Opening Day is special enough for baseball fans, but when it coincides with the opening of a new stadium it takes on special meaning. Over the past 55 years, the Phillies have opened two new stadiums with pomp and circumstance for each new ballpark.
For more information on Veterans Stadium, Citizens Bank Park and the other homes of the Phillies, read out Stadium Week series. We also have a look back at 10 years of Opening Days in Philadelphia.
First Opening Day at Veterans Stadium
The Phillies debuted Veterans Stadium on April 10, 1971, marking a major transition for both the franchise and the city. After decades at Connie Mack Stadium, the move to the new multipurpose facility in South Philadelphia symbolized a step into a more modern era. The stadium itself, with its circular design and artificial turf, reflected the architectural trends of the time, but it also brought a sense of curiosity and excitement for fans seeing it for the first time on Opening Day.
The pregame ceremonies carried a formal, almost civic tone. City officials joined team representatives to dedicate the ballpark, emphasizing its importance not just for baseball, but as a shared space for Philadelphia sports. A military color guard presented the colors, and the national anthem was performed in front of a large and energized crowd. There was a feeling that this was bigger than a game, more like a citywide unveiling. Fans spent much of the pregame exploring the wide concourses and taking in the sight lines, which were drastically different from the aging Connie Mack Stadium.
Once the game began, the Phillies faced the Montreal Expos. Jim Bunning got the start for Philadelphia, a fitting choice given his stature as a veteran leader who had pitched in both eras. Early on, the game had the uneven rhythm typical of an opener, with both teams working through nerves and early-season timing. The Expos struck first and gradually built a lead, capitalizing on a few key hits and taking advantage of opportunities that the Phillies could not convert.
Offensively, the Phillies struggled to string together rallies. They managed just one run, and while there were moments where the crowd tried to spark momentum, the offense never fully clicked. Bunning pitched with determination but did not have dominant stuff, and Montreal was able to generate enough offense to stay in control. The Expos eventually secured a 4-1 victory, quieting the crowd as the game moved into the later innings.
Despite the loss, the overall tone of the day remained positive. Fans left with a sense that they had witnessed the beginning of something significant. The stadium itself became the main talking point, from the turf to the symmetrical layout. Over time, Veterans Stadium would become synonymous with Phillies baseball for an entire generation, hosting playoff runs and a World Series championship. That first Opening Day may not have delivered a win, but it established the setting for decades of memories.
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First Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park
April 12, 2004, brought a very different kind of Opening Day as the Phillies introduced Citizens Bank Park. After years at Veterans Stadium, the franchise returned to a more traditional baseball environment with natural grass, brick facades, and a design that highlighted the Philadelphia skyline. There was a noticeable sense of anticipation leading up to the game, as fans were eager to see how the new park would change the experience.
The pregame festivities were carefully designed to connect the franchise’s past with its future. Phillies alumni were recognized, and there were video tributes that played on the new scoreboard, reminding fans of the team’s history while celebrating the new beginning. The national anthem was performed with a strong, ceremonial feel, and a flyover added to the moment. The crowd was loud even before the first pitch, with an energy that built throughout the ceremony as fans took in the details of the ballpark.
When the game started, the Phillies faced the Cincinnati Reds, with Randy Wolf on the mound. Unlike the uneven play seen in 1971, the Phillies came out sharp. Wolf set the tone early, working efficiently and keeping Cincinnati hitters off balance. He mixed pitches well and limited hard contact, allowing the Phillies to settle into the game.
Offensively, the Phillies showed more life. They were able to generate runs through a combination of timely hitting and aggressive baserunning. The lineup worked counts and took advantage of scoring opportunities, building a lead that gave the crowd plenty to cheer about. Each run seemed to amplify the atmosphere, with the ballpark’s design keeping noise in and making the environment feel even more intense.
As the game moved into the later innings, the bullpen held firm, preserving the lead that the offense had built. The Phillies closed out a 4-1 victory, giving fans an ideal first memory of their new home. The win added to the sense that this was not just a new ballpark, but the beginning of a more competitive era.
What stood out most was how the ballpark itself shaped the experience. The closer seating, improved sight lines, and scenic backdrop made the game feel more connected to the fans. Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park delivered both a celebration and a result, setting the tone for what would become one of the most beloved venues in baseball.
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