Citizens Bank Park Review

While on job assignment in the Philadelphia area during the week of June 20 to June 24, I got a lucky break as the Phillies had home games at night against the Cleveland Indians. Our hotel was in nearby Essington which was less than five miles from Philadelphia International Airport and a little over eight miles to the Sports Complex where Citizens Bank Park was at.

We got out of work at 4pm and I ordered the best available ticket I could get online at the hotel 30 minutes later before leaving. I was able to get to the park a little after 5pm, and I was amazed once again at how easy and convenient the parking was over there. I had remembered how easy it was when I attended the Army-Navy game at Lincoln Financial Field in 2008, which is located in the same complex that is home of the Philadelphia Eagles. I liked the parking convenience a lot.

The Phillies have existed since the 1800s, and have won two World Series championships in 1980 and 2008. Citizens Bank Park opened up for play in 2004 after they had spent more than two decades playing at Veterans Stadium.

As for the game, Jimmy Rollins made his return from the Disabled List to the leadoff spot for Philadelphia. the Phillies were able to score two runs in the first inning on an RBI single from Ryan Howard and sacrifice fly from Jason Werth. The Indians scored on a solo home run from Russell Branyan, but would not score again as the Phillies held on for a 2-1 win the first of a three game series.

Phillies starter and 47-year old Jamie Moyer tied the record for most home runs given up by a pitcher when Branyan hit the one in second inning. But he pitched eight strong innings, and Brad Lidge picked up the save for Philadelphia. Mitch Talbot took the loss for Cleveland.

My review of Citizens Bank Park

The bad: Minimal. If you're taking I-95 to get to the Sports Complex during 7pm games, then traffic can be brutal especially since there is construction going on right now. If you have a GPS, do look for an alternate route and bypass around it taking I-76 instead(if you're going that way). If you leave early, then this will be no problem.

The good: There is plenty to like about the park. The parking convenience of being able to park close to the stadium is about as good as any major sports facility I've seen(and I've been to quite a few of them). They have an escalator that took me to the Arcade section where I had a ticket at. The park itself is very appealing(I love the Memory Lane area of past Phillies greats), the restaurants like Tony Luke's have very good food, merchandise is reasonable, and scenery is top notch. If you get a power ticket(which is $10 more on your tickets), you can use that money for a discount at places that take them at the park. Also, the park is ideal for kids with a playground for them. They even have a shop where you can make your own Philly Phanatic doll, too.

Overall: You can drive and park for $15 which gets you in close walking distance to the stadium. Some popular Philly restaurants such as Tony Luke's and Chickie and Pete's are inside the park to eat and take in the game. The Sports Complex is very convenient and so are the parks. Depending on what team sport you like, you'll like the look as well as all-around convenience of the Sports Complex. This is a must for any sports fan, local residents, and those who like visiting popular sporting venues. Philadelphia has done a magnificent job with the Sports Complex!

More info about Citizens Bank Park:
One Citizens Bank Way
Philadelphia, PA
Seating capacity: 43,647
Checkout my site for more pics of Citizens Bank Park.