Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:One Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Our Sports Superfan Says:
While Philadelphians would have been happy to have almost anything to replace cavernous, concrete, and old Veterans Stadium, they have been absolutely ecstatic over Citizens Bank Park, which opened in 2004. The stadium is a baseball-only venue with natural grass, both improvements over the old Vet. It also features a number of Philadelphia-style amenities and restaurants, along with monuments to the team's past.
Citizens Bank Park's small dimensions make it one of the most home run-friendly stadiums in the Majors today. Considering some of the hometown Phillies' offensive stars in recent years, it's no surprise that a game here often turns into a shootout.
In the stadium's short history it has only played host to one playoff series, a loss to Colorado in the 2007 National League Division Series, but the run up to the postseason was the most memorable month in the park's tenure. The Phillies erased a seven-game deficit to the New York Mets with 17 games to play, clinching the National League East crown in the final game of the season. The home crowd went into complete delirium after the win over the Washington Nationals.
Beyond the outfield fence, the stadium boasts a number of Philadelphia restaurants. They serve cheesesteaks, hoagies, crab fries, and more, with many, like Harry the K's (named for longtime Phillies announcer Harry Kalas), dedicated to Phillies legends. In fact, the whole area is named Ashburn Alley, in honor of Hall-of-Famer Richie Ashburn. The park's food was named the best in the country in 2007. Inside the stadium, there are other attractions, such as a Build-a-Bear workshop (where you can create a stuffed Phillie Phanatic mascot) and play areas for kids.
Citizens Bank Park has also hosted several concerts by singers such as Jimmy Buffett and Bon Jovi, and can be rented out for private events. Tours of the stadium are available year-round, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m. during the offseason, Monday-Saturday at 10 a.m. on non-game days during the season, and 10 and 12:30 p.m. on game days. Private group tours are also available.
The stadium is located in South Philadelphia's sports complex, which also features the city's three other professional sports venues. It is accessible via the Orange (Broad Street) Line on SEPTA's subway system.