Phillies events aim to psych fans for new season

The Phanatic's bod won't be mistaken for any supermodel's.

But late this afternoon, decked in Phillies-red fur instead of green, he'll be strutting at a "Runway Rally" displaying Phillies fashions at the Center City Macy's.

It's the kickoff event for the club's annual Paint the Town Red Week, an exercise in stoking fans' enthusiasm for the coming season.

Not to mention assorted merchandise.

One suspects the ball girls will do the duds more justice, as fans wave free rally towels on the store's main floor starting at 5:30 p.m. Special guests and prizes are also promised.

Spring training is winding down, and the Phillies will be back at Citizens Bank Park next week, although only for a couple of exhibition games, Monday and Tuesday, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The regular-season home opener is Monday, April 9.

Below is the schedule of the rest of the pre-season activities.

Fan in the Phillies Mural Sweepstakes. Starting Friday, fans can go to www.phillies.com and sign up for a chance to be immortalized. One fan's face will join a crowd scene on the huge Phillies mural slated to cover the side of Center City building highly visible from the Schuylkill Expressway.

Phillies Charities 5K. Saturday's 9 a.m. run is sold out, but fans are invited to cheer for the runners as they leave and return to Citizens Bank Park. The Red Phanatic is supposed to lead the race, raising questions as to how and for how long. A map of the course is also available at the Phillies website.

Center City Signage Sunday. Boathouse Row will glow red. A giant "P" will appear on the Cira Centre in University City. And the PECO building will display "Welcome Home Phillies" on its lofty electronic message board.

Exhibition games Monday and Tuesday. The club promises "surprises and prizes" and a "spring training-like" atmosphere as the Phillies take on the Pirates at 7:05 each evening. Giveaways: Jim Thome print Monday, schedule magnet Tuesday. Tickets still available.

On Deck Reception. On Tuesday, a 2:30 p.m. luncheon, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, will feature talks by general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and manager Charlie Manuel, a question-and-answer session with some players, and autograph stations. Includes ticket for Tuesday evening's exhibition game. Tickets are $100 each. More information: http://bit.ly/AhTGMq.