Reading Fightin Phils

Great ball park! Not a bad seat in the park, decent food for a minor league stadium. Good beer selection for decent prices. Great music and entertainment!

I went with my siblings and nephews to a game here this summer. It was my first time here but not theirs. I was so impressed with how kid and family friendly it was. My nephews are between the ages of 6 – 10 and had a BLAST! Much more affordable than a major league Phils game. (Especially if you have kids in tow) There’s plenty of activities for them if they get bored with the game and need a break. Easily accessible bathrooms with no lines, relatively affordable food, beer and live entertainment. There was live music before and after the game on the nite we went. We also did their VIP ticket that included all you can eat buffet and soft drinks. It was well stocked and the food was good! The kids loved being able to go back to the buffet multiple times for cookies, chips, and make your own nachos etc. Multiple mascots walked around the whole time. Did I mention that the crowd was also not drunk and belligerent like at a Philadelphia Phillies game? This is a must if you’re looking to take kids to a game.

In contrast to the $ 17 burger combo I had at Shake Shack earlier in the day, here is what i received for my $ 15 All You can eat ticket/​wrist band at the Reading Phillies game;
— parking (which is actually free)
— general admission ticket
— the ability to eat and drink (soda) all I wanted
— live music
— witnessed an eating competition
I’ve extolled the virtues of minor league baseball in other reviews and Reading is no exception. In fact, it may even be the apex of family sporting event fun.
I’ll elaborate on my list of goodies from above.
Parking– I arrived close to 2hrs early and most of the lots were full. Parking lots seem limited here but I was easily able to street park close to the entrance for free. Just something to think about when driving up. It’s possible that the early fill was the result of Gluttony Night, where people want to get there early to take full advantage of the All You Can Eat.
Speaking of that, what a deal! Where else can you eat like this for $ 15. Food included; hot dog and fries (both exceptionally good and fresh), a Moes Taco, slice of pizza (not the best pizza but good enough. It was only available at 1 location so the line was outrageous. Get yours early like me). Funnel cake, ice cream (Yuengling brand along with a toppings bar), fountain or canned Pepsi products.
Keep in mind, I got 1 of each of these things and I was stuffed. I could have kept getting more if I hated myself. I think if I lived nearby, I would just come here for dinner and not even worry about watching the game.
Beer is an option here. There is a Yuengling beer area (other options as well). A pint was about $ 6 which isn’t too bad. In a family atmosphere I don’t think they want to encourage hard drinking. It was just enough to wet my whistle.
The game. If you are a Phillies fan, baseball is probably losing its luster for you. Watching these up and coming stars will revive your love of the game. It’s also cool that their clubhouse has them walking through the promenade on their way to the field and they are more than happy to sign autographs.
A note about general admission. The seats are great as far as watching the game but they are also in the direct sun. I was lucky enough to have met up with friends that were sitting in the center area with a roof. Very comfortable in there and there were ample empty seats.
As with most minor league games, there is a ton of stuff to do for kids, from a game and play area, to a pool. Just an overall great family experience.
I’d like to finish this review by mentioning the eating contest that my buddy was a part of. I think he was robbed, because the guy who won may not have been human. It was pretty funny though and was the reason I came so more of this, Reading.

Visited: Sunday — April 19, 2015 — 1:35PM
I’ve attended over 20 games and don’t recall a bad experience.
The smell of grilled food, the sound of laughter and applause, the between-​inning activities for «kids» of all ages, the crack of a bat, bathed in sun amid a gentle, warm, breeze makes «Baseballtown» the place to be for a ball game. Oh, and the Fightins’ won!
Really… As good as it gets!

One Word: POOL. What other baseball team has a home field with a pool in right field. You watch the game from a pool!
Besides that awesome facet, the graphic design around the corridors and the concessions is unique. It shows how much Reading cares about its team.
The games are fun to come out to and tockets are affordable. There is often special events and good times for the family.
Make sure to catch a Fightins game if you’re the Reading or Berks County area.

Finally got to see a game with my grandchildren. Game on Sun 8÷11÷13 was great. Won 14 — 5. Saw a grand slam home run with bases loaded. Had $ 1 hot dogs. The soft pretzel vendor in stands never returned later in game.
Seats were great! Enjoyed watching all the between innings entertainment. Boy Scouts did a very good job collecting trash in the stands. Good idea of having food stand on upper level.
Would have given a 5 star rating but finding the stadium was a challenge. There are no signs stating where to turn and the locals do not seem to be able to provide accurate directions. I do not have a GPS. I did eventually find the stadium. Suggestion: add some signs for those not familiar with Reading!

