MLB Armed Forces Weekend at Citizens Bank Park: Phillies vs. Pirates, May 16-18

By | May 15, 2025

Lights Up // Friday Night at the Bank! Plus, Johnson Controls Zack Wheeler Bobble Figurine;

Military heroes honored with a Salute to Service presented by Toyota,
featuring a flyover by U.S. Army helicopters

New Phanatic book debuts on Phanatic About Reading Day presented by Xfinity;
Ceremonial first pitch by “Rocky IV” actor Dolph Lundgren

Also, Phantastic Auction ends Sunday!

The Phillies are closing out the homestand with a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates during MLB Armed Forces Weekend on Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 18 at Citizens Bank Park.

To recognize those who served, players and on-field personnel will wear camouflage-designed New Era caps with their uniforms, as well as camo-themed Stance socks throughout the series. The games will also feature commemorative armed forces base jewels. Here’s a look at more fan highlights surrounding the series:

  1. It’s another Lights Up // Friday Night at the Bank on May 16 at 6:45 p.m., when the Phillies will wear their City Connect uniforms. All fans will receive a Johnson Controls Zack Wheeler Bobble Figurine. Gate openings: 3B/LF – 4:45 p.m.; all other gates 5:15 p.m.

  2. Before the game, “Rocky IV” actor Dolph Lundgren will throw a ceremonial first pitch.

  3. Prior to the first pitch, Miller Lite 12 oz. cans will be available at Miller Lite Liberty Landing for $6.99.

  4. On Saturday, May 17, fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 5:30 p.m. for the Phillies Salute to Service presented by Toyota, being held before that night’s 6:05 p.m. game on Armed Forces Day. The special on-field celebration will recognize all active duty, veterans and their families for their service. Gate openings: 3B/LF – 3:35 p.m.; all other gates 4:35 p.m.

  5. Opening ceremonies will feature an exciting flyover by four United States Army helicopters, including two Black Hawks and two Chinooks, as well as a ceremonial first pitch by retired United States Army Cpl. David Billingsley, who was recently given a Salute to Service surprise.

  6. The important work of Team Foster will also be highlighted, and local military heroes who served in World War II, Afghanistan, Iraq, Korea, Vietnam, Beirut and more will be recognized on-field.

  7. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Heritage Brass Quintet will perform the national anthem. Click here for the full lineup of Salute to Service happenings and military heroes being recognized.

  8. Fans can enjoy the pregame Budweiser Block Party with DJ HBK at the Budweiser Batter’s Eye Bar behind Section 148.

  9. The series concludes on Sunday, May 18, at 1:35 p.m. with Phanatic About Reading Day presented by Xfinity. Children 14 and under will receive the Phanatic’s new book, Phillie Phanatic’s London Adventure. Gate openings: 3B/LF – 11:05 a.m.; all other gates 12:05 p.m.

  10. 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

  11. Before the game, this year’s Most Improved and Most Outstanding student readers in the Phanatic About Reading program, nominated by their teachers, will be recognized on-field. Please click here for a list of winners.

  12. Harry Moore, the illustrator of Phillie Phanatic’s London Adventure, will be signing copies of the Phanatic’s books behind Section 119 on the main concourse from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

  13. Fans can receive complimentary facepainting in The Yard before and during the game.

  14. Stop by the New Era Phillies Team Store for commemorative Phillies-Pirates gear featuring pitchers Zack Wheeler and Paul Skenes with dueling PHI x PIT logos. Also available: on-field Armed Forces Day caps.

  15. Each Phillies-Pirates item is ballpark exclusive and limited edition; includes a can cooler, pennant, novelty baseball, pin and 2-pack magnets. Available starting Friday, May 16, while supplies last.

  16. The Armed Forces on-field player caps will also be available for purchase; 100% of the royalties from the Armed Forces Day on-field collection will be donated to MLB Charities to support military programs.

  17. Last chance to bid on the Phantastic Auction! Highlights include 68 once-in-a-lifetime player and gameday experiences, autographed memorabilia and more up for bid until Sunday, May 18, at phillies.com/phantasticauction to benefit Phillies Charities, Inc. and ALS United Mid-Atlantic.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

###

More from MLB.com