This week, the Phillies host the Houston Astros for a three-game series (July 24-26). 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 Monday, July 24, kick off the week at the first-ever Billy Joel Night! Mike DelGuidice, who plays guitar and sings vocals in Billy Joel's band, will perform the National Anthem prior to the 7:05 Phillies-Astros game.
Fans purchasing tickets through the Theme Nights Page will receive an exclusive Billy Joel bobble figurine celebrating Billy's upcoming record sixth sellout show taking place at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, September 9.
Celebrate Christmas in July with the Phillies on Tuesday, July 25, at the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game versus the Astros. Special guests include the Mouse King from the Pennsylvania Ballet's "Nutcracker" and Santa Claus! Also, be on the lookout for the Greater Kensington String Band parading around the concourse.
Fans that purchase tickets through the Theme Nights Page will receive a gray Phillies Christmas in July fleece blanket.
The Phillies Ballgirls will also be holding a Christmas in July Toy Collection at all gates before and during the game. Fans who donate will receive a BOGO ticket offer on select dates. The toys will be delivered during the holiday season in December to surprise local children in need through PAL, Bringing Hope Home and Ronald McDonald House Chestnut Street.
On Wednesday, July 26, Freddy Galvis will be presented with the Phillies 2017 Heart and Hustle Award on-field by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) before the 7:05 p.m. Phillies-Astros game. This award recognizes active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game. The Heart and Hustle Award is also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players.
Fans should be on the lookout on Wednesday for the CSN Philly broadcast in the stands! Your favorite Phillies broadcasters, including Tom McCarthy, Ben Davis and John Kruk, will be broadcasting the 7:05 p.m. Phillies game from Section 101, Row 1 and Gregg Murphy will be roving the ballpark!
Also at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday are Ace Jackson, Harlem Globetrotter from Harrisburg, Pa., and Darius 'Money' Reynolds, wide receiver for the 2016 World Champion Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team. Both athletes will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
During the game on Wednesday, Kevin Corcoran, a United States Navy Commander from Philadelphia, will be honored as the Rothman Hometown Hero and will change a base during the third inning. In his 18 years of service, Commander Corcoran has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and in numerous other locations. He is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 8 in Lakehurst, N.J. and leads his team of 350 men and women in supporting Navy expeditionary missions around the world.
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. Fans can bid on signed, new and game-used items in a Phillies Charities, Inc. auction through the Ballpark app ending on Sunday, July 30. Items will be on display at the First Base Gate Plaza on Sunday, July 30. Also, follow the action via @Phillies on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. After EVERY game, the fun continues with XFINITY Live! Post-Game Specials, $3 select drafts and 50% off appetizers, available one hour immediately following the game.
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: 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.