Opening Weekend Festivities! Top Things to Know: Phillies vs. Braves (3/30-31)
Come cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies as they host the Atlanta Braves, March 30-31, at Citizens Bank Park! Here’s a look at some of the fan highlights surrounding the final games of the first series of the season:
- Lots of activities for youngsters at the sold-out Phillies Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day on Saturday, March 30! Plus, J.T. Realmuto to receive his 2018 Silver Slugger Award. After the game, the fun continues in Pass and Stow.
- Kids are taking over the ballpark! On Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day, youngsters are invited to join all the pre-game and in-game fun at Saturday’s 4:05 p.m. Phillies game against the Braves. Be on the lookout for kid-drawn player headshots, a special starting nine and more. All children 14 and under will receive a Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day Hooded T-Shirt at the entrance gates. Other kid-centric activities include:
- Take part in Philadelphia Science Festival Day activities, celebrating the science of baseball, at the First Base Plaza.
- Play ball in The Yard, an interactive major league experience for kids featuring WIFFLE ball at Citizens Bank Phan Field, a Phanatic Rock Climbing Wall, Phanatic Hot Dog Launcher, ice cream bar, and more.
Prior to the game, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto will be presented with his 2018 Silver Slugger Award from Louisville Slugger representative Pete Jordan. Coaches and managers of major league teams vote for the players they feel are the best offensive producers at each position in the field in both the American and National Leagues.
- The fun continues postgame in the new Pass and Stow, adjacent to the Third Base Plaza, where New Jersey, indie pop singer/songwriter Lauren Marsh will perform.
- The sold-out game will be broadcast on NBCSP+, 94 WIP, and FS1, as well as available via live stream for authenticated subscribers on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s new MyTeams app.
On Sunday, March 31, it’s McDonald’s Opening Night and ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Also, students recognized for “choosing kindness” in Shred Hate anti-bullying program by MLB, ESPN and X-Games.
The game starts at 7:05 p.m., and all fans 15 and over will receive a McDonald’s Opening Night T-Shirt at the entrance gates.
Come cheer on the Phillies during this nationally-broadcast game featuring ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball Team of Matt Vasgersian, Jessica Mendoza, Alex Rodriguez and Buster Olney.
Prior to the game, children from Philadelphia schools will be recognized for their participation in Shred Hate, a multi-faceted bullying prevention program from ESPN, MLB and X-Games that seeks to eliminate bullying by encouraging kids to choose kindness.
Throughout the weekend, check out the new fan destinations areas for 2019!
Highlights include the iconic Liberty Bell from Veterans Stadium, outdoor beer garden and indoor family-friendly sports pub at Pass and Stow (opens two hours before the start of each home game), and Shake Shack. Also be sure to check out the newly remodeled and renovated New Era Phillies Team Store (featuring the largest cap wall in the country!) and recently rebranded and refurbished ’47 Alley Store!
Get all the details, including new menu items, here or by using the MLB Ballpark app, your mobile companion when visiting Citizens Bank Park. The MLB Ballpark app also features mobile ticketing functionality including mobile entry into the ballpark, check-in offers, rewards and exclusive content.
Other need-to-know information:
- Gate Openings: Main gates open 1½ hours prior to game time every day. Ashburn Alley and a portion of the Third Base Gate granting access to “Pass and Stow” open 2 hours before every game. The entrance to Ashburn Alley is the Left Field Gate.
- Parking Lot Openings: All parking lots open 5 hours prior to game time.