Phillies fan frenzy at Citizens Bank Park
Most of the fans at gathered for this afternoon's opener against the Kansas City Royals shared the same sentiment. The Phillies are (hopefully!) going to win big this season.
John Rorer and his son, Michael, 4, both from the Villanova area, proclaimed, "They'll hopefully win the World Series!"
Another fan, Allison Ransford, said "it's definitely going to be tough," but that the Phillies will make it to the World Series.
Russell Haywood, an excited fan outside the third base gate, said "They're going to win.. at least today. I can promise you a victory today."
Zach Turner, a Temple University student, was cautiously optimistic. "I'm realistic. They'll make the playoffs.... but barely."
Mike O'Connor, who attended the game with his wife, Kristy, and daughters Kamryn and Kaelyn, said he has a good feeling the Phillies will fight their way to a wildcard spot in the playoffs. "They'll win 88 to 91," he predicted.
Other fans, like Nicole Broome, had only one word when asked how the Phillies will do this season: "Amazing."
A few hours before game time "Let's go Phillies" was already ringing loud and proud on the SEPTA Broad Street Line.
Fans of all ages filled the seats and headed for the Citizens Bank Park opening day. The 13-minute train ride was filled with cheers, chants and excitement for the game.
Tents from Wired 96.5. 92.5 XTU, 94 WIP and many more lined the outside of the third base gate, exciting fans with spinning wheels, prizes, and general hype for the game against Kansas City.
Fans excited for the game. Phil Wasdick of Voorhees, NJ and his daughter Allison, 15, said they try to make opening day every year. "I love the atmosphere down here," said Allison Wasdick. "It's so much fun. I think they are going to do really well this year."
Marissa Bachman, 8, from Aldan, Pa., brought a fun sign to the game: "I love 3 things: 1) Mommy 2) Daddy 3) My phillies."
Her brother, Randy, 12, said he was "really excited" for opening day. This is either his fourth or fifth- he's lost count.
Even when the gates to Citizens Bank Park opened, many fans chose to stay outside. The live band, ice cream, and other treats were seemingly hard to resist. Many booths were giving out the classic "Fightin' Phils" signs, and few fans were seen without at least one in hand.
Aydan Tretina, 7, of West Deptford, N.J. came to opening day with his aunt, Michelle Black, and grandmother, Kate Black.
They had not initially planned to come to the game today, but while on her break at work earlier today, she went on Stub Hub and bought tickets.
"It's our first opening day," she said, and it is Aydan's first Phillies game ever. When asked if he was eager for a live glimpse of the Phillies, all he could do was smile and nod excitedly.
