Phillies Opening Day 2021: Fans Return To Citizens Bank Park For Phillies Home Opener
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Baseball is back in South Philadelphia! For the first time in more than a year, a limited amount of fans returned to Citizens Bank Park on Thursday for the Phillies' opening day win over the Braves.
Opening day isn't quite the same, but the excitement hasn't changed a bit. Lines filed right into Citizens Bank Park.
Families made sure to keep a tradition alive.
"Opening day has always been special to our whole family. Usually, there's eight or 10 of us here," fan Ron Davis said.
The park is open, but for a socially distant game.
"We just wanna see the people we miss -- the ushers, the people that work the concession stands, Philly family. We just want everything to come back to normal," Phandemic Krew member Oscar Alvarado said.
The Phandemic Krew gained online fame after being locked out by COVID last season, and have been looking forward to today for some time.
"We couldn't see left field at all last year so it'll be nice to see left field. In all honesty, it's gonna be great to see all the players and fellow fans. All the people we've seen over the years, have everybody back together, safely watching the game is something to look forward to and gives us a little sign of hope," Phandemic Krew member Brett MacMinn said.
There was hope for Braves fans as well. Bill Kolbrener and his son Will flew in from Atlanta to celebrate opening day.
"Sometimes the Philly sports fans are absolutely fanatical about their teams so I was a little apprehensive, but nothing but love. Nothing but kindness and a wonderful city, wonderful people and a beautiful park," he said.
It's a park fans get to once again enjoy.
"The year has gone by so fast and so slow at the same time," Erin MacMinn said.
No more cheering from outside, being inside with fellow fans feels more like home.
"Yes, we had a great time outside cheering with the Phandemic Krew, but it's great to be inside," Jiovette Hernandez said.
A chilly opening day did not stop these die-hards from showing some Philly love.
The Phillies won 3-2 on a walk-off single from Jean Segura in the 10th inning.
