Phillies Fall Phest showcases ballpark fun

Talk about a Major League dream for corporate and social event planners.

On Tuesday night, nearly 600 members of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as invited guests in the event industry, attended the first Phillies Fall Phest at Citizens Bank Park.

The evening gave attendees the chance to experience what it's like to host an event at Citizens Bank Park -- whether it be a holiday party, wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, meeting, family reunion, trade show, company picnic or more.

"Having an event here [at Citizens Bank Park] is very different from your hotel ballroom or country club," said Phillies special events manager Leila Graham-Willis. "There are so many unique aspects to the ballpark."

For starters, guests can have the run of spaces such as Ashburn Alley and all that goes along with it -- including Bull's BBQ, Harry the K's or the popular Citizens Bank Games of Baseball. There's also the field, Diamond Club, Hall of Fame Club, Media Room, Clubhouse and much more -- all available for private events. But the wow factor doesn't stop there.

"We really want people to know ... that when the team's away, you can play," Graham-Willis said.

And there's lots of playing to be had. Guests can have the Phanatic or an alumni at their event, take ballpark tours, visit the dugouts, get photos with the World Series trophies, or even have their names in "lights" on PhanaVision. There's even the chance to round the bases or take a swing in the batting tunnels.

All of the Phillies Fall Phest attendees had the chance to try all of the above -- and well, let's just say it was a home-run event.

"We really tried to incorporate everything we do at the ballpark at today's showcase," said general manager of ARAMARK at Citizens Bank Park Kevin Tedesco.

That, of course, included a special tasting of seasonal cuisine, craft beers and signature drinks available when hosting an event at the Phillies' ballpark.

"We have some of the most talented chefs in the region that work here at Citizens Bank Park and can make almost anything you can imagine," Tedesco said. "You can have the most casual event or the highest fine dining experience imaginable."

In fact, more than 200 events are hosted at the ballpark each year when the team's away -- either in season or during the offseason. Just last weekend, the Phillies' Special Events department hosted an intimate dinner for two on the field and a wedding at home plate.

"Whatever the occasion ... it will be the most memorable event you'll ever have," Tedesco said.

For more information, visit Phillies.com/specialevents, email: [email protected], or call 215-463-5100.