Editing Citizens Bank Park

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Citizens Bank Park
| image =
| image_caption = Citizens Bank Park during a Phillies game
| type = Baseball stadium
| address = 1 Citizens Bank Way
| neighborhood = South Philadelphia
| coordinates = 39.9061,-75.1665
| phone = (215) 463-1000
| website = https://www.mlb.com/phillies/ballpark
| established = 2004
| founder = Philadelphia Phillies
| owner = City of Philadelphia
| employees =
| hours = Event days; tours available year-round
| products = Baseball, concerts, events
| status = Active
}}

'''Citizens Bank Park''' is a Major League Baseball stadium located in the '''South Philadelphia Sports Complex''', serving as the home of the '''[[Philadelphia Phillies]]''' since 2004. The ballpark seats 42,901 fans and is known for its intimate, fan-friendly design, excellent sightlines, and amenities that celebrate Philadelphia's baseball history and culinary traditions.<ref name="phillies">{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/phillies/ballpark |title=Citizens Bank Park |publisher=Philadelphia Phillies |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Opened on April 12, 2004, Citizens Bank Park replaced Veterans Stadium, the Phillies' home from 1971 to 2003. The stadium was designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) in the "retro-classic" style that became popular in the 1990s, combining nostalgic architectural elements with modern amenities. The park has hosted significant moments in Phillies history, including the team's 2008 World Series championship celebration.<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/citizens-bank-park/ |title=Citizens Bank Park |publisher=Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== From Veterans Stadium ===

The Phillies played at '''Veterans Stadium''' ("The Vet") from 1971 to 2003. While the multipurpose stadium hosted memorable moments, including the 1980 World Series championship, it was criticized for its artificial turf, distant seating, and lack of character.

In the 1990s, the Phillies and the city began planning a baseball-only stadium that would provide a better fan experience and generate revenue needed to compete in free-agent markets.

=== Construction ===

Construction began in 2001 and was completed in early 2004. The stadium cost approximately $458 million, with funding from:
* City of Philadelphia bonds
* Phillies contributions
* Naming rights (Citizens Bank, $95 million over 25 years)

=== Opening Day ===

Citizens Bank Park opened on '''April 12, 2004''', with the Phillies hosting the Cincinnati Reds. Jim Thome hit the first home run in the new park's history. The Phillies won the game 4-1.

=== 2008 World Series ===

The Phillies won the '''2008 World Series''' at Citizens Bank Park, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games. The championship was Philadelphia's first in major professional sports since the 1983 76ers and ended a 25-year drought. Game 5 was played over two days due to rain, concluding on October 29, 2008.

The 2022 Phillies reached the World Series as well, hosting games at Citizens Bank Park.

== Design and Features ==

=== Architecture ===

Citizens Bank Park was designed in the '''retro-classic''' style, incorporating:
* Red brick exterior echoing Philadelphia's architectural heritage
* Steel truss design visible from inside the park
* Open concourses with views of the playing field
* Asymmetrical outfield dimensions

=== Dimensions ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Location !! Distance (feet)
|-
| Left field line || 329
|-
| Left-center || 374
|-
| Center field || 401
|-
| Right-center || 369
|-
| Right field line || 330
|}

The relatively short distances to the outfield walls, combined with the stadium's location and prevailing winds, have made Citizens Bank Park one of the more hitter-friendly parks in baseball.

=== Philadelphia Features ===

The stadium celebrates Philadelphia identity through:

* '''Ashburn Alley:''' Named for Phillies legend Richie Ashburn, this concourse features Hall of Fame plaques, statues, and memorabilia
* '''Liberty Bell:''' A 50-foot-tall neon Liberty Bell that swings after Phillies home runs
* '''Philadelphia food:''' Stands selling cheesesteaks, hoagies, crab fries, and local favorites
* '''PhanatiC Zone:''' Interactive kids' area

=== Statues ===

Bronze statues honor Phillies legends:
* Steve Carlton
* Richie Ashburn
* Mike Schmidt
* Robin Roberts

== Attending a Game ==

=== Tickets ===

Tickets are available through the Phillies website, at the box office, and through authorized resellers. Popular games (opening day, rivalries, playoffs) sell out quickly.

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' NRG Station (AT&T Station on event days)—direct subway access
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Multiple routes to the Sports Complex
* '''Parking:''' Large parking lots surrounding the stadium ($20-40)
* '''Walking:''' Connected to [[Lincoln Financial Field]] and [[Wells Fargo Center]] via pedestrian walkways

=== Game Day Tips ===

* '''Gates open:''' 90 minutes before first pitch
* '''Arrive early:''' To explore Ashburn Alley and enjoy pre-game activities
* '''Food:''' Many local favorites are available, but prices are stadium-level
* '''Seating:''' Lower level has the best views; upper deck offers panoramic city views

=== Stadium Tours ===

Year-round tours of Citizens Bank Park are available:
* Clubhouse access
* Dugout
* Press box
* Field level
* Behind-the-scenes areas

Contact the Phillies for current tour schedules and pricing.

== Food and Concessions ==

Citizens Bank Park is known for its diverse food options:

{| class="wikitable"
! Item !! Description
|-
| '''Tony Luke's Cheesesteaks''' || Philadelphia cheesesteak institution
|-
| '''Chickie's & Pete's Crab Fries''' || Stadium signature snack
|-
| '''Federal Donuts''' || Fried chicken and donuts
|-
| '''Campo's''' || Philadelphia hoagies
|-
| '''Bull's BBQ''' || Barbecue from Phillies legend Greg Luzinski
|-
| '''Hatfield Hot Dogs''' || Classic ballpark fare
|}

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available throughout the park.

== Beyond Baseball ==

Citizens Bank Park hosts events beyond Phillies games:
* Concerts (major touring acts)
* College football (occasional games)
* Special events and festivals

== See Also ==

* [[Philadelphia Phillies]]
* [[South Philadelphia]]
* [[Lincoln Financial Field]]
* [[Wells Fargo Center]]
* [[Sports in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.mlb.com/phillies/ballpark Phillies - Citizens Bank Park]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/citizens-bank-park/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Citizens Bank Park - Home of the Philadelphia Phillies
|description=Complete guide to Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies since 2004. Stadium information, how to get there, food options, tours, and game day tips for Philadelphia's baseball home.
|keywords=Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies stadium, Phillies tickets, South Philadelphia Sports Complex, Ashburn Alley, Philadelphia baseball, SEPTA to Phillies, 2008 World Series
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Sports Venues]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Phillies]]
[[Category:Stadiums]]