Citizens Bank Park Guide – Where to Park, Eat, and Get Cheap Tickets

Citizens Bank Park is a ballpark that provides opportunity for great value. We are going to look at places to park for free, best value tickets for a Phillies game, and some options to save on food at the game. Going to watch the 2008 World Champs doesn’t have to break the bank.

Citizens Bank Park is Full of Iconic Images - via Flickr users slgckgc and Jake

Arriving at Citizens Bank Park

Alternative/Public Transportation to a Phillies Game

There are few public transportation options for Citizens Bank Park. SEPTA offers sports express lines for Phillies games on the Broad Street Line, stopping at the AT&T Station. 

AT&T Station is Just a 7 Minute Walk from the Park

You can also take a free shuttle to a Phillies game aboard the “Taxi Crab” which is provided by a popular local sports bar named Chickie & Pete’s, famous for the Crab Fries. This place is now a chain, but it was once voted the 3rd best sports bar in America by ESPN. You pay a small fee to park, and then they shuttle you to and from the game. 

Driving to a Phillies Game

There are places to park for free near Citizens Bank Park. Probably your best opportunity for free parking at a Phillies game is on Lawrence St. You will find this street about 2 blocks east of the stadium, and there is a decent amount of on the street parking available.

Street Parking is Available on Lawrence Street, Just 2 Blocks From the Park

If you do have to pay for parking, there are plenty of lots with approximately 21,000 spaces directly around the Citizens Bank Ballpark. I would at least try to find free parking first, but if not – paying won’t kill you here and you can get pretty close to the stadium.

Best Food At & Near Citizens Bank Park

Save Money on Food

You are allowed to take food into a Phillies game. You can take a small soft sided cooler in as well, so pack some ice or whatever. You don’t have to pay ballpark prices when you can bring stuff with you. There are however, a few things worth splurging on food-wise at Citizens Bank Park. Any non-alcoholic beverages must be brought in sealed plastic bottles as well.

Another great way to save money at Citizens Bank Park is to arrive early for food. Ashburn Alley, which is the hub for food and drink in the stadium, offers certain reduced price specials for the first hour they are open (the hour before the main gates open).

PHILLIES PRO-TIP: The "Schmitter" is an iconic sandwich made by McNally's, consisting of steak, salami, veggies, and cheese, all fried and smothered in special sauce. It has always been a must-eat at Citizens Bank Park, one of only three locations in all of Philly where the sandwich was sold.

The Legendary Schmitter is Gone for Now, But You Can Still Hunt One Out - via Flickr user Bryce Edwards

However, when park management moved the kitchen to new facilities, the quality of the sandwich dropped. In 2016, McNally's owner decided to stop selling the sandwich in Citizens Bank Park rather than let the quality suffer. It is unclear if it will return in 2017. Until then, it is available at McNally's, as well as at Lincoln Financial Field during the Eagles' season. 

Food in Citizens Bank Park You Shouldn't Miss

1. Tony Luke's Cheesesteak - you're in Philadelphia. Even if you go to both Pat's and Geno's (and you should), it's worth having one in the park. The quality is superb. Get there early, though - the secret is out and everyone is in line. 

Tony Luke's is Your Route to the Philadelphia Promised Land - via Flickr user Bryce Edwards

2. Chickie and Pete's - they argue that they invented "Crab Fries", which are crinkle cut and sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning. Whether they did or not, they are a fantastic side, especially with the cheese.

Some argue these are "the reason to go to Phillies games..."

You will be tempted to sit down in the iconic Harry the K's Broadcast Bar, which has fun views and lively murals. Avoid the temptation: it's crowded, poorly serviced, and serves mediocre food. With many other options along Ashburn Alley, just pose with Harry at his statue and avoid the meal.

Cheap Phillies Tickets

Best Value Seats at Citizens Bank Park

Many stadiums boast “great sight lines” but I think the Phillies actually have it. Even the cheapest seats have a pretty nice view of the action. I would not be afraid to buy the cheap seats and stick with them here. This can not be said at every ballpark.

Another thing I noticed about Citizens Bank Park is the lack of variance in ticket prices. What I mean is, the difference between the cheapest seats and the most expensive seats if less than $150. There are numerous sections with tickets under $40, so feel free to bump yourself up. This is a good thing if you want to improve your view a little bit without killing your wallet.

If you want to sit in the outfield, I would avoid right field in the summer time. The way the sunsets, you will have the sun in your face for the first half of the game which leads to 2 things; sweating and sneezing. At least that is the case for me.

Left Field seats at Citizens Bank Park have the disadvantage of being right in front of the scoreboard and big screen. I personally like to be able to see the screen for stats and mid inning entertainment, which really adds to the game. If it were me, I would try to sit somewhere besides the outfield sections for the above mentioned reasons.

The Phillies Massive Scoreboards Provide Entertainment - via Flickr user Peter Bond

I said before that I think most seats provide a decent angle and view of the action, but if you want bang for your buck you could look at seats in sections 419 – 422. If you can get seats in a low row you will really have an exceptional view.

Where to Stay While Visiting Citizens Bank Park

Phree Stuff at Citizens Bank Park

The Phillies website has a spectacular page that details all the fun features of the ballpark, including many free displays, games, and artwork.