There is just something special and magical about the ballpark. The smell, the sights, the sounds are irreplaceable. While there are many reasons it’s a lot easier to watch games at home, the atmosphere of the ballpark make the expenses worth it.
One of the best parts about going to the ballpark is the food. There’s a ton of choices and all is pretty good. I don’t eat meat but the veggie dogs (don’t laugh) are so good at Citizens Bank. If you like meat, there’s Tony Luke’s for cheesesteaks or Bull’s BBQ. There’s Federal Donuts, Boardwalk fries, Chickie and Pete’s crab fries, Turkey Hill ice cream to name a few of the many delicious foods to enjoy.
There’s the alcohol. Yes you pay a ridiculous price for a can or cup but it’s part of the ballpark experience. There’s a decent variety of beers at Citizens Bank including several from local breweries such as Yuengling, Yards Ale, Victory and Troegs.
There’s the atmosphere and sounds. It’s hard to appreciate the cheering from the home crowd from the TV. In person it’s loud, it’s fun and you can’t get that experience from your couch or living room. Standing on your feet cheering in a close game or after a big play is awesome. And then apply this to a playoff game and there’s nothing like it.
Speaking of sounds there’s the music including the walk-up songs for each player. I will forever associate Kashmir with Chase Utley and Feel It In the Air Tonight with Chooch. And then there was Papelbon’s Bout that Life entrance song. When I hear these I immediately think of these players and the games.
In close games, you will hear the Rocky song, which of course fires up every Philly sports fan. If the Phillies win, longtime broadcaster Harry Kalas’ version of Sinatra’s High Hopes will blast through the stadium as everyone exits, further putting you in a good mood.
And speaking of sights and sounds, one of the standout features of Citizens Bank Park is the giant Liberty Bell in the outfield, which lights up and rings after every Philly home run and at the end of the game after a Phillies win. Just one more special thing about going to the ballpark. And now the park has a brand new humungous scoreboard!
While some complain about baseball being slow that’s also what is nice because it allows you to get up and walk around the ballpark and not feel like you missed much. You can’t do that in a basketball or football game. This is especially great with kids because Citizens Bank Park has a great (and free!) kids area where they can play baseball on a mini-field or shoot balls out of a hot dog gun like the Phanatic does with hot dogs.
Another great thing about the Phillies is their mascot, considered to be the best in baseball, the Philly Phanatic. Seeing him ride in on his ATV and his many antics throughout the game is always entertaining. And there’s now the Galapagos Gang, the Phanatic’s friends who are 4 characters in inflatable suits that the kids just love to see.
I think I’ve given you enough reasons to go see a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park or whatever stadium you live near. While it lacks the comfort of your home and is much more expensive, the sights, sounds and smells of the ballpark make it worth every penny.
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