Every season, the Philadelphia Phillies host an event at Citizens Bank Park called “What’s New.” The concept is quite simple: the event details all of the new additions to the stadium for the upcoming season.
This year is a little special for the Phillies and Citizens Bank Park, as it is the 20th anniversary of the stadium being opened. For those older than myself, you will remember your trips to Veterans Stadium to watch the Phils play. Starting in 2004, the Bank became the host to some wonderful baseball memories and will be the team’s home for decades to come.
The Best of Citizens Bank Park
To kick off the event, the team played a video that highlighted some of the most memorable moments to occur in the stadium. This video showcased the 2008 World Series clincher, the Halladay no-hitter in 2010, Bedlam at the Bank, and so many more amazing Phillies moments that have occurred at Citizens Bank Park.
In recent years, the team has invested a lot of money back into the stadium. The Yard, the wiffleball field in Ashburn Alley for kids to play in, the new scoreboard in left field, new stadium restaurants, etc. The success of the playoffs has certainly helped bring life back to Citizens Bank Park, but we cannot ignore how the Phillies have created such a unique and family-friendly experience in the stadium.
To celebrate the 20 years of Citizens Bank Park, the team will be hosting several events during the course of 2024 to honor CBP.
New Amenities
In August of 2023, the Phillies were the first team in Major League Baseball to unveil and test “Go-Ahead” entry. This style of entering the ballpark uses facial recognition and connects with the MLB Ballpark App. This allows you and your family or friends to enter without having to scan your ticket.
Now, in 2024, this option has been expanded. Last year, there was only one entrance point that had this system. You can now find “Go-Ahead Entry” at every entrance at the Bank. The old way is still an option, so if you are not tech-savvy, you won’t have to worry.
A new mural has been created in Ashburn Alley for the 2024 season.
Crafted by artist Jose “Busta” Bustamante, who is from Chia, Colombia, this new mural was selected during a contest by the Phillies and SEI.
“The unique work of art celebrates Philadelphia’s culture, bold spirit, Phillies fandom, and SEI’s mission to build brave futures through the power of connection.” – Phillies Press Relations team.
Bag Policy
In an effort to expedite entry, guests are no longer allowed to bring in the following. Non-clear bags, including backpacks and draw-string bags, into the ballpark. Only clutch purses and/or fanny packs (no larger than 5″ x 7″), clear bags (no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″), medical bags, and diaper bags will be permitted into Citizens Bank Park.
New Food and Beverage Options
One of the debuts that was made was changes to the food and beverage lineup at Citizens Bank Park.
Briganti Wines, Big Mozz mozzarella sticks, Casamigos Bar, Four Walls Irish Whiskey, Kona Big Wave Bar, and Primo Hoagies have set up shop in CBP for the 2024 season.
Briganti Wines is a company started by Mike Costanzo Jr., a former Phillies draft pick who was traded for Brad Lidge! Big Mozz brings delicious mozzarella sticks to the stadium to go along with fries, chicken tenders, and other fried goodies. Four Walls Irish Whiskey is a company formed by the cast of It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia (Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, and Charlie Day).
New chef-inspired foods have entered various spots as well, listed below:
- Ballpark Bomb Fries: These new fries offered by PJ Whelihan’s and exclusive to Citizens Bank Park are exploding with flavor! (PJ Whelihan’s in Ashburn Alley, behind Section 147).
- Bratwurst Sandwich: Grilled brat topped with spicy mustard and beer-braised onions on a Liscio Bakery roll; served with house ranch chips and a pickle spear (Pass and Stow, adjacent to Third Base Plaza).
- Buffalo Chik’n Hoagie: Greens & Grains, a local restaurant chain serving plant-based food for everyone, with fast and fresh options that are easily accessible, has added the Citizens Bank Park buffalo chik’n hoagie to its lineup. (Greens & Grains, behind Section 125)
- Loaded Funnel Cake Fry Sundae: Fresh funnel cake fries topped with a homemade strawberry compote, vanilla soft serve, and whipped cream (Coca-Cola Corner in left field, behind section 142).
- Schwarburger 2.0: Kyle’s favorite burger creation will now be featured all season long – a fresh burger topped with American cheese, pepper bacon, fried egg, crispy onions, and signature sauce (Coca-Cola Corner in left field, behind section 142).
- Wing Flavor of the Month: Open the season with the Flamin’ Pickleback followed by featured sauces that will rotate throughout the year (PJ Whelihan’s in Ashburn Alley, behind Section 147).
**All listed food items and descriptions are courtesy of the Philadelphia Phillies and their PR staff!
Phan-tastic Merchandise Items
In honor of 20 years of Citizens Bank Park, there will be stadium-inspired gear for sale around the ballpark.
In addition to stadium gear, there has been plenty of new team and Phanatic-inspired items. You can buy Phanatic slippers that look just like his iconic shoes!
Opening Day
On Thursday, March 28th, the Phillies will kick off their season against the Atlanta Braves. After back-to-back deep post-season runs, the Phils will look to bring home a World Series championship.
81 of their 162 games will be played at Citizens Bank Park. Make sure to head down to the ballpark this year and check out all of the new additions, as well as what is primed to be a really good Phillies team.
For more information and pictures of the event, check out my X/Twitter @MattWatsonPSN
Cover Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)
