Keep up your heels! It’s here: Friday, that wonderful day of the week…and the weekend is in sight, in all its glory.  So magical. But before you head off for a weekend of fun, we just wanted to let you know something.

Yes, that’s right. With the West Coast trip winding down, (those late night starts were really beginning to put a damper on beauty sleep, huh?), the Phillies will come back to us to begin a homestand filled with NL East rivals and a visit from Canada too.  Here are a few things you’ll need to know to fully prepare for the upcoming homestand:

#1. Dollar Dogs Ya’ll

Seriously, there’s no better deal than a dollar dog at a baseball game.  Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Night returns not once but twice this homestand on Tuesday, April 29 and Monday, May 5. Bring a $20 and make some friends at CBP. Top them with ketchup, mustard, onions, relish, hot sauce – hey, we don’t judge here. How do you top your dogs?

#2. SCIENCE

On Tuesday, April 29, the Phillies, for the 4th consecutive year, will celebrate all the cool things science has to offer with the Philadelphia Science Festival Night. Fans can check out more than a dozen fun and interactive exhibits from The Phillies, Dow (we’re talking an actual racecar, people), NASA, the Franklin Institute and many more organizations! Kids can explore the various stations throughout the ballpark, complete tasks to collect stamps on a Citizens Bank Park map and earn a prize for visiting five or more locations. Check out all the details here.

#3. Chris Earhart!

We wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a household name following this performance. The first-ever Phillies R U Game? Talent Search winner is performing the national anthem on-field on Wednesday, April 30. The man is talented – wait until you see it! We’re beyond excited about this.

#4. Moms Rock.

Motown Philly group Boyz II Men said it best. Moms are not only special but they’re pretty rockin’ too. They also like presents. We’re giving out a very stylish Phillies derby hat for the StubHub Mother’s Appreciation Day to all ladies 15 and over on Sunday, May 4. Bring your mama and she’ll know just how much you care! Also, Domonic Brown is showing his mom some love during pregame on Sunday with a special recognition on-field. You don’t want to miss this day dedicated to moms!!

#5. Sundays are the best days to celebrate at CBP

Bring the fam to a Sunday game and be delighted with deals on food, entertainment and, of course, Phillies baseball.  There’s not much more you can ask for! Check out all the details, including discounted ICE CREAM, here. P.S. These specials are taking place each and every Sunday home game.

So get your tickets and head to a few games this upcoming week and weekend. The boys are back in town – for you!

#TweetOfTheWeek

Not sure which we love more: The red socks, Phillies red of course, or the sleeping Ben Revere.  #SleepyBenny

Christmas come early…well, sort of. We didn’t have Santa BUT we did have Citizens Bank Red Goes Green Day! The program launched in 2008 and continues to grow (pun intended) both within the confines of Citizens Bank Park and all across the Delaware Valley. The Phillies celebrated Earth Day (which will actually take place on April 22) with a ballpark-wide Citizens Bank Red Goes Green Day prior to and during Thursday’s game against the Braves.

Things kicked off with Phils third baseman Cody Asche, Phillies president David Montgomery, ARAMARK’s regional director Brian Hastings, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Drew Becher and the Phanatic who joined in to ceremonially plant a tree in Cody’s name as part of the Phillies’ Home Runs for Trees program. For each home run a Phillies player hits, a tree will be planted through the Plant One Million program with a goal of restoring the region’s tree population. The Lorax would be so proud! (We speak for the trees…too!)

Fans also received a very awesome Red Goes Green tote, compliments of MLB Network – perfect for bringing home groceries in lieu of using a plastic bag!

Local “green” vendors were stationed at the ballpark entrance gates to showcase the various ways fans can get green while wearing their Phillies red. For a full list of the “green” vendors, check it out right here.

Also in the mix, the bases were lined with snazzy Phillies Red Goes Green jewels and fans were treated to tips on PhanaVision before and during the game – all in the name of mother Earth.

The Phillies recognized Gail Reinhart from Welch Elementary School as the winning teacher in the 2014 Citizens Bank Phillies Red Goes Green Sustainability Initiative Contest as well. Gail is a third grade teacher and runs the Ecology Club where she leads her students in many projects, including maintaining a meadow project, discovering new ways to conserve water and lots more cool, Earth-friendly stuff!

