Phillies' 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels, along with the Chicago Cubs, is coming to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game series (Aug. 31- Sept. 2). Below are the top things to know.
On Friday, August 31, the Phillies will honor local softball and baseball teams that have reached their state championships and above. Congratulations to the following teams, who will be recognized on the field before that night's 7:05 p.m. game:
Also on Friday, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will have adoptable dogs at the "break" area behind Pavilion Section 210. There will be a PAWS collection for pets in need at the First Base Gate Plaza. 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).
Plus, dogs - along with their human owners and friends - are invited to watch the game from the Pavilion Deck (Sections 306-310) as part of Phillies' Bark at the Park Theme Night. Each dog will receive an exclusive Bark at the Park dog toy and each human ticket will include a $12 concession credit that can be used anywhere in the ballpark. This event is limited to the first 350 dogs and tickets must be purchased in advance through the Bark at the Park Theme Night page. Some of the event proceeds will benefit PAWS.
The Phillies are partnering with Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, the official children's hospital of the Phillies, to host Childhood Cancer Awareness Night on Saturday, September 1. Special pregame activities with local patients will start at 5:35 p.m. and occur throughout the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game, including a "Lineup of Courage" featuring nine youngsters from Nemours and other local hospitals with Phillies players on the first baseline prior to the national anthem.
To help raise funds for pediatric cancer research, fans can purchase a Childhood Cancer Awareness Theme Night ticket and receive a #PhilliesGoGold hoodie. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket purchased through this event will benefit pediatric cancer research through the Nemours Foundation.
Nemours Childhood Cancer Awareness Night is one of several #BeBold #PhilliesGoGold events, part of a month-long initiative by Major League Baseball to create awareness of pediatric cancer.
Saturday is also Bud & Burger Night! Phillies Club Ambassador Mickey Morandini will be at the Boardwalk Eats Burger stand near the Left Field Plaza from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. to sign autographs and chat with fans. Fans 21 and older are invited to enjoy specials on Budweiser throughout the ballpark. Plus, discounts on Bud & Burgers will be available at the Hatfield grill stands at Sections 106, 120, 135, 136 and the Boardwalk Eats Burger stand in left field.
On Sunday, September 2, kids 14 & under will receive a Backpack Cooler courtesy of Fante's Plumbing, Heating and Air at the 1:35 p.m. Phillies game.
Also, fans are invited to purchase tickets in the "French Quarter," Sections 108 and 109, to cheer on Aaron Nola for his next scheduled start on Sunday. The game ticket includes a Nola T-shirt and Mardi Gras beads. Plus, all fans can enjoy a taste of New Orleans, with jambalaya featuring shrimp, chicken and andouille sausage and hurricane cocktails for sale at the concession stand behind Section 109.
Gate Openings: Ashburn Alley opens two hours prior to game time; all other 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 and radio broadcast schedule, please go to Phillies.com. MLB.TV will carry all games during the season.
Traffic Alert: We want you to be aware that there will be two events taking place in the Sports Complex on Saturday, September 1: the Temple Football game at Lincoln Financial Field at 12:00 p.m. and the Phillies game at 7:05 p.m. Please be aware that some parking lots may be unavailable or fill quicker than normal. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead and seek alternate areas to park if your usual lot of choice is full. 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.