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07/03/2004 Archived Entry: "Phillies Games"

I've been looking forward to driving to a Phillies game all season, as I was anxious to see their new stadium, Citizen's Bank Park, just opened this season. I finally had my chance this week -- twice -- with a private charter Wednesday evening, and a public tour Friday evening. Last night's game included fireworks to celebrate the Independence Day holiday (photo above right) after the game -- the game being a 16 inning marathon with the Baltimore Orioles. Unfortunately the Phillies lost both games, 6-3 Wednesday to the Montreal Expos, and 7-6 last night to the Orioles, but they hang on to first place by a game, since the Florida Marlins also lost again yesterday.

Parking at the game was much improved over last year. This year there is a separate bus parking area, although all the way in the back corner of the parking lot -- but at least buses are kept seperate from cars, which is a good thing. There were almost 25 motorcoaches at the game last night -- the most I've ever seen at a Phillies game -- and, of course, the game was sold out. Because the game went so late, many people had left early, despite the great fireworks show promised after the game, so traffic wasn't bad at all on the way home.

One thing worth noting if you drive to the Phillies games: parking is $19 for motorcoaches, but the parking lot attendants will typically tell you it's $20, hoping to avoid making change and pocketing the extra buck for themselves. Don't let 'em get away with it! Demand your dollar change if you give them a $20, and ask for a supervisor if they're hesitant; that's what I had to do last night. Wednesday night I had an honest attendant who only asked for the $19, but last night every bus driver I talked to had been asked for $20. It's not a big deal, but it's the principle of the thing! It's a shame the parking lot attendants can't be a little more honest -- it gives Philadelphia a bad image. The parking prices are not posted anywhere obvious, so they usually get away with it if you don't know any better.