed. They came out hours before the game and sat in the rain til it started. We watched the Phillies vs the Washington Nationals on Monday, May 21st. It was funny routing for the Nationals the day before. We arrived over two hours early and they had already opened up a limited section of the park. We got a drink at Harry The K’s the restaurant in left field named after Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. You can sit and watch the full game there as long as you keep buying. We watched the Phillies batting practice and walked around the park as it opened. We had seats on the very top level (4 levels!) and it was high up there, still a great seat…but almost a touch of vertigo. The whole stadium felt huge. Capacity 43,651, but it felt like 50+
The video board in left field was so clear and massive, apparently it’s the largest HD screen in the National League. It also wouldn’t be Philly without a replica Liberty Bell. It “rings” and lights up after Philly home runs and wins. Unfortunately, we didn’t see either. The Nats won. Another Philadelphia quirk is that their bullpens are in the outfield amongst the fans. When they first opened in 2004 the Phillies bullpen was closest to the fans and after Philly fans booed their own pitchers (these are the same fans that booed Santa Claus) they switched to have the visitors section closer for heckling.
The mascot always needs mentioning. Its rates high on my husbands list. The Phillie Phanatic….a green beakish creature. The Phanatic has been named the best mascot before and he did not disappoint. He was absolutely hilarious. He came out with a full rain suit on when it began to sprinkle. He mimicked and danced with middle school cheerleaders. There are also videos of him traveling to the Galapagos Islands…his birthplace.
All in all, the stadium might not have a beautiful backdrop of the city, but it was still a beautiful park. Its very open and you can see the game the entire time you walk around the park. There were so many options for food (love the cheesesteakes!) and the craft beer was endless. You had to search for any macro beers if you wanted. We were highly impressed with the Philly beer scene. Philly really was a passionate town about its sports, beer and food.
Video of Citizens Bank Park: http://youtu.be/8etWCRHIwrU
Comment
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Comment by Erin Manus (11MLB/7MiLB/5ST) on November 29, 2012 at 8:52am
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Nathan, We are seeing Yankees vs Red Soxs at Yankee Stadium. May 2013 trip:
Mets vs Redsox (Fenway)
Yankees vs Mets (Citi Field)
Red Soxs vs Yankees (Yankee Stadium)Funny match up with the same three teams playing each other, but hopefully this will only add to the atmosphere.
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Comment by Kurt Smith on November 28, 2012 at 3:47am
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Nathan, the best way to see a high demand game like Yankees-Red Sox, if youo don't want to pay the crazy StubHub prices, is to go to the Yankees or Red Sox website now and see what they're offering. Most teams are selling multi-game packs for 2013 that include high demand games like Opening Day or the big rivalry games. You have to buy tickets to other games, but you can either sell them on StubHub or give them as gifts. Probably the cheapest way to get a hold of tickets for such games.
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Comment by Nathan Bisonette 33 MLB 62 MiLB on November 27, 2012 at 7:32am
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As a Yankee fan I must admit I'd be a bit envious of you seeing Red Sox v. Yankees if you manage to get tickets, I've never seen that matchup. I've seen Oakland @ Yankees, Yankees @ Mets, and Orioles @ Red Sox. Which stadium were you looking to see it at? Fenway or Yankee Stadium? The videos are indeed very cool. I kind of wish I had thought of something like that when I started.
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Phillies fans aren't bad at all...the Santa Claus thing was 40 years ago, and if you know the story it could have happened in any city. They're tough, yes, but I don't think opposing fans need to be too concerned. Just take a little ribbing and you should be fine.
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Comment by Jim Wood (46 MLB) on September 29, 2012 at 3:51pm
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Thanks Erin! As much fun as it is to visit every ballpark you'll be amazed at how much more enjoyable it'll be to see your Giants on the road. I've met some of my closer friends in other ballparks when the White Sox were playing- it's just a ton of fun! Enjoy the travels....
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2013: Red Soxs, Mets, and Yankees vs Red Sox (if I can get tickets!) end of May. Dodger and Angeles later in the summer.
We haven't done any Giants roadtrips yet, but on the list. Jim, I was inspired by your baseball list to see your team at every ballpark.
So many trips to go!
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I like how you guys include video to these reviews. It's good for those who haven't been to a park to get that 360 POV you provide. Great job!
Any ballparks on the agenda for 2013? Do you ever make Giants road trips?
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It wasn't as "spirited" as I thought it would be. Very loyal fans once you get them talking, nothing too loud, but I also wasn't in opposing gear either. They all shook their heads when we told them we were Giant fans.
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