MLB All-Star Village draws thousands of fans on opening day in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thousands of baseball fans turned out Saturday for the opening of MLB All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where interactive exhibits, games and attractions welcomed visitors as part of MLB All-Star Week.

The four-day event opened to the public at 10 a.m. and quickly drew crowds, with organizers reporting more than 5,000 fans in the first hour. This year's theme highlights Philadelphia neighborhoods and includes activities designed for fans of all ages.

Among the visitors was 8-year-old Ashton, who smiled for photos in his baseball jersey while taking part in attractions that allowed fans to experience the excitement of the MLB Draft.

"Great scene. As soon as we walked in, everything is super eye-catching, and it just gives the boys an opportunity to fall in love more with the game of baseball," said Andrew Yannarella of Perkasie, Ashton's dad.

Organizers said creating activities for the entire family is a key goal of the event.

"Important to us that everyone has something to do so that the whole family can come out because the goal of All-Star Village is to have everyone enjoy with their family," said Jaime Whittington, MLB's senior director of global event operations.

The village features a variety of attractions, including photo opportunities with what organizers call the world's biggest baseball, access to a mock-up All-Star clubhouse, displays featuring the lockers of Phillies players Christopher Sanchez and Kyle Schwarber, and a virtual reality home run derby experience.

"You step into the cage, put on your VR headset, and you're transported to Citizens Bank Park where you can hit home runs just like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, hopefully in the derby on Tuesday," said Peter Banks of MLB's video games and XR division.

At the center of the event, younger fans had the opportunity to participate in their own baseball activities, including fielding ground balls and playing games on a youth-sized diamond.

"I played second base," said 9-year-old Nicholas.

His uncle, Keith Wakefield of Rhawnhurst, praised the setup.

"This is so much fun; it's a great setup. It's nice that it's indoors too," Wakefield said.

Elsewhere, visitors took batting practice, explored exhibits highlighting baseball history and posed with this year's Home Run Derby championship chain.

"It's the Philly way," said Beth Ann McGarry of Aston. "I mean, baseball, Philadelphia, the city, the traditions, it's just handed down."

Organizers said hosting the event in Philadelphia, shortly after the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, has added to the atmosphere surrounding All-Star Week.

"There's been so much patriotism, so much hometown pride, so much love for baseball, we're having a great time with it," Banks said.

MLB All-Star Village will continue at the Pennsylvania Convention Center through Tuesday as part of the league's All-Star Week festivities.