It is commonly referred to by locals simply as "The Bank" or "C.B.P.". Citizens Bank Park opened on April 3, 2004, and hosted its first regular season baseball game on April 12 of the same year, with the Phillies losing to the Cincinnati Reds, 4–1.
The ballpark was built to replace the now-demolished Veterans Stadium (a football/baseball multipurpose facility), and features natural grass and dirt playing field and also features a number of Philadelphia-style food stands, including several which serve cheesesteaks, hoagies, and other regional specialties.
The ballpark lies on the northeast corner of the Sports Complex, which includes Lincoln Financial Field, Wells Fargo Center, and Xfinity Live!
The Phillies originally wanted a downtown ballpark similar to Baltimore, Denver, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit and San Francisco. Various locations were proposed, initially at Broad and Spring Garden streets, Spring Garden and Delaware Avenue and next to 30th Street Station, where the main post office was located.
The team and the city announced that the site would be at 13th and Vine streets, just north of Interstate 676, within walking distance of the Center City downtown district.
There was considerable support for a downtown ball park from business and labor and the city at large, but residents of the city's Chinatown section protested. The City and team eventually settled on building at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, on the site of an old food warehouse much like Lincoln Financial Field.
Ballpark: A - Great new ballpark, Ashburn Alley is amazing with all
the food choices. Great places to watch the game with standing room
only tickets. $179.98 for 2 tickets on Stub Hub - Phillies are sold out every game. Seats on 3B side - 14 rows up from field, clear view of action.
Fans & Atmosphere: B - There are plenty of places to sit and eat and enjoy
your meal during batting practice. Found many fans very nice despite Philadelphia's reputation, though a few who got out of hand after too many beers.
Food: B - Greg the Bull BBQ Kielbasa, Philly Cheese steak, and Chicky Pete’s fries, all for $24.00.
Mascot: A - The Phillie Phanatic (Best mascot in baseball), he is not boring.
Staff: A - Surprisingly friendly and helpful.
Team Tradition: A - Losing tradition for more than a century, team looks to be on their way towards post season again. Team honors and recognizes Philadelphia baseball in Memory Lane: the Phillies, Athletics and Stars of the Negro Leagues. Phillies Wall of Fame with plaques of Hall of Famers and stars who played in Philadelphia.
Location: B - The ballpark lies in south Philadelphia on the northeast corner of the Sports Complex, which includes Lincoln Financial Field, Wells Fargo Center, and Xfinity Live! Subway system is awful in Philadelphia. Need a car to get there.
Photos taken July 20, 2009 using a Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR with a EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Standard Zoom Lens, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens.