N.L. EAST

Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Club

CITIZENS BANK PARK

LOCATION

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

OPENED

2004

CAPACITY

43,651

NICKNAME

The Bank

Until the spring of 2004, the Phillies shared Veterans Stadium with the NFL’s Eagles. But they joined many teams in the aughts that wanted wide-open, retro stadiums specifically for the baseball fan. Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies new home, is part of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which also includes the Eagles’s new stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Wells Fargo Center, which hosts the NHL’s Flyers and NBA’s 76ers. Not only are the Phillies one of the MLB’s oldest teams, having won two World Series (1980 and 2008), but the city itself is rich in history, housing the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall. Out in right-center field stands a 50-foot-tall replica of the Liberty Bell, and whenever a Philly slugs a home run, it swings and rings out.

Hall of Fame FOODIE

Philadelphia-born 
Jack Norworth wrote baseball’s seventh-inning stretch song, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” which includes the popular lyric, “Buy me some peanuts and cracker Jack.” These two snacks remain popular at baseball stadiums to this day.

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLIDERS
WITH CRABBY TOTS

The Philly cheesesteak is the signature sandwich of Philadelphia and the signature concession of Citizens Bank Park. With tender, juicy steak and melted mounds of cheese, there’s a whole lot to love in this City of Brotherly Love classic. Pair them with these salty, seasoned tater tots, a fun twist on the stadium’s famous Crabfries.

N.L. EAST

Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Club

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK SLIDERS

PREP TIME

20 minutes

COOK TIME

10 minutes

MAKES

12 sliders

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound London broil, sliced thinly
• 1/2 onion, sliced thinly
• 1 bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef stock or broth
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• 12 slider buns

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook for about five minutes or until slightly softened.
3. Carefully add the meat without splattering. Stir well.
4. Add the beef stock or broth and turn the heat up to high.
5. Cook the meat for an additional 1–2 minutes or until most of the broth is evaporated. Set aside.
6. Open the slider buns and place them on a large sheet pan.
7. Using tongs, place an equal amount of meat, onion, and pepper on half of the buns.
8. Place a slice of cheese on top of the meat and place in the oven.
9. Turn on the broil function on the oven. Bake for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Check often to avoid burning.
10. Place bun tops on the sandwiches and serve.

THE GREAT CHEESESTEAK DEBATE

Brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, the founders of Pat’s King of Steaks, served up the first Philly cheesesteak more than 85 years ago. There’s no debating their history, but the city’s favorite sandwich is the subject of heated arguments. In 1966, Joey Vento opened Geno’s Steaks across the street. The two competing sandwich shops have been rivals ever since. Although their cheesesteaks are similar, one ingredient sets them apart: cheese! Pat’s prefers Cheez Whiz while Geno’s tops their sandwiches with provolone. Either way, food lovers can’t lose.

N.L. EAST

Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Club

CRABBY TOTS

PREP TIME

5 minutes

COOK TIME

30 minutes

MAKES

4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound frozen tater tots
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bake tater tots according to package directions on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. When the tots are done, place them into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning and toss gently.
3. Serve immediately. Dip in cheesy dipping sauce (see recipe), if desired.