Phillies to host Mets at Citizens Bank Park this weekend for start of NLDS | What you need to know
From Phillies merch, pre-game parties and food, here's what you need to know for the games this weekend.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Phillies will face the New York Mets in the National League Division Series.
The first game begins at 4:08 p.m. Saturday, October 5, at Citizens Bank Park.
The teams will meet again at 4:08 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at The Bank.
Pete Alonso hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Devin Williams in the ninth inning and the New York Mets defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 Thursday night to win their NL Wild Card Series.
Phillies-Mets NLDS schedule
- Game 1: Saturday, October 5 / 4:08 p.m. / at Citizens Bank Park
- Game 2: Sunday, October 6 / 4:08 p.m./ at Citizens Bank Park
- Game 3: Tuesday, October 8 / 5:08 p.m. / at Citi Field
- Game 4: Wednesday, October 9 / 5:08 p.m. / at Citi Field (If necessary)
- Game 5: Friday, October 11 / 4:08 p.m. / at Citizens Bank Park (If necessary)
Breaking down the odds
According to ESPN analytics, the Phillies have the best chance in the National League to win the World Series.
In the betting market, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened the season as favorites to win the World Series and finished the season that way.
The Dodgers had opened at +550, moved to +450 after signing Shohei Ohtani in the offseason and now sit at +300 at ESPN BET. The National League East-winning Philadelphia Phillies sit at +425 (behind only the Dodgers and tied with the Yankees).
Ramping up for Red October
In advance of this weekend's playoff game at Citizens Bank Park, fans are invited to get ramped up for the Phillies' return to Red October with a lineup of special events.
Friday, October 4: Postseason Block Party at Garage Fishtown
The Red October Rally Bus is making its final pit stop before the NLDS at a special outdoor event for fans of all ages, being held from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., outside Garage (100 East Girard Avenue), in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Phillies special guests will join fans to take photos in front of the new mural featuring the "Phillies Day Care," aka players Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott.
Saturday, October 5: Festivities at Citizens Bank Park
10:00 a.m.
New Era Phillies Team Store opens until 12:30 p.m. (entrance on Citizens Bank Way) with official and exclusive National League East champs and 2024 postseason gear available for purchase. Highlights include a special National League Division Series scorecard, Phillies-Mets NLDS matchup items such as a pin, pennant and baseball, and new Red October hoodies, caps and novelties including lanyards, pins, a flag and more.
1:00 p.m.
Check out all the new postseason gear at the 40-foot merchandise trailer on Citizens Bank Way.
Phillies Postseason Block Party, Citizens Bank Way (no game ticket required): This two-and-a-half-hour pregame fan event features a Phillies Pep Rally at 3:00 p.m. with surprise guests on the big postseason stage, along with music by the Armentani Brothers and DJ HBK.
Other highlights include the chance to ride on a giant Ferris wheel, get your face painted or play cornhole at the Budweiser Bar. GIANT will also have table games and prizes.
Plus, enjoy tasty offerings from local food trucks, as well as samplings and giveaways by Phillies partners. Audacy radio stations will also be on site.
1:38 p.m.
All gates open. Postseason rally towels for all fans, compliments of Hatfield Quality Meats. Also, the New Era Phillies Team Store and Phillies Authentics Shop (behind Section 133) featuring game-used items are both open to ticketed guests.
3:30 p.m.
Be in your seats for the on-field festivities surrounding the introduction of the Phillies and Mets, which includes the unfurling of a large American flag held by members of the U.S. military and Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments.
Ceremonial first pitches by 1993 National League champions and Phillies radio broadcasters Larry Andersen and Kevin Stocker.
National Anthem: Sung by Nikisha Williams, who will play Eliza Hamilton in the musical Hamilton, coming to the Academy of Music in Philadelphia this fall.
4:08 p.m.
Phillies vs. Mets game begins.
7th Inning
"God Bless America": Performed by U.S. Air Force Heritage Brass Band.
READ MORE: 'Phillies Day Care' mural pops up outside of Fishtown bar
Other Need-to-Know Information:
Bag Policy: In an effort to expedite entry, guests are prohibited from bringing non-clear bags, including backpacks and drawstring bags, into the ballpark. Only clutch purses and/or fanny packs (no larger than 5" x 7"), clear bags (no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"), medical bags and diaper bags will be permitted into Citizens Bank Park. All bags will be subject to inspection upon entry in accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations.
Access Tickets & More: Use the free MLB Ballpark app for your guide to Citizens Bank Park and to access tickets (including sports complex parking), forward tickets to friends, use the interactive concourse maps, enroll in Go-Ahead Entry and enjoy games.
Go-Ahead Entry: Enroll on the MLB Ballpark app for a free-flow ballpark entry experience that allows ticket holders the ability to enter the ballpark at full walking speed without stopping. Go-Ahead Entry lanes are located at the First Base, Third Base and Left Field Gates.
Parking: Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game. Tailgating lots (M, N & O) will open 5 hours prior to first pitch and non-tailgating lots will open 3 hours prior.
Uber RideShare Lot: Lot T is designated for Uber RideShare for all Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center events. Fans should exit the Third Base Gate and walk along Pattison Avenue toward Broad Street to enter the lot and request a vehicle, which will meet each rider in the designated area.
Public Transportation: Transit services are also available; for a SEPTA schedule, please visit www.septa.org.
Traffic: Log on to www.511pa.com, www.511nj.org or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions.
Stay Informed! Follow @PhilliesCBP on X and like the official Citizens Bank Park Facebook page.
Extra SEPTA service
SEPTA is helping fans get ready for Red October by offering extra service on the Broad Street Line this weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, SEPTA will supplement regular service to NRG Station with six Express trains leaving Fern Rock Transportation Center every 10 minutes beginning at 1 p.m.
Share your Phillies pride
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New playoff items at the Bank
Action News visited the team store in South Philadelphia to get a look at some of the new menu items and merchandise being offered at Citizens Bank Park.
New t-shirts, hats and hoodies are getting scooped up.
Some of the new items include milkshakes with cookie dough, or donuts on top -- inspired by the City Connect jerseys with yellow and blue icing. There is also a short rib sandwich with a horseradish kick.
And a fan favorite is back -- a giant turkey leg!
On the sweet side, Executive Chef Vonnie Negron and his team of talented chefs have created a new dessert pizza from Manco and Manco with apples, cheese and a caramel drizzle.
