Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia might lack the history of Fenway Park or Wrigley Field, or the view of PNC Park, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this ballpark is one of the best out there.
Even if it doesn’t seem to frequently get cited when people list their favorite parks, this South Philly facility is certainly one that should be on your must-see list. CBP is a great place to visit not just because of the cheesesteaks — although they certainly enhance the experience.
This is the eighth edition of my “Five Things I Love” series, which looks at five random things that I love about each ballpark I’ve visited. This is a series that celebrates the sometimes subtle things that make ballpark experiences enjoyable and memorable, and hopefully encourages you to think about your favorite features at each park you visit.
Here are five things I love about Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies:
1. Ashburn Alley
Without question, my absolute favorite place at Citizens Bank Park is Ashburn Alley. Named after Richie Ashburn, a hall of fame Phillies player and broadcaster, this 50,000-foot space stretches 625 feet in length behind the outfield fence. It’s the liveliest part of the park, and is absolutely packed with fans from the minute the gates open through the conclusion of the game. It features an area called Memory Lane, which pays tribute to the history of the franchise, it provides a good view of the center field bullpens and it has numerous concession options — yes, including cheesesteaks.
2. The Home Run Liberty Bell
Situated just a handful of steps from the Ashburn Alley concourse is Citizens Bank Park’s Home Run Liberty Bell. It lights up, moves and rings when the Phillies hit home runs and win games, but I love just how close fans can get to the 52-foot structure. If you want to stand directly beneath it, simply go up to the rooftop above Ashburn Alley. For another good view of the bell, you can hang out in sections 201 or 301 in right-center field.
3. The Rooftop
The Rooftop section at Citizens Bank Park has been known by various corporate monikers throughout its existence; today, it’s technically called the CP Rankin Rooftop, which doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Regardless of its name, this is a fun space to watch a few innings of the game. It’s above Ashburn Alley, and while I could’ve counted it under the first entry on this list, I feel that it’s worth its own spot. Grab some food and a drink in the Alley, climb up to the Rooftop and take a spot along the railing for a great view of the game. The bleachers in this area are meant to mimic the rooftop bleachers across from old Shibe Park, which creates a fun, nostalgic feel.
4. The Third Base Gate
While the third base gate itself doesn’t particularly excite me, an observation point above it does. When you stand in this space and face away from the field, you’ll get to enjoy a great view of two other big league facilities that are adjacent to Citizens Bank Park — Wells Fargo Center, home of the Flyers and 76ers, and Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Eagles. I love how Philly has these three sports facilities grouped together in an area known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. As someone who loves doubleheaders, I love the idea of somehow being able to attend games at two of these venues on the same day.
5. The Downtown Skyline View
I’m always a sucker for a downtown skyline view — even more so when you can enjoy the view from a ballpark. There are a number of places around Citizens Bank Park from which you get a clear view of downtown Philly. My favorite vantage point for this view is the upper deck above the first base line, which gives you a beautiful perspective of the skyline in the distance and a nice look at the ballpark in the foreground.
What are your favorite parts of Citizens Bank Park?