Citizens Bank Park — Attraction in Philadelphia

• This review is about Phillies fans. NOT about Citizens Bank Park. The ballpark itself was fine. But I want to post this review for fans of opposing teams who decide to take in a game at this park. *

My husband and I have traveled all across the US taking in road games for our two favorite teams -- the Denver Broncos and the LA Dodgers. We're Colorado natives and longtime Broncos fans (along with being 56 year season ticket holders). And my husband has been following and been a fan of the LA Dodgers since he was very young when Colorado didn't have their own major league baseball team.

We've visited football stadiums and baseball parks from the west coast to the east coast and many many states in between. Our experiences as opposing fans in all of these cities had been great. Sure, we'd catch a little hell from the home team fans but it was all in game-day fun. All part of the ambiance of 'the game.'

But in over 30 years of our travels, we have never EVER encountered fans as openly hostile to opposing fans as the Phillies fans were.

We were in the 'City of Brotherly Love' to take in two games -- Phillies/Dodgers on Saturday Oct 4 and Eagles/Broncos the next day, Sunday Oct 5.

To our surprise (and bewilderment really), our experience at the Eagles/Broncos game was great! Normal really, from what we were used to. And even when the Broncos fought their way back from a 3-17 deficit and won the game, the Eagles fans were fine. They weren't aggressive or combative. They weren't irritating or intimidating. Just normal football fans who were passionate about their football team.

Phillies fans on the other hand were over-the-top irritating. They would greet us with a smile and within seconds would be trying to goad us into arguments. And when we wouldn't bite, they'd just keep at it.

And yes, they were loud. But loud we can handle. We get it. Broncos home games at Empower Field in Denver have been known for breaking decibel records now and again.

But beyond the ear-piercing yells, and spit-flying hoots, shouts, and screams, they also REALLY REALLY loved to boo.

They booed over everything. Boos for practically every Dodger at bat. Boos for every play that didn't go their way. Hell, they even booed when the umpires were introduced at the beginning of the game.

But worst of all, these fans booed their own team ... And booed them loudly. After the Dodgers won 5-3, the fans reined down a long, loud, rancorous wave of boos. They booed their team that had won 96 regular season games and had made it to the Playoffs. It didn't make sense.

Of course, as we watched a couple days later from our hotel room as the Dodgers won Game 2, we noticed the fans finally did get quiet.

Still, I was baffled by the whole experience and wanted to find out if we were overreacting. But nope. I read a few articles and a few posts in fan forums that reinforced our feeling that Phillies fans are possibly the worst fans in baseball. Polls, surveys, and I think even a study was done to back up the claims.

But the sad part is it seems Phillies fans are proud of how horribly they treat fans of opposing teams. Proud of making us feel uncomfortable. Proud of just being ugly. It was as if for them, the event was much more than just a baseball game.

But I hate to break it to Phillies fans. Baseball IS just a game. Most normal fans who are dedicated to supporting their teams, know that. And we also know that win or lose, the sun will come...

Citizens Bank Park is a great ballpark. It has excellent sightlines from all seats, a variety of concessions, and a lively atmosphere. The concourses are wide and open, making it easy to get around the stadium. There are also a number of fun features for fans, such as Ashburn Alley, which is a collection of local eateries and shops.

Here is a more detailed review of Citizens Bank Park:

Sightlines: The sightlines at Citizens Bank Park are excellent. Even from the cheapest seats in the upper deck, you can see the entire field clearly. The only seats with obstructed views are those in the right field corner, but even those seats are still decent. Concessions: There are a variety of concessions at Citizens Bank Park, including everything from hot dogs and pretzels to gourmet sandwiches and salads. There are also a number of local vendors, such as Tony Luke's and Chickie's and Pete's. Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park is electric. Phillies fans are some of the most passionate in baseball, and they bring a lot of energy to the game. The stadium is also very loud, thanks to the sound system and the fans. Concourses: The concourses at Citizens Bank Park are wide and open, making it easy to get around the stadium. There are also a number of places to sit and relax, such as the Ashburn Alley standing room area. Features: Citizens Bank Park has a number of fun features for fans, such as Ashburn Alley, which is a collection of local eateries and shops. There is also a Phillies Museum, a Kids Zone, and a scoreboard that is one of the largest in baseball.

Overall, Citizens Bank Park is a great ballpark. It has excellent sightlines, a variety of concessions, a lively atmosphere, and a number of fun features for fans. If you're looking for a great place to watch a baseball game, Citizens Bank Park is definitely worth checking out.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when attending a game at Citizens Bank Park:

Bag policy: Citizens Bank Park has a strict bag policy. Only small bags that are 16x16x8 inches or smaller are allowed. No backpacks, coolers, or large purses are allowed. Prohibited items: In addition to bags, there are a number of other items that are prohibited at Citizens Bank Park. These include: Alcohol Fireworks Laser pointers Weapons Food and beverages (except for bottled water) Noisemakers Parking: There is a number of parking lots near Citizens Bank Park. Parking is $20 for Phillies games. Public transportation: Citizens Bank Park is also accessible by public transportation. The Broad Street Line subway stops at the NRG Station, which is a short walk from...

Dear [Stadium or Team Guest Services Manager],

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment about two recent experiences my family and I have had at citizens bank park. Both incidents left us feeling unsafe, disrespected, and discriminated against.

I am not a season ticket holder, but I attend games frequently with my children.

During our first incident, we arrived and found other fans sitting in our seats. After we politely asked them to move, the person seated behind us became extremely rude and intimidating so much so that my young daughter began to cry and shake. Rather than helping us, stadium security approached and asked us to leave without even asking what had happened. I was horrified and humiliated in front of my children.

Then, at the playoff game on October 6, an almost identical situation occurred. Again, other guests were in our seats. Security intervened appropriately at first and had them move. However, during the ninth inning, a man suddenly came charging into our row, claiming he had bought the entire section and ordering us to leave. He was aggressive and threatening. I cannot understand how someone without valid tickets could bypass security and enter our section in such a manner. When security finally arrived, they again failed to actallowing the man to berate me and my son openly while doing nothing to protect or de-escalate.

The only common factor between both incidents is that my family is Black, and the individuals involved were white. It is deeply troubling to feel that our presence is automatically seen as a problem, while others are given the benefit of the doubt. I believe this reflects a serious lack of training and sensitivity among the security team, and possibly racial bias.

I’m asking for a formal review of both incidents and for a response outlining what steps will be taken to ensure this never happens again to my family or any other fans. I would also appreciate confirmation that the matter has been escalated to stadium security management and guest services leadership.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your...