There’s a place just about an hour west of Philly where you can have the legit baseball game experience without all of the annoyances of Citizens Bank Park. It’s wicked cheap, parking is free and a 2 minute walk away, and there are literally no bad seats anywhere because the stadium is so small. You can drink beers, eat curly fries and hot dogs, and soak in summer sunshine while getting enthusiastic about Sports to your heart’s content.
The only potential minus is that you probably won’t get frisked by security, if you’re into that sort of thing.

It’s a great family place and very entertaining. Enough with the nonsense about soy burgers and ostriches. This isn’t Bryn Mawr and its for BASEBALL and silly fun. Would you be upset at the alcohol consumption at a real Phillies/​Eagles game or is it just the concession food? The fans are great and never a worry to have your kids hear them shout. Also, an undercooked hot dog won’t make you sick. The preservatives in it alone will prevent that. People – calm down!!! The stadium draws thousands each year and is the only bright spot near Reading. Maybe that’s why it is public supported. I’d be more upset my tax money was being used to support Reading Public Schools.

Letter I wrote to the contact box…
Good afternoon, I am writing to inform you of my disgust upon arriving at the stadium around 430 pm Sunday. I arrived to see two ostriches sitting in pens obviously uncomfortable and left alone. I was there for about 30 min just observing to see if anyone was watching. I witnessed several children, teens, and adults gawk… throw something… and make loud noises at the animals. The animals seemed stressed but not once was a trainer or animal care taker around to see this or to check on the animals. It broke my heart because I can only imagine they were out there since the start of the game to be gawked at. While I understand the new character and new gimmick but no animal should be subjected to that. Pay a teenager $ 7.50 to dress as one and take pictures, as his/​her choice. These poor animals had no choice and have no choice. I am sincerely disgusted as was my entire family and we can proudly say until these animals are no longer subjected to this we will not be attending any more events. I am also going to submit this letter to the local ASPCA as I am like I said thoroughly disgusted at my encounter.

Went to see the Reading Phillies for the first time the other week and as expected, had a wonderful time. It’s a great little stadium that is really good for the kids. There was quite the cast of characters here, and I’m not referring to the fans here! There was a turtle, a dog, a beaver, a baseball, and then we also saw a carrot, lettuce, cauliflower, and oh yea, a crazy hot dog vendor! While my head was spinning with the cast of characters, my two boys were entertained and had a great time. And this was the first time I’ve been to a stadium with a swimming pool out in the outfield where kids (and I suppose adults) can swim and watch the game all at the same time.
The fireworks at the end of our game were much better than I was expecting. There is a gift shop and prices were more reasonable than at Citizens Bank Park. There were a number of food options throughout the stadium and prices were pretty reasonable and food quality was OK. We didn’t really care for the chicken fingers. Note that not all food stations take credit cards, so you might want to bring some cash. There is a live band that plays before and after the game. There is also a fun zone for the kids that include games, an inflatable slide, mini golf, speed pitch, etc. These all cost money as you have to purchase tickets to play these, or you can put a pass for like $ 10 for all access to the fun.
Parking is free, but I would suggest getting there early, or else, you’ll be looking for places on side streets to park. Traffic getting out of there was pretty easily and certainly more pleasant than getting out of Citizen’s Bank Park.
We will definitely be attending more games here and less at Citizens Bank Park.

This review may be pointless now that they have changed their name to the Fightin’ Phils. Make sure you do NOT say «Fighting» Phils. This well-​cared-​for small stadium is a point of pride for Berks Countians (and gets a lot of public money for a private entity; isn’t that nice for them?).
We were sad to see two real ostriches in a cage out front, in debilitating heat. Signs adorn the cage: «Ostriches bite!» and well they should, considering the harassment they probably endure. Is this really necessary? The ostrich is the new mascot. No one gets it. Where are these two females kept when they are not on display?
Citizens Bank Park in Philly has been rated the number one stadium in the country for healthier and alternative diets, but none of that has rubbed off here (black bean burgers, soy hot dogs, smoothies, etc.). Good Eatz was supposed to have a stand here, but that did not work out. There is decent beer on the beer deck, and the pavilion, which might have to be rented, has wine. I used to love the onion rings here.
It’s great to see how the stadium works with local non-​profits, and they host impressive events such as free RSO concerts on holidays with excellent fireworks. Even if you do not follow sports, you can enjoy yourself here to a degree.

