This weekend, the Phillies will host the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Below are some of the must-know highlights when coming to the ballpark.
Make sure to be in your seats at 6:40 p.m. for this special pre-game tribute. Taking the field will be members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, as well as representatives from the Anderson Monarchs Barnstorming Team. Dr. Mahlene Duckett-Lee will also be recognized; she is the daughter of the late Philadelphia Stars' Mahlon Duckett.
All players and personnel will wear the number 42 in honor of this historic day. Plus, the first 500 fans that purchase tickets through this theme night promotion will receive a coupon for an exclusive Philadelphia Stars t-shirt. Jackie Robinson storyteller Ron Whittington will be on Ashburn Alley giving fans facts about Jackie's life. Also, WHYY will have a kiosk on the concourse featuring prize packs and a Jackie Robinson cutout. Check out the full lineup here.
Ashburn Alley opens at 5:05 p.m., all gates open at 5:35 p.m. Game time is 7:05 p.m.
Also on Friday, the ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by Reece Whitley, William Penn Charter School sophomore, Olympic hopeful, and Sports Illustrated Kids' 2015 Sportskid of the Year as part of Swimmer's Night.
Saturday, April 16 is the perfect night to bring the whole family to the 7:05 p.m. game. Children will be chosen at the gates to be a part of the in-game action like delivering the line-up card with a Phillies coach, helping the ground crew change the bases in the 3^rd and 6^th innings and dancing with the Phanatic in the 7th inning.
Fun fact, Saturday is also Philadelphia Science Festival Night. Children can explore and take part in fun science activities at the Left Field Gate and complete tasks at each location to earn stamps on their own Citizens Bank Park map to win a special Science Day prize.
All children 14 & under will be given a Turkey Hill Kid's Pullover Jacket, too. All gates open at 5:05 p.m.
Be in your seats by 1 pm for a big birthday bash for the best mascot in the major leagues! Many special guests will be in attendance including the Zooperstars, the Galapagos Gang, Swoop from the Eagles, Franklin from the Sixers, Hooter from Temple, The Hawk from St. Joe's, Will D. Cat from Villanova, Penn Quaker, Cabrini Cavalier, LaSalle Explorer, Screwball from the Reading Fightins', Boomer from the Williamsport Crosscutters, Phinley from the Clearwater Threshers and more. Rumor has it there will be a dance off in the Phanatic's honor.
The Phanatic will be presented with a giant Citizens Bank birthday card and surprised with a special birthday cake from ShopRite.
In honor of the Phanatic, all kids 14 & under will receive a Citizens Bank Phanatic Flair Hair Visor. All gates open at 11:35 a.m. Game time is 1:35 p.m.
Fans are invited to head across the street to XFINITY Live! following Sunday's 1:35 p.m. game for the first post-game party of the season. The party will be held in 1100 Social; specials include $3 select drafts and 50% off all appetizers for 1 hour following the game. Fans should also be on the lookout for fun surprises after the game.
The games on Friday, April 15 and Sunday, April 17 will be presented on Comcast SportsNet. The game on Saturday, April 16 will be broadcast on The Comcast Network. All games will be broadcast on MLB.TV and SportsRadio 94WIP.