Reading Fightin Phils Overview

Fast facts

League: Eastern League

Head Coach: Shawn Williams

Team Mascot: Screwball, Change-Up the Turtle, Blooper the Hound Dog, Quack the Duck, Bucky the Beaver

Year Opened: 1951

Capacity: 9000

City / State: Reading / Pennsylvania

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Readings Fighting Phils vs Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Rival Team: Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Binghamton and Reading have a long running rivalry that stems from the proximity of the two rivals as well as the fact the Rumble Ponies are Double-A affiliate of the Mets, and the Fightin Phils are the Double-A affiliate of the Phillies. The rivalry between the major league clubs extends to the Double-A affiliates, so don’t miss it when the Rumble Ponies come to Reading.

Readings Fighting Phils vs Harrisburg Senators

Rival Team: Harrisburg Senators

While the Senators and Fightin Phils may not be in the same division, the proximity of the two teams and the fact the Nats and Phillies are divisional rivals create a heated rivalry between these two Eastern League rivals. There are always a lot of bragging rights when Harrisburg and Reading square off, so make sure to be in attendance when the Fightin Phils take on the Senators.

Readings Fighting Phils vs Altoona Curve

Rival Team: Altoona Curve

Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have a bit of a rivalry, and that rivalry comes into play when the Pirates Double-A affiliate takes on the Phillies Double-A affiliate. There are plenty of bragging rights on the line when the Curve and Fightin Phils meet, so make sure to be in attendance when the Fightin Phils and Curves square off.

Reading Fightin Phils Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

FirstEnergy Stadium features tons to do before the game even starts meaning you’ll want to get to the ballpark early to enjoy the festivities. The right field plaza features all kinds of pre-game activities including games at Phunland, live music, food and drinks, the team store, and much more. You’ll have a lot of fun before the game, so get here early and enjoy everything the plaza has to offer.

Additionally, if you’re hungry, then you’ll want to reserve a spot at Bunbino’s Tailgate. Bunbino’s Tailgate offers an all you can eat buffet full of hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ chicken, and much more. Select games even feature a Beer Tasting Festival making Bunbino’s Tailgate a must for anyone attending a Fightin Phils game.

The pregame festivities at FirstEnergy Stadium are some of the best around meaning you’ll want to get to the ballpark early and enjoy pregame atmosphere and entertainment.

Traditions

Beer Tasting Festival

Before select Fight Phils games, you can enjoy a Beer Tasting Festival as part of Bunbino’s Tailgate. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a great selection of local brews from DeWalt Brewing, Howling Henry, Lancaster County, Muller Beverage, Saucony Creek, St. Benjamin, St. Boniface, Stockertown Beverage, and Hardball Cider. Stop by the Beer Tasting Festival and taste some of the best beers Reading has to offer.

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Ballpark Tour

Before the game take a tour of FirstEnergy Stadium. The pre-game tour takes you around the park and provides you with a guided tour of the Baseballtown Living History Museum as well as exclusive photo opportunities in the dugout and on the field.

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Right Field Plaza

The plaza features a wide variety of pregame entertainment options including live music, carnival games, food and drink options, the team store, and the Kids Phunland. Stop by the plaza and enjoy all the pregame festivities before the grandstand opens an hour before first pitch.

Brick Walkway

Make sure to check out the brick walkway near the front gate, which features the names of the Reading Phillies Hall of Fame inductees. The walkway is a must-see, so don’t miss it before entering the park.

Where to tailgate

Reading Fightin Phils Stadium Guide

In Game

Reading is known as “Baseballtown, ” and it shows when attending a Fightin Phils game. All around the ballpark, you’ll find numerous tributes to the great players who have come through Reading as well as past R-Phils teams. The concourse is packed full of memorabilia from the franchise’s past, so take a trip around the ballpark before the game to learn more about the history of the Fightin Phils and baseball in Reading.

The history on display isn’t the only thing that lets you know that Reading is “Baseballtown” the fans are also a big part of what makes attending a baseball game in Reading such a memorable experience. The fans pack the stands game in and game out to cheer on future Phillies stars, and you’ll hear them cheering and chanting throughout the game no matter what the score.

In addition to the incredible baseball displays, you’ll enjoy the in-game entertainment that can be found around the park. The Fightin Phils have not only one mascot, but an entire cast of characters that can rival what you’d find at Disney World as well as a Phunland that will keep kids entertained for hours.

There are few better baseball experiences in the minor leagues, so start planning your trip to Reading today to see a Fightin Phils game.

Things to check out

Reading Phillies Hall of Fame

Stop by the Reading Phillies Hall of Fame to learn more about the best players in Reading Phillies and Fightin Phils history. The Hall of Fame is a must-see for any R-Phils fans, so make sure to check it out during your visit to FirstEnergy Stadium.

Year by Year History on the Concourse

Those of you who want to learn more about the R-Phils will want to take a walk of the concourse and see the year by year history of the team. The displays are must-see, so so don’t miss them when attending a Fightin Phils game.

Live Ostriches

You won’t want to miss seeing the live ostriches in the outfield during the game. The ostriches are a can’t-miss for anyone visiting FirstEnergy Stadium, so stop by and check them out.

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Phunland

If you’re taking the kids to the game, then make sure to take them to Phunland. Phunland features inflatables, fast pitch, mini golf, mascot autographs, and much more.