Absolutely the worst concession food that I’ve ever eaten. My wife and I attended a pre game music event with another couple. My wife decided to keep it simple and ordered a hot dog for her and a hamburger for me. The hot dog was barely cooked which apparently made her sick later that evening. My hamburger was like a leather hockey puck… well done is an understatement. And the prices were sky high… this isn’t the Big leagues.
This will be the last time that I waste at this rip off venue.

What can I say they don’t call it Baseballtown for nothing. This is the home of the AA Reading Fightin Phillies. A great place to see a ball game, tickets average around $ 10 and every seat is great. If you have never been to a Minor League Game make sure you go here first.
Cheap prices on food and beer. Even offer a $ 1 off during happy hour. Always great giveaways or firework promotions just check out the promotional schedule on their website. Between inning there is always something going on to keep the crowd entertained. MAke sure to walk around cause they have lots of things to do for the kids. They even have a swimming pool.
Many of the Phillies greats have played here at some point as a stepping stone to the major leagues. So what are you waiting for? Head to Reading for a game, its only a short drive from Philadelphia (about an hour). It’s sure to be a HOME RUN!!!

Great time for an evening out! They keep you amused between innings with: contests, Hot Dog Joe tossing hot dogs into the crowd, a train that shoots tee shirts out of a cannon into the crowd.
There are picnic pavilions for large groups that have catered meals, a swimming pool to rent for parties.
Food prices are very reasonable for a ballpark. There is also a nice variety.
I like that you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a beer!
Free parking.
All in all, fun night out at the ballpark.

While the Reading Phillies have improved the experience since they remodeled the stadium (10 years overdue) and the new digital screen added this year is a vast improvement, the food is decent but cannot compare to Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs or CBP in Philly. Some of the ‘games’ for kids are really dated, but the parking as long as you get there early Esp. on a promo giveaway, is good (no charge!) and the ticket prices are cheap. I don’t like the new team logo an Ostrich? cmon’ Really?! and they actually have two live ostriches in a trailer outside-didn’t have a lot of room for them, felt sorry for their ‘captivity’. The dog days however are the best, we enjoy bringing our furry kids to the game (only 2 games this year though). Family friendly park, very good fireworks displays normally. Just wished some of the food & selection was better. A solid 4 stars.

They throw hotdogs to the crowd. God help us all.

I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for the Reading Phillies. They were the first ever minor league park I visited back in the 80’s. Many of the stars I grew up idolizing in Philadelphia played there.
It had been a long time since I visited the ballpark. But I have had the chance to see three games here in the past year now. And I do believe I have a real handle on the entire experience, especially compared to other minor league ballparks in this area.
Quite simply put, no one does minor league baseball better than the Reading Phillies!
I’ll tell you what it is. It’s not that the food is better here than at other ballparks, which I’ll talk about in a bit. It’s not that it is the nicest ballpark. Or that it has the best promotions. I can name a minor league ballpark that has some better food. I can name a nicer looking ballpark. I can also name some minor league organizations that have better promotions.
But none of them have the combination of real baseball history in their park mixed in with modern renovations. When they redid the stadium here, they did it right. You get the sense of the history that the organization has in the walls of the old ballpark, and you get a very comfortable stadium with good modern amenities. Lakewood, Lehigh Valley, Wilmington, they’re all good in their own right, but they can’t match Reading for the overall experience.
So if you want the rundown of the basics, the food generally is good and affordable. The AYCE deals are the best value at a ballpark, with pretty standard barbecue fare which is good enough for a ballpark. The concessions are pretty basic with a few creative items (the roasted cinnamon glazed almonds are addictive). But what I found is one of the best parts of a ballpark experience. The hot dogs are really good. I’m talking great flavor, right off the grill, and cheap.
Gang, you can have the most creative ballpark food item in the world, but if you can make a great hot dog, that’s going to go a long way at a ballgame.
They do tend to have very good promotional items. I’ve gotten a few nice hats there along the way. The people who work there are all friendly. There’s plenty for the kids. The M&N store is a great addition. The outdoor plaza has added a whole new world to what that ballpark used to be in the 80’s. The players tend to be very accessible to the fans as well.
But the real bottom line… cheap tickets, good sight lines, and free parking. Definitely worth the drive from Philly.

