Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2019 campaign is around the corner. Up next: the Philadelphia Phillies and Citizens Bank Park.
The addition of Bryce Harper as part of an offseason that saw the Phillies overhaul their roster might have caught the most attention, but the organization has done plenty to improve its ballpark as well. Building off of renovations completed for the 2018 season, the Phillies have been working to upgrade Citizens Bank Park for 2019, with a particular focus on new gathering spaces and food options.
Along with Citizens Bank Park food and beverage partner Aramark, the Phillies previously announced a slate of renovations that is highlighted by the conversion of 24,500 square feet of space next to the Third Base Plaza into Pass and Stow. The area, formerly occupied by McFadden’s, will feature an open-air beer garden, family-friendly sports pub, 44 TVs to follow the action, Foundry Pizza, and more. Meanwhile, an adjacent space will become a 120-seat Shake Shack.
A touch of nostalgia has also been worked into the renovation. The Phillies restored a 19-foot high Liberty Bell replica that once sat atop Veterans Stadium, and will display it outside the newly renovated area. Not only does this allow an artifact from the club’s former home to receive a prominent spot at Citizens Bank Park, but it should give fans a new selfie spot to capture their day at the ballpark.
New food items are also on the way at Citizens Bank Park this season. For a unique combination, fans can check out the Donut Burger, featuring a fresh beef burger, cheese, bacon, and spicy cherry pepper jam on a glazed donut. Also new to the menu is Tandoori Chicken Wings, which are yogurt marinated chicken wings featuring Kashmiri chili pepper, tamarind and scallions. Vegan Lettuce Wraps have also been added to provide a healthy option, while the new Cheesy Bacon Topped Tots will come with tater tots, American cheese sauce, bacon, shredded cheddar jack cheese, and diced scallions.
The addition of Shake Shack means that Citizens Bank Park will feature some of the chain’s menu items as well. That includes the SmokeShack, a Shake Shack burger, topped with bacon, cherry peppers and ShackSauce.
There is also a unique menu item from a Philadelphia native, Roots drummer Questlove. As he just recently announced on Instagram, Questlove has partnered with Impossible Foods on the new Questlove’s Cheesesteak–a take on the signature Philadelphia cuisine that uses Impossible plant-based meat. In addition to select Live Nation venues, Questlove’s Cheesesteak will be served at Citizens Bank Park for all Phillies home games as well as ballpark concerts.
Rendering courtesy Philadelphia Phillies.
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