Shawn RiceThere’s few better ways to spend a Monday afternoon then skipping a class and driving into the city for a baseball game.
I bought a 10-dollar ticket online for the standing room only section. Then, I threw some folding chairs in the trunk. The only thing left was picking up a case of beers on the way and we had the makings of a wonderful Monday afternoon at the ballpark.
Phillies fans strolled down Broad St. toward Citizens Bank Park adorned in everything from retro Mike Schmidt jerseys to the simple Phillies baseball cap.
The Philadelphia Phillies opened up the 2005 season with an eight to four win over the Washington Nationals. Formerly the Montreal Expos, the Washington Nationals saw their first major league action.
Parking lots were crowded with tailgaters arriving at the ballpark long before the first pitch. We set up shop in a parking lot next to the rubble remains of Veterans stadium. The afternoon was beautiful, warm weather and cold beer.
After about an hour tailgating we made our way into the ballpark. Greeted by credit card vendors we dealt out some fake information and got our choice of a Phillies blanket or ball cap.
The Phillies look to rebound from last year’s absence in October. The newly acquired Kenny Lofton in centerfield has already paid dividends. Lofton helped break the game open Monday with a three-run homer.
The standing room only section is a great deal. It’s located in straight away center field above the bullpens. It’s a prime location for heckling outfielders and pitchers warming up.
The Phillies triumphed in their opener and will now look to start the season with a winning streak as they finish out a home series with the Nationals.
We returned back to campus after a long day at the ballpark only to go back to the reality of night class.
A Phillies game is the perfect relief to the routine of class, eat, sleep.
