Get to Citizens Bank Park — food voted best in the U.S.

The Phillies stadium, Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia, has the best food of any stadium in the country. Now, although I wholeheartedly agree, I can’t take credit for giving Citizens Bank Park that honor. Instead, the park was recently awarded “Best Ballpark Food” by the Food Network during the channel’s inaugural “Food Network Awards” held last April.
Now, I knew the food at the park was phenomenal, but an award like that is something special. This means the Philadelphia park beat out parks like Fenway in Boston (famous for the “Fenway Sausages”), San Diego’s Petco Park and its famed shrimp tacos and even the over-rated “Dodger Dog” served at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. But, is it really a surprise to anyone who has been to Citizen’s Bank Park that it has the best food? Not only does the park have Rick’s Cheesesteaks and Chickie and Pete’s Famous Crab Fries, but also Bull’s Barbeque, named after former Phillie Greg “The Bull” Luzinski (who is always available at the booth to sign autographs!) and Harry the K’s, named after legendary Philly sportscaster Harry Kalas, that have some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. Bull’s Barbeque offers pretty much any type of barbeque you could want: beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and includes coleslaw and baked beans for one relatively reasonable price. It’s great.
Add in the fact that fans can watch Phillies pitcher get warmed up in the two-tiered bullpen and the outfield Hall of Fame along Ashburn Alley, and I think most people would enjoy that park even if there wasn’t a game being played.
But recently, I realized how few people have gone to the new stadium. For instance, I attend many games with my dad. He’s a huge Phillies fan, and every chance we get, we attend games. But, I was talking to my mom recently, and she’s never even been to the park. Granted she’s not much of a baseball fan, but like I said, there is so much to see and do at the park, I know she would enjoy it. So, she’s going to a game soon with me and my dad. Another friend of mine, one who can recite Phillies statistics like they were the Pledge of Allegiance, has not been to the park all year. I’m shocked.
The Phillies are looking good this year. First baseman, and last year’s champion of the All-Star Game Home Run Derby, Ryan Howard has just returned to the line-up after he suffered an injury, and as usual shortstop Jimmy Rollins and second baseman Chase Utley are both playing well. Center fielder Aaron Rowand (remembered mostly for a hard-fought catch last year that broke his nose) has been on a hitting streak, and he doesn’t look to be letting up any time soon.
So, what more reason can I give? Any Phillies fan should love to go to the park. There is no substitute for sitting in the sun on a cool spring day at the ballpark and hearing the crack of the bat. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the team, take the kids. They will have a blast at the Philly Phanatic playground. And you just might find something that you enjoy. Soon, you might just find yourself returning to the park to join in a “Go Phillies” chant and to do the wave with the rest of the fans.