Phillies Ballpark Buzz: Top 5 Things to Know for Braves Series, May 20-22

This weekend, the Atlanta Braves are coming to town for a three-game series Friday, May 20 - Sunday, May 22. Below are some of the must-know highlights when coming to the ballpark.

May 19th, 2016

This weekend, the Atlanta Braves are coming to town for a three-game series Friday, May 20 - Sunday, May 22. Below are some of the must-know highlights when coming to the ballpark.
1.    Bark at the Park: Pup Parade, adoptable dogs and collection to help pets in need at Friday's game!
On Friday, May 20, fans and their favorite four-legged friends will take over Citizens Bank Park at the sold-out Phillies Bark at the Park presented by AvoDerm Natural Pet Foods, Nylabone, and PetSmart!
Starting at 6 p.m., several hundred dogs - decked in their Phillies best - and their human owners will parade around the warning track. In addition to a Best in Show contest, there will be a special "dogs-only" activity center located at the "break area" behind sections 210 and 211. PAWS Animal Shelter will also have adoptable dogs at the activity center.
Plus, be sure to visit the Right Field Gate, where there will be a collection for pets in need. Wish list items include bleach, laundry detergent, paper towels, trash bags (heavy duty/contractor only), bath towels and fleece blankets, and canned dog, cat and kitten food (no dry food).
Ashburn Alley opens at 5:05 p.m., all gates open at 5:35 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
2. #StudyBreak at High School Night Friday.
Also on Friday, high school students and teachers are invited to go behind-the-scenes in the business of baseball and receive career advice from Phillies executives.
3.    Celebrate with the Phanatic at Be a Phanatic About Reading Day Saturday!
Also on Saturday, May 21, The Phillie Phanatic will celebrate his love of reading at Be a Phanatic About Reading Day presented by Comcast! All children 14 and under will receive a copy of the Phanatic's newest children's book, The Phillie Phanatic's Galapagos Gang, the 14th installment in a series of children's books detailing the adventures of baseball's silliest mascot. Len Epstein, illustrator of the Phillie Phanatic's book series, will be signing copies of the Phanatic's books adjacent to the NewsStand behind section 111 on the main concourse from 2 - 3 p.m.
As part of the night, the Phanatic will celebrate the 5 most improved and 5 most outstanding readers selected from the program during a special on-field pregame ceremony, alongside the teachers who nominated them.
Fans can help children across the region enjoy reading a little bit more by donating a new or gently used children's book, benefitting PHILADELPHIA READS, when they enter the gates.
All gates open at 1:05 p.m. Game time is 3:05 p.m.
4.    Skin Cancer Awareness Sunday.
Sunday, May 22, is The Wistar Institute Melanoma Awareness Day presented by Independence Blue Cross & Citizens Bank as part of the MLB Play Sun Smart initiative, a joint effort by MLB, the MLB Players Association and the American Academy of Dermatology to raise awareness of skin cancer and offer prevention and detection tips to the baseball community.
All fans will receive a blue visor featuring the retro Phillies Independence Hall logo, courtesy of Independence Blue Cross & Citizens Bank. Plus, The Wistar Institute will have kiosks at all gates with sun screen dispensers.
All gates open at 11:35 a.m. Game time is 1:35 p.m.
5.    Tommy Greene to catch first ball thrown out by Sesame Place's Elmo.
Sunday, May 22, is also Sesame Place Day! Elmo will throw out the first pitch as he is cheered on by Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster. Phillies alum Tommy Greene will catch this first ball acknowledging the 25th anniversary of Tommy's no-hitter on May 23, 1991 at Montreal. 
Sesame Place will also be hosting a meet and greet with Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster at the Phanatic Phun Zone, located near the First Base Gate, when gates open at 11:35 p.m.
All games this series will be presented on Comcast SportsNet, MLB.TV and SportsRadio 94WIP.