As you walk into the Left Field Entrance at Citizens Bank Park, the new Philadelphia Phillies baseball stadium in South Philadelphia, you'll be struck by a few things. First, there are the gigantic baseball cards that present that day or night's lineup. Second, above the cards, there is a gigantic photograph of the Phillie Phanatic, perhaps the best and most popular team mascot in professional sports. And finally, as you walk through the outfield walkway named "Ashburn Alley" (after Phillies Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn), you will notice many local food establishments, like Tony Luke's, Geno's and Peace A Pizza.
In short, the Phillies have nailed it. Citizens Bank Park is a colorful, jam-packed ballpark that serves as a tribute not only to the local baseball team, but to the city that the team calls home. Every section of the stadium is decorated in red, white and green, whether it be the original Phillies artwork hanging throughout the various concourse levels or the children's games that flank Bull's BBQ, the dining establishment of former Phillies great Greg "The Bull" Luzinski.
Citizens Bank Park does not yet have the tradition of the Vet, but it makes up for this with tremendous sightlines throughout the stadium. The best seats in the house are in the Diamond Club Level, which is made up of season ticket holders. Even if the tickets were easy to come by, they probably would price out most college students. Fortunately, every seat in Citizens Bank Park offers a great view. Such a premium exists in most new Major League ballparks, but what makes Citizens Bank Park so unique is its distinct views. With a roving pass, I was able to explore each section of the stadium, taking in the different views of the stadium and the field. If you sit in the upper terrace level behind home plate, you are offered a tremendous view of the field from above, as well as the scoreboard and the beautiful Philadelphia skyline. These seats are some of the best in the stadium, and yet they are also some of the cheapest, costing only $20. Even the cheapest seats, out in left and right field, offer a great view of the action for only $15. While the prices are not as cheap as the Vet, the improved sightlines and plentiful amenities more than make up for the hike. Of course, if you yearn for the days of ten dollar Vet tickets, you can purchase a Standing Room Only pass for $10, which lets you roam the stadium during the game. You can grab a spot at a counter on the first level concourse, or stand behind the visiting bullpen and heckle some pitchers.
If anything, the only detriment to Citizens Bank Park is that it may burn a hole in your wallet. In addition to your ticket, you may find yourself trying out the various food offerings in the park. Gone are the days of the cold Vet hot dog. While traditional stadium offerings are still available, you will be getting a better meal, and fulfilling your duties as a Philadelphia resident, by trying out some of the genuine local food that the Phillies offer.
The best food in the stadium is the Schmitter, a sandwich imported from H. & J. McNally's, a tavern in Chestnut Hill. The sandwich is a cholestrol nightmare, but if you're willing to indulge, you're in for a treat. The best way to describe it is as a cheese steak gone wild.
Even if you're not a Phillies fan, it's hard to go to Citizens Bank Park and not have a good time. The Phillies are in a heated pennant race as July turns into August, so there's some great baseball to be seen in addition to the wonderful experience you'll have roaming the Phillies' beautiful new park.
Philadelphia's well known for all of its sporting disappointments. Fortunately, Citizens Bank Park will never be considered one.
