Photo Courtesy: Andrew Gillen
10 years after it replaced Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank Park has set the backdrop for some of the greatest moments in Philadelphia Phillies history. Ranging from Bobby Abreu's christening home run to the World Series title run in 2008, the list of moments that have been created in the stadium is enormous. Today, the team announced how plans to commemorate the times celebrated in the home ballpark.
Beginning February 18th, fans will have an interesting voting opportunity. From then until March 14th, they can decide what the top ten moments in Citizens Bank Park history are. There is one moment that we can all be sure is a safe bet to run away with the tally, but the journey through nine other notable situations in Philadelphia will put a smile on the faces of Phillies fans across the country, and the world.
As they usually do, the Phillies will have some giveaways for fans during the opening week of the season. For the opening ballgame, fans will receive celebratory banners that honor the first ten season at the new Park. The following Sunday, April 13th, fans (of course, 14 and under) will receive a baseball adorned with the same logo. And, throughout the entire month of April, the Phillies will make available a yearbook that covers the team's last ten seasons.
This season, the new "Citizens Bank Park Saturday" promotion will be a popular attraction. Each home Saturday ballgame will feature a different former Phillies star. They will be throughout the Park during the day to celebrate what they accomplished with the club. These Saturday celebrations will continue up until Alumni Weekend, taking place August 8th-10th. Speaking of that weekend, here are some of the highlights that will take place over the three days:
August 8th – During the afternoon, the fifth annual Phillies Alumni Luncheon will celebrate Charlie Manuel's time with the club. That night, Roy Halladay will be honored before the game against the New York Mets. A bobblehead in Doc's honor will also be distributed that evening.
August 9th – Charlie Manuel will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.
August 10th – To wrap of Alumni Weekend, Alumni Day will see a ton of former stars celebrating with fans, both on and off the field.
The piece on the Phillies site also notes special events occurring all throughout the season.This will be a nice distraction from a possibly gut-wrenching season.
Andrew Gillen
