Inside the Park:

If you’re into baseball history, leave yourself time before the game to wander around the ballpark, as there are many historic exhibits. Make sure to stop in at Ashburn Alley (in the outfield area), which is open 2.5 hours before the game and has plenty to see and do including concessions specials for the first hour it’s open. There’s also plenty of artwork around the park to check out pre-game as well (check out Cooperstown Gallery).

Near the right field gate entrance in Ashburn Alley, you’ll find plenty of games for kids as well as the “Phanatic Phun Zone” for kids and 8 and younger near near the 1st base gate.

Food and Drink:

You can find many food choices – and many of the best ones in Ashburn Alley. Try a Philly Cheesesteak from Campo’s Deli, or if you’re daring, The Schmitter, a massive cheesesteak found at a stand behind section 139. Bull’s BBQ is a good choice as well and has an outdoor picnic area. (Fanzooloo Tip: Lines can be long at Bull’s BBQ - You can also order Bull’s BBQ at the High & Inside Pub on the terrace level or Bull's BBQ Express on the Club Level)

There are also a lot of healthier options – Planet Hoagie in Ashburn Alley has veggie crab free crab cake sandwiches, veggie wraps and salads.  Voted #1 vegetarian ballpark, there are also vegan hotdogs and black bean burgers at select South Philly Markets.

Plenty of beer options too – microbrews sold at the Brewerytown stands can be found all over – try a Yuengling – an East Coast favorite.

There are 3 sit-down restaurants in the park, and we recommend McFadden’s outside the 3rd base gate, which plays live music and tends to be pretty popular before the game, or Harry the K’s, just below the left field scoreboard, is an outdoor restaurant with more upscale food options, as well as tasty sandwiches like the BBQ Brisket and Carved Turkey.

New to 2012: Dessert Alley (Sec 140) offering up evil, evil sweets like homemade cinnamon sugar donuts, Bullpen Brews (Ashburn Alley) for a great new selection of import, regional and micro brews, and new nachos such as Braised Pork and BBQ Chicken Nachos at Section 122.

The Ballpark and Neighborhood:

While unimpressive from afar and totally surrounded by parking lots, Citizens Bank Park is one of the best in terms of food, seats, and activities inside. It also boasts a great view of downtown Philly. Citizens Bank Park is part of the huge sports complex that also include the Eagles' Lincoln Financial Field.

For pre or post game food and drinks, There's not much in the immediate area, so you might want to check out Center City, a few miles north. There are a few things in the hood like Chickie's & Pete's but you'll have more options closer to downtown. Read below for public tranpo details. The best cheesesteak nearby? Probably Tony Luke's on E. Oregon Ave just a couple miles away.

Check out our "Before & After the Game" map for exact locations and more detailed info on those and other local faves.

Parking:

Parking is usually $15 for cars and there are ample spaces, but if you really want, you can find free street parking in the area, most likely on Lawrence Street, just a few blocks east of the stadium. Arrive early to grab a spot!

Another option is to catch a free bus at Chickie's & Pete's - check it out on our exterior map.

Tailgating is permitted in Lots A-H, J-N, but we recommend hitting up Ashburn Alley or one of the sit-down restaurants inside pre-game.

Public Transportation:

The AT&T Metro stop at Pattison & Broad at the end of the Broad Street line is very convenient.  There aren't a ton of great bars and restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood so if you're from out of town, consider taking the Broad Street line up to Walnut Locust Station where you will have plenty of post-game options for food and booze. There are a few near Rittenhouse Square that we like - just 6 or so stops up on the subway.

Also be sure to read the "Info Inside the Stadium" section for our suggestions for food and drink inside the park.