Philadelphia
Philadelphia City Overview
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia draws millions of visitors a year. Not everyone comes for the history, though. Food and drink affecionados flock here for local treasures like Philly steak sandwiches, a thriving wine scene, and more great beer bars than you could ever visit in a weekend, or week for that matter.
The sightseeing really is one of a kind. There’s Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the U.S. Mint, Reading Terminal Market and much more. The city is chock full of interesting, walkable neighborhoods and outlying areas offer numerous one of a kind attractions.
Philadelphia is the second largest city on the eastern seaboard, but the downtown area is surprisingly compact. You can get around on foot and via the occasional taxi just fine. The sports complex area, consisting of Citizens Bank Ballpark and Wachovia Center, is just five minutes south of downtown on Broad Street. Most attractions are centrally located, but you’ll need to rent a car if you’re exploring anything outside the city center.
The Neighborhood – Citizens Bank Ballpark
The neighborhood around Citizens Bank Ballpark is actually a series of other sports facilities. Within walking distance are Wachovia Center, home of the basketball 76′ers and hockey’s Flyers, and Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL’s Eagles. The Spectrum is still standing as well but is scheduled for demolition in the summer of 2009.
There are several restaurants and bars within a few blocks of the sports complex, and there’s usually an active pregame scene. You’re also close to downtown Philadelphia, and taxis are readily available.
The Ballpark
Billed as “not your typical ballpark”, Citizens Bank Ballpark certainly isn’t. The Philadelphia skyline provides the backdrop for an architecturally rich ballpark that is brimming with unique features and family attractions.
The park features bowl style seating and certain elements of the design harken back to Shibe Park and Baker Bowl. The upper and lower decks don’t perfectly align, a unique feature of Shibe Park. There’s also rooftop seating in right field which was another famous aspect of the Shibe Park experience. There’s a full walk around open air concourse that lets fans access all areas of the ballpark.
Baseball historians will appreciate the Phillies Hall of Fame and the numerous statues of Phillies greats, and Ashburn’s Alley, an outfield entertainment area named after Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Citizens Bank Ballpark are offered year around. During the season, you can tour the park Mondays through Saturdays at 10:30 and 12:30. In the offseason, catch a tour on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $9.
Historic Baseball Sites
Philadelphia has three former ballpark sites, and the first is right next to Citizens Bank Ballpark. There’s a parking lot where Veterans Stadium once stood from 1971 through 2003. It’s one of the best marked former balllpark sites in the country, as various memorials have been added in the years since the Vet was demolished. First, in 2005, a plaque and memorial were dedicated to honor veterans and mark the site of the stadium. Later that year, an historical marker honoring the stadium was unveiled. Finally in 2006, granite markers were added for the former sites of the bases, pitching mound, and also the football goalposts.
In north Philadelphia, about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the current ballpark, are two other historic baseball sites. The first is the former location of Baker Bowl, at North 15th Street and Lehigh Avenue. The Phillies played here until the middle of 1938, when they moved 5 blocks west to Shibe Park, then home of the Philadelphia Athletics. Baker Bowl survived in one form or another for the next 12 years and was demolished in 1950. There’s an historical marker at the site, along with a car wash, convenience store, and gas station.
At 21st and Lehigh Avenue you’ll see a large church that occupies the former site of Shibe Park. Also known as Connie Mack Stadium for many years, the ballpark was one of baseball’s original grande dames and sat at this corner from 1909 until it was demolished in 1976 after sitting vacant for five years. There’s a Philadelphia state historical marker outlining the park’s storied history.
Phillies Tickets
Phillies tickets are usually available day of game but many games do sell out. You’re probably wise to secure your tickets in advance, particularly for NL East opponents.
Public Transportation
If you’re staying in downtown Philadelphia, it’s possible and even advisable to take public transportation to the game. Taxis are another good option. It really depends on how much exploring you plan to do outside of the city center. On our first trip to Philadelphia, we didn’t rent a car and were able to explore the city center on foot. Our subsequent visit required a car and allowed us to take in outlying areas as well as the historic baseball sites in north Philadelphia, where riding public transportation (bus) is not recommended.
Restaurants, Taverns, and Great Beer Bars
One could argue that Philadelphia is one of the best beer drinking cities in America. Both within the city center and in outlying areas, there are numerous brewpubs and beer bars. Let’s take a look at a few spots where you can enjoy great beer without leaving the central core area:
Triumph Brewing of Philadelphia: Triumph is a stylish brewpub right near the popular Penn’s Landing area along the riverfront. Popular with both locals and tourists, this is one of three Triumph locations on the east coast. We particularly enjoyed the Coffee and Cream Stout, an exceptionally smooth milk stout. 117 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. Phone: 215-625-0855.
Nodding Head Brewpub: Nodding Head is another popular spot that has created quite a buzz among the Philadelphia beer community. Drawing a stylish after work crowd as well as blue collar workers, it’s a melting pot where everyone has one thing in common – great beer. 1516 Sansom St., Philadelphia. Phone: 215-569-9525.
Standard Tap: This unique bar is reminiscent of an old time public house, complete with a blackboard menu with daily specials and all sorts of local beer on tap. Settle in here for a few hours and enjoy. 2nd and Poplar, Philadelphia. Phone: 215-238-0630.
Fergie’s Pub: A few short blocks away from Nodding Head Brewpub is Fergie’s Pub, a local’s bar with a lively pation out back and an eclectic beer selection on tap, including several Pennsylvania micros. 1214 Sansom St., Philadelphia. Phone: 215-928-8118.
