Stadium Opened: 2004
Team: Philadelphia Phillies
1st Visit: 4/4/05
Last Visit: 6/15/11
# Games: 12
Food: 8/10
Stadium: 7/10
Important Games Seen:
Washington Nationals' 1st-ever game (4/4/05), 1st one-hitter seen- Tim Redding (4/2/08), 1st Dodgers playoff game seen (2008 NLCS), 1st game with Dad (5/12/09)
I've had alot of great moments at Citizens Bank Park (see above), and it is a great ballpark, my complaints are with the Phillies' abuse of a fan base that has become stronger with the success of the team in the last 5 years. The Phillies, circa 2004-06, were much like the Nats or Pirates are today- an up-and-coming but still-struggling team that had a beautiful new ballpark. There were plenty of fans out at games, but nothing like it is today after 4 (soon to be 5) consecutive playoff appearances. I decided 2 days before Opening Day 2005 that I was going to drive up from DC to see the brand-new Nationals. I went online and purchased a good seat with no problem. Now every game is sold out by May, which is great. Where's the problem? That the Phils have seen fit to triple their ticket prices in 5 years. Success has driven this greed, but when the inevitable down-cycle happens in a few years, will they lower their prices? Of course not. I only hope that Washington and Pittsburgh don't do the same and screw the true fans.
Now to concentrate on the good things- Citizens Bank Park is an excellent place to see a game. This is one of the first parks to lean and face all seats in such a way as to make you feel close to the action, even from the nosebleeds. I have sat in most areas of this park and can say I really don't have a favorite- a true sign that they have accomplished that goal. The food is fantastic, the only problem is innings-long lines if you want Tony Lukes or Chickie & Pete's. Their regular food is much less of a wait and above-average, taste wise. And any place that offers Turkey Hill in a bottle is a friend of mine.
What about the notorious fans? Overblown...mostly. I typically see more drunk people at a Phillies game as compared to other places, but most of the fans are just passionate and knowledgeable. I've worn my Dodgers gear to every LA-Philly matchup and only encountered a problem when we went to the 2008 NLCS. We were barely out of the car when we were met with curses and slurs. We were even told that we should say we were from LA instead of PA because we'd have less trouble. Really ridiculous behavior, but 1 out 12 games isn't bad I suppose.
The best game was, of course, finally having a chance to go to a game with my Dad. All of his kids took him to see his Dodgers for the 1st time in 2009 and he seemed to have a great time. It ranks with Addie's 1st game as one of the 2 most special games of my life.
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