KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Phillies are going back to the World Series for the first time in 13 years after a dramatic Game 5 victory in the NLCS on Sunday. They will take on the American League champion Houston Astros, starting on Friday. And now, many fans are looking to grab some National League Championship gear.
The Dick’s Sporting Goods at the King of Prussia Mall opened up a little earlier than usual on Monday — 7 a.m. — with stacks and stacks of red “Phillies World Series” shirts and the white “NL Champions” ones that the players wore as they doused each other in champagne after beating the San Diego Padres.
The black “World Series” hat with the Phillies “P” were up, too, but they were gone before you knew it.
Put Mockus from Chalfont snagged some gear. With what voice he had left after celebrating the night before, he told KYW Newsradio about his experience, being at the ballpark for the clincher.
“Was screaming and hollering. And it was a nail-biter. Too,” he said. “You had no idea what was going to happen. And when Harper hit that home run, it was just — wow. It was off the charts.”
Smart shoppers came early. Dave Henry and his daughter came from Bryn Mawr. They were sent here by the boss.
“My wife saw that Dick’s was gonna be open, and she was all excited, so she sent us out,” Henry said.
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Superfan Gina Schaeffer of Pottstown came in for a T-shirt and decals for her car.
“I named my cat Chooch, after Carlos Ruiz,” she said.
That’s the former Phils catcher who was a big part of the last World Series teams.
“When we won, I screamed so loud [Chooch] fell off the back of my chair!”
Hopefully Chooch is ready for more, because the Phils are four wins away.
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Of course, it’s not just merch that Phillies fans are trying to get their hands on. World Series seats are going to be the hottest ticket in town. The first game at Citizens Bank Park is Game 3, on Halloween.
Anyone who wants to be there should fill out the lottery form at Phillies.com to be registered in a drawing for a chance to buy tickets. Registration will end on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 11:59 p.m.
Note: This is not a chance to win tickets — it is a chance to buy tickets. But at least the seats will be at face value.
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Fans with cash to burn can snag tickets on the secondary market. A standing room spot at Citizens Bank Park is going on StubHub for more than $1,500. The cheapest seat, at last check: Row 7 in the 400 level. That’ll set you back $1,700.
Now, the first two games of the World Series are in Houston, on Friday and Saturday. A flight to Houston is about $400. With tickets at about $1,250 apiece and hotel about $500, you're talking more than $2,100 — and that’s before factoring in food, ground transportation and swag.
Some money-saving suggestions from AAA Mid-Atlantic: It could be cheaper to fly out of or into another airport. Cut down on fees by not checking luggage; just use a carry-on. And book hotels and rental cars now, but consider fully refundable rates.
Karen, who declined to give her last name, told KYW Newsradio she’s going to attend Game 1 in person in Houston.
“I happened to have booked a trip to Houston already,” she said. “I can’t make that up. My son moved there. Lucky me. Nothing but luck. It’s been a really special time. There are no coincidences in life, but sometimes it works out.”
And it is working out so far, and she says the energy is infectious.
“Really glad for everyone in the region. All ages, everyone. It’s totally unifying, and I think it’s the best way to go.”