The Phillies beat the Braves AND we learned how to be a bit greener and friendlier to the Earth. Not a bad day.

A truly significant moment in Major League Baseball history occurred 67 years ago today when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier on April 15, 1947. The Phillies, along with Major League Baseball, will pay tribute to this milestone with a “Jackie Robinson Salute” at Citizens Bank Park prior to today’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Braves. Here are some highlights for our Jackie Robinson Salute:

The entire Phillies team will wear #42 in honor of Jackie.

A life-size, hand-carved and painted wooden statue of Jackie Robinson will be on display in the Left Field Plaza of Ashburn Alley for fans to take photos. The statue, which weighs over 250 pounds and stands over 6 feet tall, was created by sculptor Brian Birrer and took over 900 hours to transform from over 50 pieces of Walnut, Pine and Basswood.

Mahlon Duckett, second baseman and the only surviving player from the historic Philadelphia Stars, will be honored on the field. The Philadelphia Stars was in existence from 1934 to 1952 and won the 1934 Negro National League pennant. Phillies players will help pay tribute to this living legend on-field.

A photo taken during last year’s pregame.

Members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, who made history at the same time Jackie Robinson broke the “color line” in Major League Baseball, will be the honor guard for the game.

The national anthem will be sung by Chrystal E. Williams, mezzo-soprano and Academy of Vocal Arts Resident Artist.

In addition, fans can watch the Phillies’ “I am 42” video tribute to Jackie Robinson, which will be played on PhanaVision.

Fans will also receive a Jackie Robinson print (photo at the top of this post) with quotes from manager Ryne Sandberg and Phillies players on Jackie Robinson and his impact on them on the back.

#TweetOfTheWeek

We couldn’t choose one so here are a few Phillies  players expressing what Jackie meant to them on this day:

ICYMI!

He’s used to his role behind the plate and catching strikes from the likes of Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.  But last night, Carlos Ruiz was doing a pretty good job of throwing them himself as he hosted the Philadelphia Futures Get in the Game bowling event held at North Bowl in Northern Liberties. All proceeds from the evening support Philadelphia Futures’ academic enrichment and college guidance activities for students. The player and coaching staff came out in full force with outstanding representation at the fundraiser as well.  Gotta support Chooch, right? Especially when it’s for a great cause.

Festive ambiance

Check out Howard’s skills

Some happy fans and our manager, Ryne Sandberg, and his wife, Margaret.

Such a turkey…

Phillies President, David Montgomery, and Jimmy Rollins chat with some attendees.

Attendees got their silent auction of great Phillies memorabilia on as well

For more info on what the Phillies are up to when they’re off the field and making a difference, check out phillies.com/community!

Walk off Pie? Delicious!

In celebration of 10 years of baseball at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies have a number of events and initiatives planned, including “Citizens Bank Park Saturdays” with the first held just last night featuring some very special reunions.

Ballgirls Assemble!

Fifty, (that’s right 50!) former Ballgirls, representing the rosters from 2004-2014, returned last night to celebrate 10 years of guarding foul territory and representing the Phillies organization in the community. The ladies gathered at the Left Field Gate to sign autographs for happy fans during pregame and then danced it out with the Phanatic during the 5th to Pharrell’s “Happy.”

Can We Build It?

Yes they did. The Ballpark Project Team, who designed and constructed Citizens Bank Park, returned to be recognized prior to the game and throw some first balls as well. Among those honored were: John Stranix, Project Manager; Jack Donnelly, CEO L.F. Driscoll Co.; Joe Spear Populous; and Pradeep Patel, Ewing Cole. Some other cool guys posed for photos with them as well.

Welcome Back Rheal!

Former Phillies pitcher Rheal Cormier, who not only has a very cool name but also recorded the first win at Citizens Bank Park on April 15, 2004 (as well as the last win at Jack Russell Stadium on March 26, 2003 and the last win at Veterans Stadium on September 27, 2003) returned to CBP last night.  He threw a ceremonial first ball as well as signed autographs for fans.

The Phillies plan to bring back alumni, all of which have made historic contributions to the club, throughout the season for each Saturday home game as part of Citizens Bank Park Saturdays. Be on the lookout for more alumni schedule announcement throughout the entire season!

Us too. We all know that Fridays are always a good time but tomorrow is extra awesome.  And we’re not just talking about the great weather forecast. Let’s also discuss our first Friday game of the season and all that’s in store…besides the Marlins heading into town for the first weekend series of 2014, of course.

