This new 43,500-seat, world-class ballpark is every bit as spectacular as it is intimate - with breathtaking views, dazzling amenities, a staggering array of special features and, to everyone's delight, a natural grass and dirt playing field.
Location
The Ballpark (not "Stadium") is located on a 21-acre site in South Philadelphia - on the north side of Pattison Avenue, between 11th and Darien Streets, just east of where Veterans Stadium was located.
Design
The design of Citizens Bank Park combines the essence of Philadelphia’s rich tradition of sports architecture with an unmistakably 21st century style. With the Philadelphia city skyline as the backdrop, the ballpark features bowl-style seating with the playing field scooped out 23 feet below street level. This seating bowl layout is inspired by the classic plans of Baker Bowl, home of the Phillies until 1938, and Connie Mack Stadium (formerly Shibe Park), which housed the team until 1971. Like Connie Mack Stadium, the upper and lower decks do not correspond exactly in plan.
As fans approach the Ballpark, they are immediately greeted with a breathtaking view of a Philadelphia-styled sports-facility clad in red steel, brick and stone. At home plate, third base and first base, there will be 50-foot high glass enclosed towers that when lighted glow at night.
When walking toward the corner plazas, the steel framed seating bowl and light towers will flank the primary entrances, creating a key visual element in the Ballpark's architecture. This remarkable sight is certain to become one of the most well known landmarks in Philadelphia.
Fan-Friendly
Adding to the Ballpark's many fan-specific design elements is a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of the field from outside the gates. This design was enabled by a walk-around open-air concourse that was intentionally created to keep fans connected to the game at all times. So when fans enter the gates and approach the main concourse, an enticing preview of the grass-and-dirt field will quickly come to full view.
The main concourse, just a few feet from each gated entrance, is located at street level. Forget those old ramps at Veterans Stadium. The four primary entrances lead directly to the airy main concourse and an open view of the playing field. Nearly half of the fans entering the Ballpark will step down to their field level seats to watch the Phillies perform on the playing field.
Another unique characteristic of the Ballpark is "The Angle" which is sure to create havoc for the outfielders and produce some interesting extra-base hits. This area is formed at the outfield wall, located between the left-center field power alley and dead center field, where it angles into the playing field and has heights that taper from 19' to 12'8".
Outfield Entertainment, Retail and Concession Area
The excitement continues in Ashburn Alley, which spans the entire outfield concourse. This festive outfield entertainment, retail and concession area is named in honor of Phillies legend Richie Ashburn.
It features the All-Star Walk, Bullpen Viewing Area, Bull’s BBQ (an outdoor picnic table area featuring delicious barbecue and Greg (The Bull) Luzinski as the daily host), Citizens Bank Games of Baseball (a unique entertainment area that provides interactive games for guests: Run the Bases, Ballpark Pinball, and Pitch ‘Em & Tip ‘Em), Liberty Bell Home Run Spectacular (towers 100 feet above street level and rings after every Phillies home run), Memory Lane (an illustrated history of Philadelphia baseball), Rooftop Bleacher Seats, Harry the K’s (the game's only bi-level restaurant built into a scoreboard), Wall of Fame, and Alley Store.
In addition, there’s the Phanatic Phun Zone - a fun area that gives children eight an under an opportunity to climb, explore, play games and have the slide of their lives as they venture through the largest Softplay area in Major League Baseball.
Whew! That's one exciting entertainment complex in itself.
Food Concessions
Available to fans on all the concourses are permanent and portable stands offering tasty fare. Many of the stands have Philadelphia incorporated into the name, and include Philadelphia-flavored food specialties. Fans can also enjoy great food at McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon, a sports-oriented restaurant that is open year round and features many of McFadden's and Zanzibar Blue's signature dishes.