This Weekend: Phillies to celebrate Earth Day, 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s Major League debut and Phanatic’s Birthday!
Top Things to Know: Phillies vs. Brewers (4/22-24)
The Philadelphia Phillies return this weekend to Citizens Bank Park to host the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, April 22, to Sunday, April 24. Here’s a look at some of the fan highlights surrounding the first series of this seven-game homestand. Plus, see below for other need-to-know information including updated safety guidelines, cashless parking details, ballpark entry permitted items and more.
1. Phillies to host its Earth Day Celebration powered by Constellation, a national provider of clean energy solutions, on Friday, April 22. The Phillies are joining Major League Baseball in the important tradition of celebrating ‘Earth Day’ with a particular focus on highlighting everyday environmental sustainability practices. The event includes a Theme Night Ticket offer featuring a Constellation Water Bottle giveaway (for the first 1,000 fans) and $6 discount off regular price tickets in select locations. Plus, energy-saving tips to help reduce energy consumption will be on display throughout the game and broadcast. Read more about the Phillies Red Goes Green initiatives here.
2. On Saturday, April 23, the Phillies are celebrating the 75th anniversary of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson’s historic major league debut during an on-field, pregame tribute before the 4:05 p.m. game. Among the highlights:
• Sonya Pankey, Jackie and Rachel Robinson’s eldest grandchild, will throw the ceremonial first pitch, as well as be recognized as the Rothman Hometown Hero in the third inning.
• Oh Happy Day (Jackie’s favorite song) and the national anthem will be performed by a joint choir comprised of members of five Philadelphia African American churches.
• Local Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. Eugene Richardson and Nathan Thomas, will be introduced.
• Members of the 1997 Anderson Monarch Little League will be recognized for the 25th anniversary of their historic barnstorming tour.
• Jackie Robinson storyteller Ron Whittington will be in The Yard at 2:35 p.m. telling stories about Jackie’s life.
• The Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 drawing, presented by DraftKings, will benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a national not-for-profit dedicated to higher education advancement among underserved populations.
• In honor of Jackie’s historic milestone, the New Era Phillies Team Store will feature #42 Phillies adjustable caps ($30 each) as well as limited edition t-shirts ($41.99 each).
Other Saturday happenings:
- Fans can sign a giant Citizens Phanatic Birthday Card at the Citizens kiosk in The Yard (right field), which will be delivered the following day to the Phillie Phanatic at his on-field birthday celebration.
- Join the fun at the Saturday Block Party presented by Anheuser-Busch outside the Third Base Plaza adjacent to Pass and Stow!
3. The circus and more are coming to town for the Citizens Phanatic Birthday on Sunday, April 24! Be in your seats by 6:15 p.m. to enjoy the show, all in honor of the Phanatic’s big day.
- Get ready for lots of Phanatic fun as the best mascot in sports takes the field as ringleader for the day, during a spectacular birthday bash featuring circus-act surprises and must-see performances! Special guests include the Phanatic’s mascot friends and family including Phoebe Phanatic, the Galapagos Gang, Swoop, Gritty, Phang and more.
- The entire ballpark is invited to sing happy birthday as a birthday cake, compliments of The GIANT Company, will be delivered to the Phanatic along with a Citizens Birthday Card signed by fans.
- All children 14 and under will receive a Citizens Phanatic T-Shirt.
- Complimentary face painters and balloon artists will be at the First and Third Base Gates.
- In celebration of the Phanatic’s birthday, fans can get a free Phanatic bitty boomer Bluetooth speaker with any $150 purchase (while supplies last) at the New Era Phillies Team Store.
Plus, fans are invited to visit Pass and Stow before the game to watch a live WBCB Radio Broadcast with Phillies’ Director of Fun and Games John Brazer and alumnus Tommy Greene.
4. Phillies Charities, Inc. Auction: Seranthony Dominguez, Zach Eflin, Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, Aaron Nola, Jean Segura and Zack Wheeler autographed items, as well as signed memorabilia from 2008 World Champions Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino, are up for bid until noon on Friday, April 29, via the MLB Ballpark App (available on iOS and Android devices only).
5. Check out all the exciting new foods, fan gear and special events that are part of this season’s ballpark experience including Manco’s & Manco’s Pizza, Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken, KLYR Rum and more!
Other need-to-know information:
• Safety guidelines: In accordance with the City’s recently-updated safety guidelines, fans are strongly encouraged to wear masks in indoor spaces at the ballpark including the Diamond Club, retail stores, elevators and restrooms. Fans are reminded to bring their own mask if they will be at one of the previously-mentioned areas at Citizens Bank Park.
• Parking lots: Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game. Tailgating lots (M & N) will open 5 hours prior to first pitch and non-tailgating lots will open 3 hours prior.
• Access Tickets & More: Use the free MLB Ballpark app as your guide to Citizens Bank Park to access tickets, forward to friends, use the interactive concourse maps and enjoy games.
• Gate Openings: All gates open 90 minutes prior to game time.
• To expedite entry: Guests are prohibited from bringing bags, including backpacks, into the ballpark. Only clutch purses (12”x 12” x 1”), fanny packs, medical bags, clear or solid tote bags and diaper bags will be permitted into Citizens Bank Park.
• Stay informed! Follow @PhilliesCBP on Twitter and like the official Citizens Bank Park Facebook page.