#PhilliesSocial Nights Begin

The first #PhilliesSocial Night is tomorrow! Get excited!!! In honor of the evening, Phillies pitcher Jake Diekman is leading off the series of social media-focused nights (there are six dates in all) with a Twitter Chat tomorrow at 12:30 pm on @Phillies. Make sure you’re a follower and get your questions ready!  Also, give him a follow on Twitter too, @JakeDiekman!

Fans who purchase tickets as part of #PhilliesSocial get some pretty cool perks. Not only do they get a great ticket price with a concession credit on their ticket aka a Power Ticket but they also score an @Phillies t-shirt (they’re blue this year!) AND get to stand in their own private viewing area during BP. Diekman and a few other Phillies players may have some surprises for those very social fans too!  There are also special Phillies trivia questions with cool prizes to the first fan who answers correctly. This goes on throughout the game and there are many fun prizes to be won. (P.S. You have to be in attendance of the #PhilliesSocial game to be eligible to win!)

Interested in coming to our #PhilliesSocial games? Grab your tickets here.

Asian Pacific Celebration

The Phillies will host our 11th annual Asian Pacific Celebration at the ballpark tomorrow as well. Beginning at 5:45 p.m., you can see gate performances by Philadelphia Suns, FISDU, Platinum Dream Events and the Bhutanese American Organization-Philadelphia Dance Club. The performances continue on-field with the Filipino Intercultural Society of Drexel University, Hoh Daiko Drummers, performing traditional Japanese-style drumming, and the Philadelphia Suns, performing traditional Chinese lion dancing!  There will also be great food and music throughout the evening all in honor of the Asian community.

You’ll also get to see the always adorable Mei Mei dancers (pictured above) perform with the Phanatic during the 5th inning! And then the Platinum Dream Events performers will return to dance on the dugout in the 7th.

Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s game and this weekend – buy a couple for you and a friend here.

So TGIF your way over to CBP tomorrow for great baseball and cool theme nights!

Of course we are open! Now that our Modell’s Sporting Goods Opening Day is officially in the books we’re gearing up for our Opening Week games and all the 2014 games to be played at Citizens Bank Park.

I’m Lovin’ It on Wednesday

First up is McDonald’s Opening Night (April 9!) featuring a navy PHILLIES t-shirt for fans 15 and over. Check out this artist’s rendering right over here.

Also, the national anthem will be sung by St. Dorothy’s Choir hailing from Springfield, Pa.

Want a magnet that also tells you things?

Then Thursday’s game, that’s also April 10th, is for you! The xpedx 2014 magnet schedule will be given to each and every fan who enters the gates of Citizens Bank Park which will not only hold things up when placed onto something metal but will also tell you the game, TV and promotional schedules for the Fightin’ Phils – quite the multitasking magnet.

Holy Family University will be in the house that night and the Havertones are singing the anthem. Here are the Havertones singing in 2013 for a bit of a preview.

Right-hander Kyle Kendrick will host his Kendrick’s Krew group during pregame on Thursday with the T-21 Club of the Delaware Valley. In 2013, he launched his charitable ticket program where he purchases game tickets, t-shirts and meets with children living with autism and down syndrome. Pretty cool, right?

Tickets Here!

Want to come to the games? Awesome. You can buy them at phillies.com, call 215-463-1000 or head to the First Base Ticket Windows to buy in person.

SIDE NOTE: Both the Wednesday and Thursday games start at 7:05 pm with gates at 5:05 pm (Ashburn Alley) and all gates at 5:35 pm.

Can’t come to the games? That makes us sad. But we still want you to be in the know so watch each night’s broadcast on The Comcast Network or listen on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT and SportsRadio 94WIP.  Habla espanol? We’re also broadcasting the game in Spanish on SAP and WTTM 1680AM.

Hope to see you at the games this week!

The Official Modell’s Sporting Goods Opening Day Lineup of amazing phandom has been announced!

It’s pretty epic, and full of phandom events, so you should probably call out sick from work/school/all other non-Phillies related life involvement now.

We Like, We Like To Party

Get here early to take full advantage of the CB Way Party festivities. Tons of entertainment on the stage including a performance by Go Go Gadjet, food, drinks and more! It starts at noon for fans who especially like to party before their Opening Day game.

