This weekend, the Phillies host the New York Mets (May 11-13). 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.
On Friday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m., the Phillies are honoring the area's Top 10 All-Star Teachers on the field, selected from hundreds of nominations, during the 18th annual Teacher Appreciation Night presented by ENGIE before the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game. A special Theme Night Ticket offer is available for teachers, along with their students and families, attending that night's game. The top 10 All-Star Teachers are:
Plus, over 75 Phillies day of game employees who are also teachers or retired teachers will line-up on the Budweiser Rooftop and be recognized.
During the game on Friday, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Parsons from the Philadelphia Metro Recruiting Company will be honored as the Rothman Hometown Hero and will change a base during the third inning. In his 18 years of service, Sgt. 1st Class Parsons has been awarded such accomplishments as the Expert Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge, Recruiting Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
On Saturday, May 12, the Phillie Phanatic will celebrate his love of reading at Comcast Phanatic About Reading Night before the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game. All children 14 and under will receive a copy of the Phanatic's newest children's book, "The Phillie Phanatic's Mascot All-Star Game," the 16th installment in a series of children's books detailing the adventures of baseball's silliest mascot. Fans can also help children across the region enjoy reading by donating a new or gently used children's book, benefitting PHILADELPHIA READS, when they enter the gates.
As part of the night, the Phanatic will celebrate the five most improved and five most outstanding readers selected from the program during a special on-field pregame ceremony, alongside the teachers who nominated them.
Also before the game, thousands of local youth baseball and softball players in full uniform will parade on-field as part of the Youth Baseball and Softball Celebration.
Bud & Burger Nights are back and better than ever with the first of the 2018 season on Saturday! Gary "Sarge" Matthews will be at the new Boardwalk Burger stand at the Left Field Gate from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. to sign autographs and chat with fans. Fans 21+ are invited to enjoy specials on Budweiser throughout the ballpark. Plus, at the Hatfield grill stands, at Sections 106, 120, 135 and 136, and the Boardwalk Burger stand, special discounts on Bud & burgers will be available.
The Phillies are paying tribute to all moms before and during the 1:35 p.m. game on Sunday, May 13, with Herr's Mother's Appreciation Day. Aaron Altherr's mother, Michelle Altherr, will represent all moms in the Phillies Mother's Appreciation Day celebration. Look for her on-field during pregame!
In honor of moms everywhere, all women 15 & over will receive a Ladies Pullover, compliments of Herr's. Plus, Herr's mascot Chipper will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
Also, be on the lookout for Phillies Honorary Bat Girl Pamella Hall, a beloved member of the Phillies Front Office who will throw out a ceremonial first pitch and be honored on-field Sunday for her fight against breast cancer. Hall is the Phillies Director, Landscaping & Site Work Operations and is responsible for keeping the ballpark beautiful. Read here about Hall's life-changing diagnosis and how she is "Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer."
Gate Openings: Ashburn Alley opens two hours prior to game time; all gates open one and a half hours prior to game time.
Fandom: 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: 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.