Phillies' 2008 World Series Champion Chase Utley, along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is coming to Citizens Bank Park for a three-game series (July 23-25). Below are the top things to know.
On Monday, July 23, former Phillies second baseman Chase Utley returns to Philadelphia. Throughout the series, Utley will receive special recognition in-game to pay homage to his recent retirement announcement. The Phillies plan to honor Utley during a pre-game tribute on a future date, after the completion of his playing career.
Also on Monday, the Baseball Carpenter Cup champions, Olympic Colonial, and the Softball Carpenter Cup champions, Delaware South, will be honored on-field, pregame. The Phillies Carpenter Cup powered by ENGIE gives the top high school athletes in the tri-state area the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of college scouts.
Tuesday, July 24, is Cancer Awareness Night at the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game. Jefferson Health will offer complimentary melanoma screenings at the first and third base gates during the game.
Fans that purchase tickets via this Theme Night promotion, will receive a special Phillies Cancer Awareness Night hat in a color of their choice. Each color represents a different type of cancer that is most prevalent in the Philadelphia area.
Berni, the mascot of professional football team FC Bayern from Munich, Bavaria, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Tuesday's game. The German soccer champions will be competing in the International Champions Cup match against Italian football club Juventus on July 25 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Celebrate Christmas in July with the Phillies on Wednesday, July 25, at the 12:35 p.m. Citizens Bank Businessperson's Special game. Special guests include the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mouse King from the Pennsylvania Ballet's "Nutcracker" and Santa Claus. The first 1,500 fans that purchase tickets through this Theme Night promotion will receive a pair of Phillies Christmas in July socks.
The Phillies Ballgirls will also be holding their annual Christmas in July Toy Drive at all gates. Fans who donate new, unwrapped toys will receive a BOGO ticket offer on select dates. The toys will be delivered during the holiday season in December to surprise children in need through local community groups.
Campers and their counselors are invited to Phillies Summer Camp Day on Wednesday! Following the game, children 14 years and under are invited to go onto the field and run the bases as part of Nemours Kids Run the Bases. This will be the last Nemours Kids Run the Bases event for the season.
Plus, during the entire homestand, Phillies players' favorite items are up for bid at the Phillies Wives Pro-Pack Auction benefitting Phillies Charities, Inc.! Fans everywhere can bid on Pro-Packs filled with the favorite items of Phillies players and the Phillie Phanatic, including signed baseball memorabilia and hobby items such as favorite books, games, movies and snacks. All bidding will be through the Ballpark app until Tuesday, July 31. Fans holding tickets to the Phillies game on Wednesday, July 25, can view the Pro-Packs at the First Base Gate Plaza and meet the Phillies Wives.
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: Every Monday is Miller Lite Monday; fans 21+ are invited to enjoy a discounted price on Miller Lite around the ballpark on Monday, July 23. Plus, 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 carry all games during the season and fans can tune into Spanish radio on 1680 WTTM.
Traffic: 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.