Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park
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The National Pastime arrives in Philly this week. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios
Philadelphia is the center of the baseball world as MLB's All-Star Week arrives.
Why it matters: Days after South Philly hosted its final FIFA World Cup match, the city is diving into another mega sporting event as its jam-packed summer rolls on.
State of play: Ahead of Friday's kickoff, Axios Philadelphia got a sneak peek of the food, merch and fan experience taking over Citizens Bank Park.
Fun fact: Tuesday's Midsummer Classic will be the first All-Star Game ever played at the Bank.
- The last time it was held in Philly: 1996 at Veterans Stadium.
What they're saying: Philly hosting the event during America's 250th anniversary is as iconic as you can get, Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB's senior vice president of global operations and events, tells Axios.
- "We are a tradition … that connects people to the history of the country," Yolkut said after a news conference on Wednesday.
What you'll see at the ballpark
The All-Star Game leans into the America 250 theme.
- The massive ASG logo in center field looks like an exploding firework and features stars.
The intrigue: The iconic Liberty Bell — which lights up when the Phillies hit a home run — is also getting an All-Star Game makeover with a 250-inspired twist, Yolkut teased, declining to disclose more.
Plus: The ballpark's footprint will be extended with new family-friendly activities along Citizens Bank Way (limited to fans with stadium tickets).
Merch
Fans can pick up ASG-themed souvenirs, including:
- 📍 Pins ($15-$50)
- 🧢 Hats ($35-$70)
- 🇺🇸 Ben Franklin mug ($28)
- 🤩 Bobbleheads ($20)
- 🎽 Replica jerseys ($250) and authentic on-field shirts ($480)
🤯 1 jaw-dropping item: A $600, limited-edition Screamin' Eagles bat, hand-painted with an eagle, American flag and Liberty Bell.
Eats
The menu includes 250-inspired specials, like Declaration Dogs, Revolutionary Rib Melts, and Betsy's Banana Ice Cream Sundae.
What else: Local and regional favs, including boardwalk pizza from Manco & Manco, an old-school meatball parm from Philly's Marc Vetri and doughnuts from Federal Donuts & Chicken.
- The Schmitter sammy from Chestnut Hill's McNally's Tavern also makes its triumphant return to the Bank's menu this week after a yearslong hiatus.
Go deeper: See the full calendar of events for All-Star Week.