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10 things to know if you’re attending the Phillies home opener

Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff home run during the Phillies home opener in 2022. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

It’s been only 156 days since the Phillies last played in front of a raucous home crowd. The wait is over.

Friday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds has been sold out for weeks. The home opener has always been a time for Phillies fans to gather and celebrate the beginning of a new season, but there’s a heightened level of excitement this year. The Phillies are coming off a thrilling run to the World Series that has reignited an entire city’s love for baseball.

If you’re one of the lucky fans with tickets to Friday’s game, here are a few things you should know:

1. All gates open at 12:35 p.m.

If you’re dying to get to the ballpark as early as possible, you’re in luck. Gates will open two and a half hours before first pitch. Fans who arrive early will get a rare chance to watch the tail end of Phillies batting practice, which begins at 12.

2. Getting through security will be much faster.

New this year, the Phillies are partnering with Evolv Technology for a more efficient security process. Fans will be able to walk through metal detectors without having to remove cell phones, keys or other metal objects. Bags that comply with the existing stadium policy will no longer have to be individually checked by security. Fans that “beep” will go through a separate screening process. If you attended a Philadelphia Eagles home game in 2022, this process should be familiar to you.

3. Free BBQ, beer and giveaways in Lot M.

Before heading inside, stop by Lot M (south of Pattison Ave. near Darien St.) from noon to three for a tailgate featuring free barbecue and beer from Big Rube and Phillies giveaways from Shibe Vintage Sports and Baseball BBQ.

4. Take photos with the National League Championship trophy.

Fans attending the home opener can snap photos with the 2022 National League championship trophy in the first base plaza. If the line is a bit long, don’t worry because the trophy will be on display during all April home games.

5. You can be one of the first to try the newest ballpark menu items.

From Uncle Charlie’s steaks to vegan chicken parm, there’s plenty of new food items to try at Citizens Bank Park. Phillies Nation recently got the chance to sample many of the new offerings:

6. Be in your seats at 2:15 p.m. for pregame ceremonies.

Even with the new screening process, it’s best that you plan on getting inside early if you want to be in your seats for the start of the pregame festivities.

7. The “Leadoff Walk” is back again.

Phillies players will once again walk through Ashburn Alley and onto the field via the seating area in left center field as part of the “Leadoff Walk.” If you or your child absolutely have to give Trea Turner a high five, be one of the first in line by the left field gate when the ballpark opens at 12:35 and be prepared to wait a couple hours.

8. Phillies pregame introductions begin at around 2:38 p.m.

If you don’t really care about the “Leadoff Walk” make sure you’re in your seats at around 2:38 for the beginning of Phillies introductions. It will be immediately followed by the raising of the 2022 National League championship banner at around 2:49.

9. Kane Kalas to sing National Anthem, Nick Sirianni to throw out first pitch.

Kane Kalas, the son of legendary Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas, will put a bow on the pregame ceremonies with the singing of the National Anthem in front of his late father’s statue near the left field foul pole. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Doug Pederson threw out the first pitch to Rhys Hoskins during the Phillies home opener in 2018. That was somehow five years ago.

10. The Phillies can’t lose to the Reds, right?

The home opener is always exciting, but it kind of stinks that the Phillies are returning to Philadelphia with a 1-5 record. The Cincinnati Reds are projected to be one of the worst teams in the sport this year, but they have a young flamethrower in Hunter Greene slated to start on the mound against a banged up Phillies lineup. Zack Wheeler’s performance will more than likely decide whether or not this year’s home opener will be a memorable one.