For a ballgame experience this is a must, this place also has some great selections when it comes to the food category, and I have pretty much tried them all! First you have plenty of options. Check it out:
AYCE Buffet:
Suppose you have been stranded in the backwoods of Berks County and drifted down the Schuylkill then made your way to the ball park. The problem is you only have $ 20! Guess what this is not a problem; for this scenario grab yourself a general admission ticket ($ 8) and get a AYCE ticket for ($ 12). Just to make sure everyone understands what I am laying down for some reason food related things love acronyms. So for those that do not know, AYCE is All You Can Eat, this is better than a BYOB! Anyway the Reading Phillies AYCE Buffet is a grand slam! First you have access to a soda fountain, which has a variety of Pepsi products (the only negative for me — I prefer Coke). Next you have access to chips and sourdough pretzel nuggets (I know this is something from a bag). Okay not super impressed yet, I know what you’re thinking, I could buy a month supply of this so far for $ 12. While walking through the buffet line you will now notice they have potato and macaroni salad (I prefer the macaroni salad), and then hot dogs, and hamburgers (unfortunately not cheeseburgers) but hey that is okay, because while you are looking at the hot dogs and hamburgers a smell will grab your nose like a baseball player grabs their crotch. That smell is BBQ chicken, and this chicken looks so small (thank God it is AYCE) and you are probably saying to yourself, I spent $ 12 on this?!? Well after you take 1 piece of chicken, you will be back for more — trust me. It is such a simple recipe, but it is defines a backyard BBQ. For group events my guests will always say «boy that chicken at the game was phenomenal» however I have no idea how they do it with such large quantities. All I know when I get a peak at the guy slaving over the charcoal grill in the background, it looks like he has been making the BBQ chicken at First Energy Stadium since Reading was the minor league affiliate for the Cleveland Indians! So with that being said, the chicken makes the AYCE buffet worth it (if you are a chicken fan!)
Concession Stands
I understand you may come to the park and decide, I want to grab something at the concession stands, that is cool because I do that too! For some strange reason that my heritage will not be proud of I really enjoy the pizza. Now be careful there are two pizza locations in the park that I am aware of. The first will get you as soon as you come into the stadium (1^st base gate). The pizza place that I like is the one in the concourse area of the stadium (beneath the infield seats). It is the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Pizza, and it reminds me of carnival pizza we use to get from the local fire department once every summer. I am sure it is frozen, but the sauce and cheese is great, the crust is crispy. I would have to say this is my guilty pleasure. They have a wide selection of various products, here they are in list order (yes I have eaten all of these):
Walking Taco’s (a snack bag of Frito’s with taco meat and cheese — quite yummy by the way). This is a good side option.
The Grand Slammer: This is a beast of a burger, Two patties probably a ½ lb. of meat on a seeded role, between the two patties is cheese whiz with french fries, and on top of the roll is two pickle slices stuck on with a tooth pick. This thing is a beast, and I couldn’t finish it!
French Fries: Delicious with ketchup or cheese (no need to go large, a regular order is plenty in my opinion) These are about the same thickness as McDonald’s fries. My wife and I will often split a regular order of fries.
Popcorn Chicken: Very good small fried chicken bites, if I can recall it is about 8 – 10 pieces? I could be wrong.
Philly Dog: Hot dog with a cheesesteak toppings, yes a Philly Cheesesteak is topped on this dog!
Taco Dog: It is what is sounds like (similar to the Philly Dog), has taco meat, cheese, and tortilla crumbles on a jumbo dog!
Plain Hot Dog: For $ 2 you can have a plain dog, for $ 2.50 add cheese whiz.
Soft Pretzels: Super pretzels, oh yeah as with the rest of my stuff throw a cheese cup on for $.50 and it is a great treat.
Nuts for You: This stand makes cinnamon candied nuts (small $ 4, and a large is $ 7) they also make kettle corn and popcorn. These nuts are fantastic, they have a choice between almonds, pecans, or cashews. They are addictive, the only thing I wish is they had a variety pack of all three.
I will write additional reviews on this place, but all in all I want to show all of the options. Look for more reviews around the actual game day experiences! I hope you take my word and experience it for yourself!

A must go. One of (if not) the best minor league park and franchise in the country. A gold standard. Dollar for dollar best entertainment value around. In game entertainment, excellent promotional calendar. Always a great time for the family.
If you do any baseball game this year at least one trip to this park should be on everyone’s to do list.

Like the previous reviewer said, I can’t think of another minor league ball park that’s as nice as FirstEnergy Stadium.
Everything is affordable, so it definitely makes for a great family night out.
Right on the outskirts of Reading too, so it isn’t too dangerous at night time.