This week, the St. Louis Cardinals are coming to Philadelphia for a three-game series (June 20-22). Below are the top five 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 Tuesday, June 20 for the 7:05 Phillies-Cardinals game, Charlie, the Puppy with a Purpose on NBC's TODAY, will visit Citizens Bank Park. Joining the team every morning on TODAY for socialization and training, Charlie represents the service dog program of America's VetDogs, a national guide and service dog organization created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance.
Also on Tuesday, enjoy the Phillies fourth annual Greek Heritage Celebration with great Greek delicacies, music and entertainment. A taste of Greece can be found by the Left Field Gate. Pan Macedonian Spirit of Philadelphia, under the direction of Yianna, will perform at the Left Field Gate Plaza beginning at 5:00 p.m. and local Greek-American Elena Iliadis will perform the National Anthem. A special Theme Night Ticket offer is also available here.
Use the Force for good at the Phillies fourth annual Star Wars™ Night benefiting Stand Up to Cancer on Wednesday, June 21, when the Phillies host the Cardinals at 7:05 p.m. Fans are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Star Wars™ costumes.
Fans should be on the lookout for special appearances from Star Wars™ characters all around the ballpark. More Star Wars™ fun features a special escort of the ceremonial first ball, themed player headshots on Phanavision and other surprises.
Fans purchasing tickets through the Theme Nights Page will receive a limited edition Phillie Phanatic X-Wing Fighter Pilot Bobble Head; plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Stand Up to Cancer.
On Thursday, June 22, Evesham Township Police Officer Robert Hansbury will be honored as the Rothman Hometown Hero and will change a base during the third inning. Hansbury is being recognized for his quick life-saving actions in February, administrating CPR to a Cherokee High School staff member - ultimately saving the staffer's life.
Also on Thursday, fans are invited to head out of the office and enjoy an afternoon of baseball at the Citizens Bank Businessperson's Special during the 1:05 p.m. Phillies game against the Cardinals. It's a great way to kick back with coworkers or entertain a client.
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: Fans should be aware of dual events taking place at the sports complex on Tuesday, June 20. 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.