Why are the MLB teams wearing camo hats today?

On Friday, May 20, the Phillies will host the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first of a three-game series at Citizens Bank Park. The games will be held during Armed Forces Weekend, which is being celebrated throughout Major League Baseball. To pay tribute to our nation’s armed forces, players and on-field personnel will wear camouflage caps and socks.

Below is a look at all the promotions and Phillies fun surrounding the games. Plus, see below for other need-to-know information including safety guidelines, cashless parking details, ballpark entry permitted items and more.

1.    On Friday, May 20, join Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience Brain Tumor Awareness Night at the 7:05 p.m. game. A portion of the ticket proceeds through this event will benefit the Jefferson Brain Tumor Center Support Group. Other highlights include a ceremonial first pitch by Jefferson Hospital patient Frederic Houdaille and a ceremonial base change by David W. Andrews, MD, FACS, Anthony Alfred Chiurco, MD Professor of Neurological Surgery.

·      Also, be on the lookout for local professional boxer Jaron “Boots” Ennis, a 24-year-old undefeated welterweight from Germantown, who will join the Phillie Phanatic on-field at the end of the fifth inning. In addition to being a rising star, Ennis recently made headlines after dedicating his fight last Saturday to 7-year-old Jax Ramirez, in hopes of finding a life-saving donor for the youngster.

·      Plus, it’s Leine Friday! Fans 21 and older are invited to stop by Leinenkugel’s Left Field or the High and Inside Pub (behind home plate on the Terrace Level) for a free koozie (while supplies last).

1.    On Saturday, May 21, military heroes will take the field on Armed Forces Day for Phillies Salute to Service presented by Toyota. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 5:30 p.m. for this on-field celebration that will honor all active members, veterans and military families for their service to the country. In addition to players wearing camouflage, the game will include commemorative Armed Forces Day base jewels**.** The full lineup for the pregame tribute can be found here.

• Throughout the game, the Phillies and Toyota will also be highlighting the important work of Team Foster, whose mission is “No Hero Left Behind.” Team Foster is an incredible resource for veterans, raising money to obtain, uniquely train and provide service dogs to injured and disabled veterans at no cost.

·      Plus, the first 1,000 fans who purchase tickets for this Theme Night event will receive a voucher for an exclusive Phillies Salute to Service Members camo hat.

• Other ballpark highlights include a pregame Saturday Block Party presented by Anheuser-Busch at the Third Base Plaza.

1.    The weekend concludes on Sunday, May 20, with a 1:35 p.m. game that features a Johnson Controls Arm Sleeve for children 14 and under. Plus, Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt will take the field to make the ceremonial first pitch in honor of RDK Melanoma Awareness Day, dedicated to saving lives through education about the prevention and early detection of skin cancer, especially melanoma.

• Fans can learn more about the cause at an RDK Melanoma Awareness table at the First Base Plaza. As a reminder to stay sun safe, the organization has also provided sunscreen dispensers, which will be available throughout the ballpark this summer. In addition, a portion of the Phillies Charities, Inc. 50/50 drawing, presented by DraftKings, will benefit the RDK Melanoma Foundation.

1.    Bid on once-in-a-lifetime player and alumni experiences, memorabilia and more in the 10th Anniversary Phantastic Auction**.** This online charity event takes place on phillies.com/phantasticauction until Friday, May 27. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia, as well as Phillies Charities, Inc.

• This year’s auction features 60 once-in-a-lifetime items with highlights including the chance to host a kid’s Wiffle ball party with 2021 MVP Bryce Harper or Home Run Derby with Kyle Schwarber in The Yard, an on-field workout class with Alec Bohm, a behind-the-scenes tour of Citizens Bank Park with Aaron Nola, private lessons with Jean Segura, Zack Wheeler or J.T. Realmuto, and more.

• Unique memorabilia are also part of the Phantastic Auction, with opportunities to bid on such items as the 2021 MVP Bryce Harper congratulations banner, Phillie Phanatic hot dog launcher, or a Philadelphia MVP autographed bat collection including Harper, Ryan Howard, Mike Schmidt, among others. Experiences are also part of the online event including the chance to mow the outfield grass or have the ultimate dream wedding, all at Citizens Bank Park.

Other need-to-know information:

1. Safety guidelines: In accordance with the City’s recently updated safety guidelines, fans are strongly encouraged to wear masks in indoor spaces at the ballpark including the Diamond Club, retail stores, elevators and restrooms. Fans are reminded to bring their own mask if they will be at one of the previously mentioned areas at Citizens Bank Park.
2. Parking lots: Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game. Tailgating lots (M, N & O) will open 5 hours prior to first pitch and non-tailgating lots will open 3 hours prior.
3. Access Tickets & More: Use the free MLB Ballpark app as your guide to Citizens Bank Park to access tickets, forward to friends, use the interactive concourse maps and enjoy games.
4. Gate Openings: All gates open 90 minutes before game time.
5. To expedite entry: Guests are prohibited from bringing bags, including backpacks, into the ballpark. Only clutch purses (12”x 12” x 1”), fanny packs, medical bags, clear or solid tote bags and diaper bags will be permitted into Citizens Bank Park.
6. Broadcast: All games will broadcast on NBCSP, 94 WIP and WTTM 1680, as well as available via live stream for authenticated subscribers on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s MyTeams app. The game on May 22 will also broadcast on MLBN (out-of-market only).
7. Stay informed! Follow @PhilliesCBP on Twitter and like the official Citizens Bank Park Facebook page.