All gates open at 12:35pm but feel free to hang out and party for awhile.

Walk This Way

This leadoff walk is extra special on our Opening Day. Fans who haven’t entered the ballpark yet can line up on 10th Street to cheer on the Phillies as they make their way into the ballpark. Get your high fives on with your favorite Phillies, why don’t ya?

If you’re already in the ballpark, don’t fret! You’ll have already received your Citizens Bank Park banner, compliments of Modell’s Sporting Goods – so that’s already a win.

Then you can head to your seats and get ready for a must-see pregame show, including the grand entrance of the 2014 Phillies squad via a Phillies-red carpet, performances by the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Men’s Chorale of “Philadelphia Pride” and “America the Beautiful,” and the unfurling of an awe-inspiring American flag by Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard members as well as Philadelphia Police and Fire Department personnel carrying the state flags along the infield.  It’s truly a beautiful site.

This is The Voice!

Jacquie Lee. Our hometown girl (she’s from Colt’s Neck, NJ – so a Jersey girl!) who became America’s sweetheart during her time on Team Xtina and the top-rated NBC show, The Voice, will be performing the national anthem on-field at CBP! You definitely don’t want to miss it.

Might As Well Jump

Or leap? The Leap Frogs, the United States Navy Parachute Team, will deliver the first balls via jumping out of a plane and parachuting into the ballpark.

Seriously, so cool to see!

Play Ball!

Once the first pitches are thrown, including by a SURPRISE Phillies alumnus and Modell’s Sporting Goods rep, the Phillies will take on the Brewers at 3:05 p.m.

What’s the Phanatic Say?

Find out during a performance on-field during the 5th inning. It may or may not look a little something like this…only live!

7th Inning Stretching

While we stretch we’re also going to be supremely entertained by Julia Udine, who plays Christine in Phantom of the Opera, as she sings God Bless America.

Lots of stuff but all phandom you definitely need to know. Also, it has to be said, everything is weather permitting – so let’s all start doing our anti-rain combined with our anti-wind dances now.

See you at the Home Opener on Monday! We can’t wait!!

But seriously, we know you do.  Especially a surprise that also involves a fan’s favorite player. Right?

The crazy monsoon rain last weekend washed away game 2 of the Phillies vs. Pirates On Deck Series on Saturday but we were able to get game 1 in on Friday night and all the player surprises for fans all over Citizens Bank Park! Here are just a few of our personal favs.

#SelfieStation

The Phillies are loving social media more and more.  We’re always trying to think of ways to reach fans on a more personal level. And so the #SelfieStation came to be.

Phillies centerfielder Ben Revere has a blast posing for selfies with some very excited fans on the Budweiser Rooftop before the game. Say cheese!

Well, he has been known to post a few selfies of his own so he’s a bit of a pro…

Watch the Tramcar please.

(Can you hear that recording in your head?  Just think – those Wildwood and Jersey Shore days are on their way!)

So, who needs a lift to the game? How about from Phillies outfielder, Domonic Brown?

Fans arriving at the game were treated to some All-Star service, indeed! Don’t worry – he’s a licensed driver and all arrived to the game safely…and smiling.

Excuse me, Bartender?

Be nice to your bartender, especially when it’s Ryan Howard.

Fans couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Howard behind the Diamond Club bar serving drinks and meeting fans.

Now that’s a perfect pour – well done, Ryan!

The On Deck player-fan interactions and experiences were just a small way for us to show how much we value our fans – and want to get them as close to their team as they possibly can! Did you come to the game on Friday?

P.S. Tickets for Saturday’s game can be exchanged for a future 2014 regular season game and for comparable level…meaning if you are holding a 100 level ticket, you’re going to get a 100 level ticket for the game you choose (obviously based on availability).  The Home Opener is excluded from games you can choose as well. Ticket exchanges can be done in person at the Citizens Bank Park Advance Ticket Windows, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm.  You can also mail them in along with your requested game date to: Philadelphia Phillies Ticket Office, One Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, Pa. 19148.

#TweetOfTheWeek

After JRoll’s grand slam on Opening Day in Texas, fans flooded social media with major love. And he was very appreciative of the kinds words.

Jake Diekman extremely happy to share his Opening Day experience with his fam.

And J.P. Crawford just made us hungry.