Pool Party

You won’t find a better way to beat the heat at a Fightin Phils game, then by reserving a pool party at the Pool Pavilion. Pool Parties come with an all-you-can-eat buffet, appearances by the Fightin Phils characters, and much more.

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Boardwalk

Enjoy the game and some food and drinks at the Boardwalk in left field. The Boardwalk is home to bar-style tables and box seats with tables making it the perfect place to eat while watching the game.

Former Player Lockers

The lockers of former Fightin Phils stars, Ryan Howard and Darin Ruf, are another must-see when attending a game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Take the opportunity to see the lockers and remember some of your favorite players to come through Reading.

Fightin Phils Characters

The Fightin Phils don’t just have one mascot they have a whole cast of characters. The list of Fightin Phils characters includes Ruth and Judy, the mascot band, the dance crew, the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, Disco Brisco, the vegetable racers, Candy Man, Bunbino, the Tooth Fairy, the Singing Ticket Taker, and Traveler. In Reading you’ll find enough characters to fill Disney World, so keep an eye out for them as you can see them all over the place throughout the game.

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Team Shop

Pick up a souvenir from your trip to Reading at the team shop. Here you’ll find all kinds of Reading Fightin Phils and Phillies merchandise including t-shirts, caps, jerseys, and more.

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Vegetable Race

Don’t miss the vegetable race when attending a Fightin Phils game. The vegetable race is one of the most popular parts of the game for young fans, so stay in your seat when you hear the race is about to start.

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Retired Numbers

Check out the retired numbers near the main entrance in the outfield to remember some of your favorite Fightin Phils from over the years. The numbers honor Hall of Famers Robin Roberts, Mike Schmidt, Ryne Sandberg, and Jackie Robinson.

Other Concourse Displays

All around the concourse you’ll see tons of exhibits dedicated to past Reading players. These displays include the King of Baseballtown Royalty display, the display for Reading players on the 2008 World Series winning Phillies team, and the list of R-Phils to make the majors each year. Take a walk around the ballpark before the game and check them all out.

Fight Songs

  1. Fightin Phils Song

    The Fight, Fight, Fight-in’ Phils! It’s a tough, tough, team to beat.
    They’re out to win, win ev-‘ry day. Every victory is sweet.
    Watch ’em hit that ball a mile; play a game that’s packed with thrills.
    Get Pa to bring your Mother, Sister and your Brother
    Come out to see the Fight-in’ Phils. The fight, fight, fight-‘in Phils.

  2. Baseballtown Song

Reading Fightin Phils Bars & Restaurants

  1. Joe’s Place

    Steak

    Joe' s Place offers a super exquisite Latin flavor menu and a fine and elegant environment, with a very special personal service.

    5 Spring Valley Rd, Reading, PA 19605, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Legends Inc.

    Anchor Bar Beer Dega Brewhouse Beer Phoenix Grill & Bar Beer The Canadian Brewhouse Beer Lil Dickys

    Nice atmosphere, good food and great drinks.

    2545 N 5th Street Hwy, Reading, PA 19605, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Brewer’s Bar & Grill

    beer Billy Jacks Wing Draft Shack Roost Great American Pub

    Awesome food and drinks, and amazing atmosphere.

    101 S 3rd Ave, West Reading, PA 19611, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  4. Ugly Oyster Drafthaus

    Ugly Oyster Drafthaus

    A truly authentic Guinness Irish Pub in Pennsylvania offering all the warmth and familiarity of a neighborhood pub!

    21 S 5th St, Reading, PA 19602, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. Mike’s Tavern

    Mikes Tavern

    Great food and drinks, nice atmosphere.

    135 Exeter St, Reading, PA 19601, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. Decarlo’s Bar & Grill

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Awesome crowd, great atmosphere, good food and drinks.

    240 Penn St, Reading, PA 19602, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  7. Willoughby’s on Park

    Willoughbys on Park

    Willoughby’s on Park sets the standard for Berks County’s premier fine dining Steakhouse, offering superior quality and flavors with exceptional service in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere.

    305 N Park Rd, Wyomissing, PA 19610, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  8. Alebrije Mexican Restaurant

    Alebrije Mexican Restaurant

    A small chain restaurant that offers various types of Mexican to Tex-Mex platters. As well as drinks, alcoholic beverages, and desserts.

    3805 Perkiomen Ave, Reading, PA 19606, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  9. Taqueria El Carreton

    La Isla mexican El Toro Bar Grill

    Get a little taste of Mexico with the freshest ingredients and of course convenient prices!

    817 Oley St, Reading, PA 19604, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  10. Taqueria Jimenez

    La Corona Taco La Chiquita Tacos Taco Corono Mexican Restaurant Tacos El Burrito Loco

    Food is amazing and service is good.

    810 Oley St, Reading, PA 19604, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  11. Nino’s Italian Restaurant

    Ninos Italian Restaurant

    Laid-back, family-owned locale since 1993 with Neapolitan pizza & Italian entrees, plus beer & wine.

    515 Richmond St, Reading, PA 19605, USA

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  12. Mike’s Sandwich Shop

    Mister Smiths sandwich

    Great food and nice staff.

    1755 Centre Ave, Reading, PA 19601, USA

    Bar website

    american - $