What’s Happening on MLB Armed Forces Weekend: Phillies vs. Nationals, May 17-19

Lights Up // Friday Night at the Bank! Plus, Johnson Controls Bryson Stott Bobble Figurine; U.S. Navy Leap Frog parachute team, Major the Phillies’ service pup and local military heroes to be honored on Salute to Service Night presented by Toyota; New Phanatic book debuts on Phanatic About Reading Day presented by Xfinity; Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to take part in a ceremonial first pitch; plus, Phantastic Auction ends Sunday!

Come cheer on the Phillies as they take on the Washington Nationals for a three-game series during MLB Armed Forces Weekend from Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 19, at Citizens Bank Park. Here’s a look at some of the fan highlights surrounding the games:

1. On Friday, May 17, at 6:40 p.m., the Phillies will wear their Nike MLB City Connect uniforms, along with armed forces-inspired New Era caps, for Lights Up // Friday Night at the Bank. All fans will receive a Johnson Controls Bryson Stott Bobble Figurine.

• From Friday through Sunday, the Phillies and Nationals will be honoring Armed Forces Weekend during their series. Teams will wear armed forces-inspired New Era caps, headbands and Stance socks. Plus, the New Era Phillies Team Store is offering these caps for retail in adjustable, fitted, flex fit and youth silhouettes.
• Fans 21 and over: Stop by the Miller Lite Friday Happy Hour at Miller Lite Liberty Landing featuring specials until the first pitch.
• Fans are invited to take photos at the City Connect mural in the Third Base Plaza.

2. Be in your seats by 5:15 p.m. to help honor local military heroes as they take the field before the 6:05 p.m. game on Saturday, May 18, as part of the Phillies Salute to Service Night presented by Toyota on MLB Armed Forces Day. Among the highlights:

• The U.S. Navy Leap Frog Parachute team will make a special entrance into the ballpark!
• The Phillies and Toyota will recognize several local military heroes on the field including World War II veteran Paul Trumbetas, who recently received a Salute to Service surprise during his 100^th birthday; Mae Krier, who is an original Rosie the Riveter; veteran Charles Andy Jackson, who served in Beirut;** and Vietnam War veterans **William B. Storms and Corporal Tom “Buzz” Pyle.
• The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited by Cyndee Shankin from Military Connected.
• Also taking part will be the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Force Honor Guard and Staff Sergeant Danielle Headrick will sing the national anthem.
• Kyle Hoffman from Military Connected will have the honor of making a base change on behalf of Toyota at the end of the 3^rd inning.
• US Army Veteran Tiffany McKeaney will sing “God Bless America” in the middle of the 7^th inning.
• Toyota vehicles will also be located outside the First Base, Third Base and Left Field Gates.
• Join the pre-game fun at the Budweiser Block Party, featuring DJ HBK, at the Budweiser Batter’s Eye Bar behind Section 148.

3. The series concludes on Sunday, May 19, at 1:35 p.m. with Phanatic About Reading Day presented by Xfinity. Children 14 and under will receive the Phanatic’s new children’s book, The Phillie Phanatic’s Team from Packawomack.

• Mike Schmidt will catch the ceremonial first pitch in honor of RDK Melanoma Awareness Day.
• As part of Phanatic About Reading Day presented by Xfinity, a book collection will be held at the entrance gates (1B, 3B and LF). Fans are asked to donate new or gently used children’s and teen books to benefit Tree House Books. Classic titles, book series and books by authors of color are appreciated.
• Before the game, this year’s Most Improved and Most Outstanding student readers, nominated by their teachers, will be recognized on the field. Please click here for a list of winners.
• The illustrator of The Phillie Phanatic’s Team from Packawomack, Harry Moore, will be signing copies of the Phanatic’s books behind Section 119 on the main concourse from 12:15 – 1:35 p.m.
• Fans can receive complimentary facepainting in The Yard before and during the game.

4. Hot off the press! The commemorative 2024 Phillies Philadelphia Yearbook, celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Citizens Bank Park, is now available at the New Era Phillies Team Store and at publication stands for $10 each.

5. It’s the last chance to bid on the Phantastic Auction! Highlights include 62 once-in-a-lifetime player and gameday experiences, unique memorabilia and more up for bid until May 19, at phillies.com/phantasticauction to benefit Phillies Charities, Inc. and ALS United Mid-Atlantic.

• The auction features experiences like miniature golf with Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh, the chance to be a Phillie for a day with Aaron Nola, private lessons with Phillies star players and much more!
• Fans can also bid on the ultimate collection of autographed memorabilia, including a Citizens Bank Park 20^th anniversary package of 200 baseballs, over two dozen 2022 and 2023 postseason hats, a 2024 Phillies starting lineup set of 10 bats, among others.

More Need-to-Know Information:

• Go-Ahead Entry: Enroll on the MLB Ballpark app for a free-flow ballpark entry experience that allows ticket holders the ability to enter the ballpark at full walking speed without stopping. Go-Ahead Entry lanes are located at the First Base, Third Base and Left Field Gates.
• Gate Openings: 5:35 p.m. on Friday, 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, and 12:05 p.m. on Sunday.
• Access Tickets & More: Use the free MLB Ballpark app for your guide to Citizens Bank Park and to access tickets (including sports complex parking), forward tickets to friends, use the interactive concourse maps, enroll in Go-Ahead Entry and enjoy games.
• Broadcast: All three games will be broadcast on NBCSP. All games will be broadcast on 94 WIP and WTTM 1680, as well as available on nbcsportsphiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports app.
• Mobile Ordering: Includes Manco & Manco @ Foundry Pizza, Miller Lite Liberty Landing, Pass and Stow and Shake Shack. Order your favorite menu items and skip the line when ordering through the MLB Ballpark App.
• Bag Policy: In an effort to expedite entry, guests are prohibited from bringing non-clear bags, including backpacks and drawstring bags, into the ballpark. Only clutch purses and/or fanny packs (no larger than 5" x 7"), clear bags (no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"), medical bags and diaper bags will be permitted into Citizens Bank Park. All bags will be subject to inspection upon entry in accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations.
• Uber RideShare Lot: Lot T is designated for Uber RideShare for all Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center events. Fans should exit the Third Base Gate and walk along Pattison Avenue toward Broad Street to enter the lot and request a vehicle, which will meet each rider in the designated area.
• Parking: Please click here for a parking map. Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game.
• Public Transportation: Transit services are also available; for a SEPTA schedule, please visit www.septa.org.
• Traffic: Log on to www.511pa.com, www.511nj.org or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions.
• Stay informed! Follow @PhilliesCBP on X and like the official Citizens Bank Park Facebook page.