You think you’ve seen it all in October at Citizens Bank Park? You’ve seen the towels. You’ve heard the thunder. You’ve felt the kind of noise that rattles visiting teams to their bones. But here’s something new: this week, the Phillies are charging 31,000 people ten bucks apiece to come scream at a scrimmage.,
Yes, a scrimmage. A glorified intrasquad game. Practice, as Allen Iverson would say. And in South Philly fashion, it’s sold out.
On Wednesday night, three days before the Division Series begins, Citizens Bank Park will open its gates to an event manager Rob Thomson once described as “four hours of hell.” Only this time, it won’t be the Braves or the Mets on the other side. It’ll be Cristopher Sánchez and Matt Strahm facing their own teammates while tens of thousands of fanatics treat every pitch like it’s October baseball.
The Phillies already credit their fans for transforming the ballpark into an October advantage. Now they’ll find out if that same energy can help them prepare for Saturday.
Last year, they held the same scrimmage behind closed doors — Bryce Harper’s squad in powder blues against Kyle Schwarber’s in red pinstripes — and played to a 5–5 tie after eight innings. That one included uniforms, intensity, and even a friendly wager. Word is there’s a similar bet on the line this time.
So the scrimmage returns, only louder. And if the atmosphere mirrors what Citizens Bank Park has become the past two Octobers, it won’t feel like practice at all.
“Our fans continue to show why they are simply the best,” said John Weber, the Phillies’ senior vice president of ticket operations. “More than 31,000 will be in the stands for our first-ever postseason intrasquad game, bringing their same energy and passion that have continuously created an electric atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park. We’re excited to host this special event as we gear up for Game 1 of the National League Division Series.”
This is the new normal. The Phillies know their fans are their secret weapon. They’ve seen opponents wilt in the noise. They’ve watched home-field advantage morph into something closer to home-field intimidation. So why wait until Saturday? Why not unleash it early, raise money for Phillies Charities, and give the players a taste of what’s coming?
A scrimmage. Almost 31,000 fans. In Philadelphia, that doesn’t just make sense. It makes perfect sense.
Things to know
For those heading down, here’s what to know: gates open at 4:30 p.m., with entry available through the First Base, Third Base, and Left Field gates. Parking will be free in Lots P, S, T, and U, along with part of Lot M, beginning at 4 p.m.
First pitch of the scrimmage is set for 6 p.m. A limited number of concession stands on the lower concourse will be open, and the New Era Phillies Team Store will also operate during the event.
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