PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Crews are sprucing up Citizens Bank Park while the Phillies show off their All-Star Game merch, vibes and food, as the midsummer classic lands next week in South Philly.
Outside the ballpark on Wednesday, workers were repainting the maroon security bollards and fixing up the landscaping. Inside, the All-Star Game logo has been painted in center field. Artist Andre Cheney and the Phillie Phanatic unveiled an All-Star themed fiberglass Liberty Bell that will be on display at the ballpark.
From the red carpet arrivals in front of Independence Hall to the neighborhood displays at the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, history is intertwined into Philadelphia's presentations, according to Michael Harris, the team’s vice president of marketing.
“It doesn't get any bigger or better,” said Phillies Vice President of Marketing Michael Harris. “There are going to be a million All-Star Games after 2026. But none are going to have the significance or the spotlight of this one.”
Nor will they have special concessions that won a fan vote, including Betsy's Banana Ice Cream Sundae and the Revolutionary Rib Melt.
The Schmitter, a steak, cheese and fried salami sandwich from McNally's Tavern, will return to Citizens Bank Park for the first time in more than a decade during All-Star Week.Mike DeNardo/KYW Newsradio
In another revolutionary move, the Phils are bringing back the Schmitter — the steak, cheese and fried salami sandwich from McNally's Tavern. It hasn't been sold at CBP since 2015.
“We're expecting some people to know it, and some people it'll be new to,” said Joe Pie from McNally’s, “and people that grew up going to McNally's are going to say, ‘Hey, wow. It's back.’”
Fans will find the Schmitter at Pass & Stow at the All-Star Game and through the end of the season.
