Spend A Day At the Ballpark This Year

by Alex Lloyd Gross

A lot is new at the ballpark, including new team stores, new places to eat and a new team manager. Just yesterday, April 30, 2026, the team made history with two walk-off wins against the San Francisco Giants. This is the first time that happened since 1998, at Veterans Stadium. This game was not supposed to be a double header, but the first game was played because the game the previous night’s game was postponed due to rain. It was played at 12:35 PM

The Phillies were not winning many games, which lead to the firing of manager Milt Tomson. Don Mattingly took over and has a history making, double win to show on his first outing. When the team wins at night, a newer, brief light show illuminates the entire stadium with red white and blue lights, just in time for the All Star Game. As well as the 250th Birthday of the United States.

There are some differences inside the stadium. The New Era store, which is the main store does not carry any clearance items anymore. They can be found at the fan shops around the stadium. Keep checking as there are deals to be had. Speaking of souvenirs, the Phillies have more retro swag, from the 1980 World Series and 1970’s colors. They also have Phil and Phyllis gear like bobbelheads. In fact the opening day T shirt promotional giveaway features the duo.

“Everything we do starts with our fans,” said Phillies Chief Revenue Officer Jackie Cuddeback. “As we celebrate the return of the reigning NL East champions, we’re excited to debut these newly designed spaces, which not only honor the storied history of our franchise, but also raise the standard for what our guests can experience at Citizens Bank Park.”

Cuddeback continued, “With the nation’s 250th anniversary and major sporting events like the 2026 MLB All-Star Week drawing global attention, Citizens Bank Park will continue to serve as one of the city’s premier gathering places, bringing together fans, visitors, and the broader community through shared moments around baseball.”

As far as food, most folks want something cheap, good and tasty. Of course, Citizens Bank Park has hot dogs and chicken tenders. Bulls BBQ can serve up turkey, ribs and other items not to mention corn bread. Inside the Hall Of Fame Club, he Bistro will feature chef-driven menu items throughout the season, with contributions from acclaimed local chefs including Marc Vetri (Vetri Cucina Family); Matthew Cahn (Middle Child); Nish Patel (Del Rossi’s); Evan Snyder (Emmett); Juan Carlos Aparicio Torres (El Chingon); and Amanda Shulman (Her Place Supper Club, My Loup and Pine Street Grill); and Pidor Yang (Sahbyy Food). Chefs will rotate by homestand, creating an evolving and distinctly Philadelphia dining experience for fans throughout the season.

On certain dates, people with a Citizens Bank Credit Card can save 26 percent on their food at concession stands.

Most people go to the ball game, take their seats and do not leave. Others want to shop, see what’s going on. Now they can. In addition to many TV’s showing the game almost anywhere, inside CBP, a new 370 foot video wall has been installed in the New Era team Store. That way shoppers won'[t miss anything, if they want to grab a jacket, t shirt or hat. The hack for shopping is to get there early, beat the lines and not have to worry about lines to get in.

During the double header, Kyle Schwarber hit a few balls deep to score runners, including one that went over the fence in the first inning of the first game. The only downside to this game was the postponement of the Senior Stroll the Bases, which will be rescheduled in the future.

The ball park and city are getting ready for the All Star week in mid July. There will be a Home Run Derby, a Fan Fest at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where anything dealing with baseball is going to be happening.