Play Ball! Phillies Celebrate Armed Forces Weekend When Rockies Come to Town (5/17-19)

There’s a lot happening this weekend (May 17-19) at Citizens Bank Park as the Phillies take on the Colorado Rockies, who are in town for the only time this season. Here’s a look at some of the fan highlights surrounding the games:

1. The 7:05 p.m. game on Friday, May 17, kicks off Armed Forces Weekend at the ballpark.

· The Phillies are joining Major League Baseball to honor military members and their families for their patriotic service. From Friday through Sunday, players and club personnel will wear camouflage-designed caps, which feature a five-starred emblem to represent the five branches of the U.S. military. Players will also wear camo-themed socks.

2. On Saturday, May 18, which is Armed Forces Day, the Phillies game begins at 4:05 p.m. Highlights include Bud & Burger Night, as well as a baseball and softball equipment drive. Following the game, the fun continues at Pass and Stow.

· Opening ceremonies will include an All-Service Color Guard, as well as the introduction of representatives from every conflict since World War II, who will line up on the field and be recognized by all attending that night’s game. Among those taking part will be Gunnery Sergeant Leo Hertzog, George Hart, Seaman 1st Class Chet Furtek and Stan Friday (World War II), Louis F. Gentry and Staff Sergeant Ed Krensel (Korean War), Sergeant Philip Corley (Vietnam War), Sergeant Edward Lopez (Gulf War), Devon Richio (Iraq War), Sergeant Daniel Morein (Afghanistan) and retired Brigadier General Carol Eggert (representing women veterans). Escorting the veterans will be Cherokee High School cadets.

· Donate new or gently-used baseball and softball equipment at the entrance gates during the MLB Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Collection Drive to benefit Pitch In For Baseball. The equipment will be given to boys and girls in the United States and around the world who want to play ball but lack the equipment to do so. The collection is part of Play Ball Weekend events.

· As part of Bud & Burger Night, fans are invited to visit Boardwalk Eats in the Left Field Plaza to enjoy specials on Budweisers and burgers, as well as meet 1983 National League Championship Series MVP Gary "Sarge" Matthews, 2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

· Postgame, fans are invited to enjoy music by DJ Ken Dollaz at Pass and Stow, adjacent to the Third Base Plaza. This new area features plenty of food and drink options, including Goose Island Bar, Foundry Pizza serving brick-oven pizza, a family-friendly sports pub and more.

3. On Sunday, May 19, the Phillies are hosting MLB Play Ball Day proudly supported by Chevrolet, featuring an Arm Sleeve for children 14 and under. Plus, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt will throw out the first pitch in honor of Mike Schmidt’s RDK Melanoma Awareness Day, and the Phillies Honorary Bat Girl Andy Sealy will take the field.

· At 11:30 a.m., cheer on youth baseball and softball players as they parade around the warning track in honor of MLB Play Ball Day.

· At 12:35 p.m., breast cancer advocate Andy Sealy, who is from Sharon Hill, Pa., is being honored on the field for her extraordinary commitment for “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer.” Read more about how Sealy’s Stage 4 diagnosis led her to become an advocate for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

· Starting on Sunday, sunscreen dispensers can be found at entry gates as well as on the Pavilion and Terrace levels. This is the third season that sunscreen dispensers will be available to fans, thanks to legend Mike Schmidt, who began the initiative after his own battle with melanoma.

1. Visit the First Base Plaza to see game-used and signed memorabilia up for bid as part of the Phillies Charities Auction benefiting the 2019 Phans Feeding Families initiative. Plus, Billy Joel’s piano is on display in the First Base elevator lobby.

· Bid on new and game-used autographed memorabilia during the Phillies Charities, Inc. Auction benefiting Philabundance. Bid via the MLB Ballpark app until May 31. Featured items include those signed by Aaron Nola, Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins and more.

· Take photos with the Piano Man’s signature Steinway & Sons piano, on display in the First Base elevator lobby, in honor of his upcoming concert and stadium residency on May 24 at Citizens Bank Park.

Other need-to-know information:

· Gate Openings: Main gates open 1½ hours prior to game time. Ashburn Alley and a portion of the Third Base Gate granting access to Pass and Stow open 2 hours before every game. The entrance to Ashburn Alley is the Left Field Gate.

· Parking Lot Openings: All parking lots open 5 hours prior to game time.

· Broadcast Information: The games on May 17-19 will be broadcast on NBCSP, WIP (94.1 FM) and WTTM (1680 AM - Spanish). Games are available via live stream for authenticated subscribers on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s new MyTeams app.

· MLB Ballpark App: Your mobile companion when visiting Citizens Bank Park. Features mobile entry into the ballpark, food and beverage finder, check-in offers, rewards and exclusive content.