The Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park this weekend to play the Washington Nationals (May 5-7). Below are the top 5 things to know; plus, prepare for your visit to Citizens Bank Park by checking out What's New at the Ballpark in food, fashion and fandom.
On Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. the Phillies are honoring the area's Top 10 Teacher All-Stars on the field, selected from hundreds of nominations, during the 17th annual Teacher Appreciation Night presented by ENGIE. A special Theme Night Ticket offer is available for teachers, along with their students and families, attending that night's game. The first 3,000 fans who purchase tickets through this promotion will receive a coupon for a Teacher Appreciation Night presented by ENGIE USB flash drive.
Fans should be on the lookout for fun pre-game and in-game guests on Friday, May 5.
Fans are invited to stop by the Social Media Deck on the Budweiser rooftop to cast their All Star ballot and receive a "Vote Phillies" wristband starting on Friday, May 5.
Plus, fans can head across the street to XFINITY Live! before and after Friday's 7:05 p.m. Phillies-Nationals game for the Official Phillies Gameday Party. Phillies fun includes guest appearances by Phillies Alumni Tommy Greene, 6 - 7 p.m., and Phillies coach Mickey Morandini, one hour immediately following the game. Post-game specials include $3 select drafts and 50% off appetizers for one hour following the game.
After EVERY game, the fun continues with XFINITY Live! Post-Game Specials, available one hour immediately following the game.
On Saturday, May 6, the Phillie Phanatic will celebrate his love of reading at Comcast Phanatic About Reading Night! All children 14 and under will receive a copy of the Phanatic's newest children's book, "The Phillie Phanatic's Best Rain Delay Ever", the 15^th installment in a series of children's books detailing the adventures of baseball's silliest mascot.
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.
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.
The Phillies are paying tribute to all moms before and during the 2:35 p.m. game on Sunday, May 7, with StubHub Mother's Appreciation Day. Maikel Franco's mother, Yngrid Ramirez, will represent all moms in the Phillies Mother's Appreciation Day celebration. Look for her during a special ceremonial first pitch!
In honor of moms everywhere, all women 15 & over will receive a Ladies Crossbody Tote Bag, compliments of StubHub.
Also on Sunday, fans everywhere can bid on game-used and autographed memorabilia through the Phillies Charities, Inc. Auction starting at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 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 from gates open to 4 p.m.
Traffic Alert for Sunday, May 7: due to the Broad Street Run, surrounding roads may be impacted during periods of the race, with ramps to and from I-95 re-opening at approximately 12:15 p.m. Ashburn Alley opens at 12:35 p.m. and all gates open at 1:05 p.m.
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. CSN Philly will stream the games, as well as the pre- and post-game shows, on www.csnphilly.com and on the NBC Sports app.
Traffic: Please monitor traffic to avoid any road closures and/or delays. 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.