Explore Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies
Welcome to Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. An opposing coach once told Phillies manager Rob Thomson that playing at the Bank in the postseason is like “four hours of hell.”
It gets loud during Red October. The rest of the season isn’t too bad, either.
Philadelphia Phillies
Established: 1883
Division Name: National League East
Ballpark: Citizens Bank Park (opened 2004)
The Phillies are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball, getting started in Philly in 1883. They have played at primarily five ballparks in their history: Recreation Park (1883-86), Baker Bowl (1887-1938), Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium (1938-70), Veterans Stadium (1971-2003) and Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies won the 1980 and 2008 World Series. They won NL pennants in 1915, 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993, 2008, 2009 and 2022.
Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park location (via Google Maps)
Phillies schedule
Phillies roster
1 Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Capacity: 42,901
Dimensions: Right-field foul pole (330 feet); right-field power alley (369 feet); center field (401 feet); Monty’s Angle, just left of straightaway center (409 feet to 372 feet); left-field foul pole (329 feet); left-field power alley (374 feet)
Park factors (2024)
100 = league average
Runs: 100 | Homers: 114 | Hits: 100
The ballpark is located in South Philadelphia, just off I-95 and a couple blocks from Broad Street, which runs north-south through the heart of Center City. Nearby is Lincoln Financial Field, which is home to the NFL’s Eagles, and the Wells Fargo Center, which is home to the NBA’s 76ers and NHL’s Flyers. Xfinity Live! Is across the street from the Bank. It hosts several restaurants, bars and plenty of TVs.
There is plenty of parking available at the sports complex. If you’re staying in Center City, you can catch the Broad Street Line to Broad and Pattison and walk to the ballpark.
Features
A full list of ballpark features can be found here.
But everything starts with the massive Liberty Bell in right-center field, which lights up and rings whenever the Phillies hit a home run. Kids will love The Yard, which sits in the right-field corner. It has a Wiffle ball field, rock-climbing wall, speed pitch and a Phanatic-style hot dog launcher. Ashburn Alley is home to several concession stands, just beyond the outfield wall on the main concourse. Fans can get a bite to eat, or watch pitchers warm up in the bi-level bullpen.
Fun fact: Phillies relievers were supposed to use the top bullpen, but after just two exhibition games they asked to move to the lower one. Phillies fans proved to be too exuberant, even for the home team.
The 19-foot-high Liberty Bell that was once located atop Veterans Stadium is now displayed as fans approach the ballpark. There are statues of Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts, Richie Ashburn and broadcaster Harry Kalas inside and outside the ballpark. The left-field plaza is home to the Phillies’ Wall of Fame plaques and retired numbers. There is plenty of history to see on the Hall of Fame club, too.
Concessions
The Bank is one of baseball’s best food ballparks, featuring plenty of local joints like Federal Donuts, Manco & Manco Pizza, Campo’s, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Tony Luke’s and P.J. Whelihan’s. There’s also Bull’s BBQ (Phillies Wall of Famer Greg Luzinski is often there), Shake Shack, Colbie’s Southern Kissed Chicken and standards everywhere like hot dogs, pretzels and more.
Mascot
If you’ve never heard of the Phillie Phanatic, then you probably stumbled upon this page by accident.
But you almost certainly know about the Phanatic, who is arguably the greatest mascot in professional sports. (Sorry, Mr. Met and the San Diego Chicken.) You will see him several times on the field and dugout before, during and after Phillies games.
Where to stay
You could stay near the ballpark in the Navy Yard, but the suggestion here is Center City, because everything you’ll want to see, eat or drink while visiting is walkable in Center City.
Local attractions
Philadelphia is known for its history. If you’re visiting Philly for the first time and want to see more than baseball, check out Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Center. Run up the “Rocky” steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, see the famous LOVE sculpture, check out the Franklin Institute. Stroll through Rittenhouse Square. Check out the Italian Market.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Go here for more ideas.
Food and drink
It’s impossible to list every great restaurant and bar in Philly.
But if you’re reading this and you’re a first-time visitor, you probably want to know about cheesesteaks. If you want to go full tourist, stop by Pat’s or Geno’s in South Philly. Those are the joints used as B-roll for every MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL game. But if you want the best cheesesteak in town, we highly recommend John’s Roast Park in South Philly. (Yes, try the roast pork sandwich, too.) Visiting baseball writers frequently get lunch at Reading Terminal Market in Center City. DiNic’s is legendary. Ball scribes also hit up Good Dog postgame for food and beers.
If you like fried chicken sandwiches and/or donuts, Federal Donuts is a must.
Angelo’s rates highly for pizza and cheesesteaks. We love the burger at Rex. If you want old-school Italian restaurant vibes, Ralph’s can’t be missed.
If you’re a real foodie and want to blow it out, check out Zahav, Vernick, Butcher & Singer and Vetri.
Oh, you can’t leave town without getting a water ice and soft pretzel.