Said to be one of the more heated rivalries in the National League, you’ll be in for a treat when attending a Mets-Phillies game. Between the many brawls of the 1980s, to the unbalanced scheduling in the early 2000s that made divisional rivalries meet each other more frequently, to the controversial statements made by both teams regarding their rivals’ status in the NL, this rivalry is always interesting to watch.
The Phillies and Braves have both been members of the National League for over a century, but the rivalry between the two didn’t really kick off until the ‘90s. The two teams met in the 1993 NLCS, and in 1994 the Phillies and Braves became NL East rivals. There is plenty of bad blood between the two, so don’t miss it when the Braves and Phils square off.
Philadelphia and Washington D.C. are located within three hours of each other meaning you’ll find plenty of both teams fans at matchups between the Phillies and Nationals. The mixed crowd and the bragging rights make attending a Phillies-Nats game a can’t miss experience for any baseball fan.
The Phillies and Pirates used to have a strong cross-state rivalry. However, things have cooled a bit between these two Keystone State rivals since the Pirates moved to the NL Central. While the rivalry may not be as heated as in the past, you’ll still be in for a good time when taking in a Phillies-Pirates game.
Phillies Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
When attending a Phillies spring training game in Clearwater, you’ll want to get to the ballpark and enjoy the sights and sounds surrounding Phillies spring training. One of the can’t-miss parts of attending spring training is watching your favorite team practice before the season. You can get up-close to the players unlike anywhere else during spring training, so take advantage of this opportunity and watch your favorite players practice before the start of the Grapefruit League season.
Phillies fans will also want to take a minute before entering the ballpark to see “The Ace.” “The Ace” is a statue located outside the main entrance and presents an excellent photo op for any baseball fan. Stop by and see it before entering the ballpark to get the full Phillies spring training experience.
Finally, you’ll want to head to Lenny’s Restaurant before the game. Lenny’s boasts the “Best Breakfast in Clearwater” and doesn’t disappoint. You’ll meet lots of Phils fans at the popular eatery making it one of the best parts of arriving early to the ballpark.
Enjoy the atmosphere before the game as well as the ability to see your favorite players practice when getting to Spectrum Field early in the morning or early in the season.
Phillies practices before the Grapefruit League starts, as well as minor league practices, are held at the Carpenter Complex and typically start at 10 am. When attending a Phillies spring training game, you’ll see the majority of the big league team doing their pre-game workouts inside the stadium. There are usually some players who are less likely to make the team taking batting practice on the fields near the stadium as well.
Before entering the ballpark, make sure to get a picture with the statue outside titled “The Ace.” “The Ace” is a must-see for anyone attending a Phillies spring training game, so don’t miss it during your visit.
Where to tailgate
Stadium LotYou’ll find parking for Phillies spring training games in the grass lot at the Joe Dimaggio Sports Complex across the street. Parking here costs $10 per space.
Other LotsNear Spectrum Field, you’ll find several other places to park as well in addition to the lot at the Joe Dimaggio Sports Complex. The College of St. Petersburg offers parking in its commuter lot on game days for $10, and if you want to save a few bucks, you can park at Northeast Coachman Park for $5.
Lenny's RestaurantLenny’s Restaurant is located about a block from Spectrum Field on Route 19 and is filled with Phillies fans before the game. Fightin’ fans love grabbing a cup of coffee here or some breakfast before heading to the park, so stop by and be a part of the fun.
Phillies Stadium Guide
In Game
Spectrum Field is the gold standard when it comes to spring training ballparks making a Phillies spring training game a must for Phils fans as well as baseball fans everywhere. The gorgeous ballpark offers excellent views of the field throughout and is one of the few Grapefruit League stadiums to feature an open concourse. No matter where you are at Spectrum Field, you’ll have no trouble catching any of the action.
In addition to the excellent views, Spectrum Field is the perfect place to get an autograph from your favorite Phillies before the game. Fans line up in Sections 118-120 before the game to get as many signatures as possible, and if you want to ensure you’ll get your stuff signed, make sure to find a spot along the wall in Section 120.
Phillies fans also love Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion in left field. The full-service bar is the best place to grab a drink, and it offers you an opportunity to throw a few back with fellow Phillies fans during the game. Just make sure to buy a ticket for the section as you’ll need one to enter the bar.
Finally, Spectrum Field has a lot to offer kids and families as well. Kids will love playing in the Kids Zone, while the outfield berm is fun for the entire family. The gives kids room to move around and provides adults with the ability to sit right above both teams’ bullpens.
Phillies fans will have a fantastic time taking in a game at Spectrum Field, so get your tickets to spring training today.
The best place to get an autograph from your favorite Phillie before the game is in Sections 118-120. The majority of players sign autographs here making it easy for you to get quite a few signatures before the game. If you want to get an autograph from a visiting player, make your way to Section 104 near their dugout. You can also get autographs outside the ballpark by waiting around the black fence by the player parking lot after the game. Additionally, those of you with tickets in the Picnic Terrace will want to get some autographs from the players as they walk by you on their way to and from the clubhouse.
Phillies fans love Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion. The full-service bar is the best place in the ballpark to get a drink and a great place to talk ball with fellow Phillies fans as well. The one drawback is that you need a ticket to enter, so make sure to buy tickets to Frenchy’s Tiki Pavilion when attending a Phillies spring training game.
One of the best ways to watch a Phillies spring training game is from the outfield berm. The outfield berm allows you to sit back in the grass and enjoy a beautiful day as well as some Phillies baseball. The berm also puts you right on top of the bullpens thanks to their location within the stadium.
Diamond Outfitters is located next to the West Game and is the best place to buy a souvenir at the game. You’ll find an incredible variety of Phillies merchandise here, so stop by and check out Diamond Outfitters.
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