Citizens Bank Park: Ground Zero for Brawling
While last night’s Phillies/Mets tilt gave off the expected amount of tension that seems to come up when any New York team is in town — the shit-talking bravado between the loudmouth guy in the Mets visor and the loudmouth guy in the Ryan Howard jersey, the wimpy chorus of boos trying to drown out “Let’s Go Mets!” — the brawling in the 300 level was off the charts. It’s unclear if this was a direct result of things gone too far between rival fans or just another instance of the unrest that’s become more and more prevalent at Citizens Bank Park this season.
What was originally blamed on “College Night” and “Dollar Dog Night” promotions — younger crowds, higher alcohol intake, higher hot dog intake — has seemingly spilled over into most home games. Once the seventh inning rolls around, there always seems to be a swarm of blue-polo-shirted security breaking up an intense, soccer hooligan-esque brawl.
Phillies PR man Larry Shenk told the Daily Examiner that there hasn’t been a marked increase in fighting this year — last night’s fracas was blamed on typical Mets/Phillies hatred and a controversial call — and outlined some changes put in place in early April after the first College Night got off to frisky start with streakers, fights, etc.
But regular CBP attendee Jim Tryon — that’s his Flickr shot of a recent scrap above — says he has noticed an increase, and now refers to section 310 as the “The Farm Animal Section.” He claims there’s a correlation between the Phillies low-cost incentive nights and increased violence: “The level of human courtesy definitely goes down two pegs during those nights.”
Today’s 1 p.m. game between the Phillies and Mets is sure to be a contentious one — and with the Eagles playing at the Linc tonight immediately after, expect an even more jacked-up crowd. South Philly residents may want to resort to hurricane-like preparations by boarding their windows and doors.
Farm Animal Night at CBP [Flickr]
The 300 Level [The 700 Level]
First College Night Prompts a Review [Inquirer]
Phillies Fans + Mets Fans + Beer = Fight! [Bugs and Cranks]
August 31st, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Pretty much indicative of the douchebags who attend sporting events in our fair city. Keep raising the ticket prices til the trash stay home and beat their families instead. Totally worth it for the normal people.