Jul 15, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas (18) is congratulated by right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) in front of the bullpen after his double play against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher
The Xfinity "Home Run Takeover" isn't the only aesthetic change at Citizens Bank Park that fans will notice during Monday's Phillies home opener against the Colorado Rockies.
Behind home plate, the ad boards have been digitalized:
The digital era behind home plate at Citizens Bank Park is here. @OnPattison pic.twitter.com/bhF7ev8ZJ6
Additionally, there is now a refrigerator in the home dugout, which has a chance to go the way of my old laptop:
Phillies might be the first team to ever have a fridge in their dugout. Over/under 28.5 home games before someone smashes it. pic.twitter.com/LJGgd0XAbJ
But perhaps the most interesting update is there are now enclosures in both bullpens:
The bullpens are now closed off for the pitchers sitting on the bench. This may come in handy if it rains today. pic.twitter.com/rWKV6qNBdn
Rob Thomson says that he has been out in the new bullpens, and "all the doors roll back into one," so they can be opened on days with nice weather. There is protection for relievers on days like today where it could potentially rain, and also air conditioning.
But there's a good chance away teams will permanently keep the bullpen bench doors closed to avoid heckling, right?
"I would think so," Thomson said with a smile. "I probably would."
Any pitcher and catcher warming up will still be on the outside part of the bullpen. But this is an update that will probably be appreciated by both home and away relievers.
These latest updates all come as Citizens Bank Park prepares to host the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
