14 Things You Need To Know Before The Philadelphia Phillies Home Opener
It’s baseball season, baby! Thursday, April 6 was going to be the start of the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Phillies Home Opener.
However, late on Tuesday, 4/5 the team and the MLB announced that due to the forecast for Thursday they are moving the home opener. The Phillies will now open the season at home on Friday, April 7th.
Phillies Opening Day presented by Nemours Children's Health vs. the Cincinnati Reds has been postponed and rescheduled to Friday, April 7, at 3:05 p.m. pic.twitter.com/fnMOGtZJIM
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 5, 2023
If you managed to get your hands on some tickets, good for you! You are bound to have the best time ever. If not, don’t fret. The game will be broadcast on NBC so you won’t miss any action.
There are some things you’ll want to know before the Home Opener, though, and we have the answers.
1. What time can you get in?
The gates of Citizens Bank Park officially open at 12:35 pm. Just 2 and a half hours before the game starts. As you arrive, you’ll receive a 2022 National League Champions Pennant. Because yes, our Phillies are reigning champs of the National League!
2. Are there any special ceremonies?
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Boy are there! And they begin at 2:15 pm. Make sure you’re in your seat for these, you don’t wanna miss it all. Just as a teaser: The Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale will perform “America the Beautiful,” the teams will be introduced, they will raise of the 2022 National League champions pennant, and Kane Kalas, son of the late Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas, will sing the national anthem. And MORE!
3. Who will they be playing?
They will be playing the Cinncinati Reds, beginning a series that will last until Sunday, April 9th. The Reds are 3-2 and are just finishing up a series with the Cubs.
4. What time does the game begin?
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The game starts at 3:05 pm. You will likely already be in your seats with your snacks and drinks by then because of all of pomp and circumstance. But, seriously, if you’re not, get to them by 3 at the LATEST!
5. There is a new fan screening process.
When you used to enter the ballpark there was a process of having to split from your group. Those with bags went one way, those without went a different way. It was a hectic experience trying to reform your group after that. Well now that’s a thing of the past. The fast security process, thanks to AI that detects large-density metal, will allow people with bags to walk straight through. Separation no more!
6. What’s the weather gonna be like?
With the game being moved to Friday, April 7 the forecast is much more favorable with cloudy skies and highs in the 50s.
7. The season so far.
Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
It hasn’t been perfect. Our Phillies are 1-5. After getting swept by the Rangers, they just got their first win against the Yankees this week. They need all the support and cheers they can get! They’ll heat up as soon as they play at home, we know it. It’s been a long time away for them.
8. The new Scoreboard is insane.
It’s literally huge. The Phanavison scoreboard is 152 feet wide and 86 feet tall. It’s 77 % larger than the old display. It’s like watching your TV at home from your seat.
9. There are plenty of new eats.
We won’t go too into this. Since you can find them all at the bottom of this page. BUT, just know they did not come to play.
10. Who’s throwing the first pitch?
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for the game. He is another Philly hero, taking us to the championship in February of 2023. While the Birds didn’t bring home the win, Coach Sirianni gave us quite the season. He deserves to be honored this way!
11. Tons of photo-ops will be around.
Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images
Guys. There will be literal Clydesdales there to take photos with. This is serious. Find more photo-ops inside the Third Base Plaza, inside the First Base Plaza, outside First Base Gate, on Citizens Bank Way, and outside Third Base Gate.
12. Where is a good place to park?
The Phillies have been kind enough to provide us with a helpful parking map. Parking for Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park is cashless. You can pay with credit/debit cards and mobile payment. You can also pick up a pre-paid parking pass online.
13. How do you access your tickets?
Tickets can be accessed on the MLB Ballpark app. It’s a free download. It’ll make your life easier, as you won’t have to scramble at the gate to find your paper tickets. Tickets on your phone. How convenient!
14. Are there any tickets left?
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Well…not officially. Through the official Phillies website, tickets are sold out. If you manage to get your hands on some in another way, good for you! But be careful. The game is just as fun to watch from home. You can throw your own Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day celebration in your living room. There are plenty more games in the season for you to get to!
Related:
11 Philadelphia Phillies Bars And Restaurants That Are A Must On Opening Day
Budweiser Rooftop
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The Budweiser Rooftop bar boasts great views of the city, and great proximity to other eateries. The bar in Ashburn Alley is a great place to get some beer while enjoying the game.
Bull’s BBQ
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Looking for a smoky option rather than a fried option? Look no further than Bull’s BBQ in the Left Field Plaza. Named for Greg “The Bull” Luzinski, the stand offers something more unique to the baseball experience. Here you can get BBQ classics like pulled pork, smoked brisket, and sliced smoked turkey sandwiches. They also have sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread.
Old City Creamery
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At Old City Creamery, or essentially any place you get ice cream at the park, you can get your frozen treat served in a mini Phillies batting helmet. How cute is that? You need to make sure your meal is capped off with some ice cream while you’re at the game. It’s a CBP must.
