Concourse in a baseball stadium in Philadelphia, US
Ashburn Alley, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, named after Baseball Hall of FamerRichie Ashburn
Ashburn Alley is the open concourse behindcenter field atCitizens Bank Park, home of thePhiladelphia Phillies. It is named afterHall of FamerRichie Ashburn, Philliescenter fielder from 1948 to 1959, and was also a long time broadcaster for the Phillies from 1963 until his death in September 1997. Ashburn Alley spans from the left field gate to "The Yard" kids area, and features a "street-fair" like atmosphere before and during a game.[1]
Ashburn Alley's name sake began while Ashburn was still playing. During the Phillies playing days at oldShibe Park, Ashburn was known for dropping bunts down the third baseline, which had slightly overgrown grass that helped the ball stay fair.[2] A bronze statue of Ashburn lies in the center of the alley.[3]
Ashburn Alley serves as a history lesson of baseball inPhiladelphia. Granite markers on the walk-way feature every Philliesall-star since thefirst game in 1933.[4] Another feature of Ashburn Alley is Memory Lane. Memory Lane is located directly behind the batter's eye, and gives an extensive look at the history of Philadelphia baseball. It features the history of the Phillies, the history ofPhiladelphia Athletics, and history ofNegro league teams in the city.[5][6] At the end of the Memory Lane section offers a great view of the stadiums' two tieredbullpen. The upper bullpen, in particular, pulls snug against the concourse.[7]
On the western end of the Alley is Bull's BBQ, named after former Phillies sluggerGreg "The Bull" Luzinski, who also operates it.[8] Bull's BBQ is an outdoor picnic section and serves barbecue pork sandwiches, chicken, and most notably ribs. Luzinski is at most of the games and often socializes with fans.[9]
On top of the concession buildings in the center of the Alley is the Rooftop Bleachers. This area of the stadium was influenced by the old rooftop seats at the Phillies and Athletics old homeShibe Park. It was common during the 1920s for residents who lived in therowhouses across from the ballpark to watch the games for free on their rooftops.[10]
There are many concession stands featuring Philadelphia cuisine staples such as thecheesesteak, at bothTony Luke's and Campo's.[11] Another Philadelphia cuisine staple isChickie's & Pete's crabfries.[12] The Alley also features the '47 Brand store, which sells classic Phillies apparel, classic pennants and banners, and other items.[13]Features of the Alley are:
Bull's BBQ in Ashburn AlleyThe SchmitterThe menu board at Harry the K's Restaurant, named for former Phillies broadcasterHarry Kalas, at Citizens Bank Park
All-Star Walk: Granite markers note Phillies players who have played in theMLB All-Star Game.
Bull's BBQ: Moved to left side of the scoreboard, out of the Alley (in the new "Boardwalk Eats" section), it is named in honor of and owned in part by former Phillies outfielderGreg "The Bull" Luzinski. This Southern-stylebarbecue sells ribs and turkey legs along with pork, beef, and chicken sandwiches and "Bulldogs" (kielbasa).
Chickie's & Pete's: Sells Crab Fries, a seasoned crinkle fry served with a cheese dipping sauce.
Campo's: Philadelphiacheesesteaks, replaced Rick's Steaks in 2009. The original Campo's opened in 1947.
ExposedBullpens: Located in right-center field, the bi-level bullpens allow the fans to get very close to the players (especially the visiting team, who sit in the top level). Fans are allowed to heckle but must keep it clean. The section above the bullpen that contains the Phillies Wall of Fame is closed to the public about 30 minutes before the first pitch and remains closed throughout the game, re-opening at the game's conclusion.
Games of Baseball: Sponsored byCitizens Financial Group, this area has a video trivia game where players compete for prizes, a run-the-bases game with thePhillie Phanatic, and a "Ring 'Em Up" game (formerly a "Pitch 'Em and Tip 'Em" game) where you throw at targets of a catcher. Before 2010, a 22 feet (6.7 m) baseball-themedpinball game was here. Players earn coupons and exchange them for prizes at a kiosk such as hats, shirts, and other ballpark-imprinted memorabilia.
Harry The K's Bar and Grille, Named for late Phillies broadcasterHarry Kalas, the bi-level bar and grill is built into the base of thescoreboard, and serves finger foods and sandwiches, including "The Schmitter", named for former Phillies third basemanMike Schmidt
Jim Beam Bourbon Bar: SellsJim Beam cocktails and local, craft, domestic, and imported beers
Manco & Manco: AnOcean City, New Jersey, pizza franchise that took over for Seasons Pizza in 2022.
Memory Lane andPhillies Wall of Fame: A history of baseball in Philadelphia is located behind the brick batting eye in center field, while the opposite wall commemorates members of the franchise. It was in this area whereRyan Howard hit two of the park's longest home runs, on April 23, 2006, against the Marlins off Sergio Mitre, and against Aaron Harang of the Reds on June 27, 2007, currently the longest home run at Citizen's Bank Park at 505 feet (154 m).[14] Second basemanChase Utley hit a homer into this area against the Astros on April 23, 2007.
P.J. Whelihan's: A pub and restaurant franchise specializing in wings. This location serves boneless wings, wraps, fries, and nachos
Rooftop Bleachers: Inspired by the 1920s and 1930s stands on North 20th Street outsideShibe Park, this area is similar to the seating outsideWrigley Field in Chicago. During the 2008 season, fans could go on top for $15 on Thursday home dates and get special food offers and events.
Starting Lineup (2004–2017): The Phillies starting lineup that day was illustrated by giant 10-foot-tall (3.0 m) by 5-foot-wide (1.5 m) baseball cards as fans entered the left field gate.
