This weekend, the Phillies host the Miami Marlins (April 7-8) and the Cincinnati Reds (April 9-11) for the first homestand of the season. Below are the top things to know; plus, prepare for your visit to Citizens Bank Park by checking out What's New at the Ballpark including The Yard, the new kids' major league experience in right field and photo opportunities celebrating Phillies history in the Left Field Plaza.
The Phillies first night game of 2018 is on Saturday, April 7 at 6:05 p.m. All fans 15 and over will receive a "BE BOLD" McDonald's Opening Night T-Shirt.
Also on Saturday, fans everywhere can bid on game-used and autographed memorabilia through the Phillies Charities, Inc. Auction until Thursday, April 12. All bidding on Phillies Charities, Inc. Auctions will be through the Ballpark app only. Be sure to visit the First Base Plaza where the auction items will be displayed April 8-9.
Plus, the Phillies are offering a Student Steal - a $15 ticket, plus the first item of food or drink (up to $12). That's right - Chickie's & Pete's Crab Fries, Bull's BBQ, Tony Luke's, hot dog & soda, anything you can eat or drink in Ashburn Alley - is included with the Student Steal ticket deal. It's a special offer for all high school, college and graduate students during the entire month of April. Fans can visit Phillies.com/StudentSteal to order.
On Sunday, April 8, kids are taking over the ballpark! As part of Cavity Busters Kids Opening Day, there will be pre-game and in-game fun for kids at the 1:35 p.m. Phillies game against the Marlins. Fans can 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 Sweatshirt.
Plus, be sure to check out The Yard, a new, 13,000-square-foot interactive kids' baseball experience at Citizens Bank Park in right field. Highlights include: Citizens Bank Phan Field, Hatfield Phanatic Hot Dog Launcher, 30-foot Phanatic Climbing Wall, Bullpen Speed Pitch and a Turkey Hill Ice Cream Bar. And for parents: The Backyard Bar, proudly serving fan-favorite beers, wines, cocktails and frozen drinks.
Children can also explore and participate in fun Philadelphia Science Festival Day activities being held at the Third Base Plaza.
Also happening Sunday, prior to the game, Phillies first baseman Carlos Santana will receive the 2017 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award from Wilson representative Pete Jordan and a lucky youngster chosen from the crowd!
Starting on April 9, the Phillies spring #CollegeSeries gives students a behind-the-scenes look at the business of baseball. Each night features networking, a player appearance, ballpark tour, and photos with the World Series trophies. The spring semester Phillies #CollegeSeries includes Business of Sport Media Night (4/9) and Finance Night (4/19). Tickets are available through the Theme Nights page.
Be sure to bring your appetite to Tuesday's game! During the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game against the Reds, all fans can purchase a hot dog for $1.00 at any concession stand.
Also on Tuesday, April 10, is Red Goes Greek Night where sororities and fraternities can highlight their charitable work while raising money and awareness for their respective philanthropies; plus, theme night ticket purchasers will receive a pair of Phillies Red Goes Greek sunglasses.
On Wednesday, April 11, Hilary Knight, Monique Lamoureux and Jocelyne Lamoureux from the gold medal-winning 2018 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team, will throw out the first pitch before the 7:05 p.m. Phillies-Reds game.
Also before the game on Wednesday, local Boy and Girl Scout troops in full uniform will parade on the field as part of Scouts Night. Theme night ticket purchasers will receive an exclusive Scouts Day at the Phillies Patch.
Gate Openings: Ashburn Alley opens two hours prior to game time, all gates open one and a half hours prior to game time.
Fandom: New starting during the Reds series, every Monday is Miller Lite Monday. Miller Lite will be offered at a discounted price around the ballpark during the April 9, 7:05 p.m. Phillies-Reds game. Plus, check-in using Ballpark, Citizens Bank Park's official mobile app, to receive special offers for retail, concessions and more. Also, follow the action via @Phillies on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat.
Broadcast: For the most up-to-date TV broadcast schedule, please go to Phillies.com. MLB.TV and SportsRadio 94WIP will host all games during the season.
Traffic: Fans should be aware of dual events taking place at the sports complexes on Sunday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 11. Log on to www.511pa.com, www.511nj.org or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions. Transit services are also available; for a SEPTA schedule please visit www.septa.org.