Opening Day 2026: Everything Phillies fans need to know before first pitch

PHILLIES (WPVI) — The quest for another Red October begins on Thursday.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Phillies-Rangers game.

What time does the game start?

First pitch begins at 4:15 p.m.

Who is the starting pitcher?

Cristopher Sánchez will be on the mound for the Phillies.

Where can I park?

Click here for a parking map.

Parking for Phillies games is cashless. Methods of payment include credit/debit cards and mobile payment (Apple Pay and Google Pay). To expedite entry, pre-paid parking passes may also be purchased prior to the game.

Tailgating lots (A-H, M, N & O) will open at 11:00 a.m.; all other lots will open at 1:00 p.m.

Weather forecast

We soar to the 70s for the Phillies home opener. A cold front approaches later in the evening bringing a round of rain overnight into Friday morning.

Where can I share photos?

Share your best fan photos with 6abc – you might just see yourself on Action News! Click here to learn more.

Opening Day roster

The Phillies have finalized their Opening Day roster for the 2026 regular season. The 26-man roster includes 13 pitchers (six left-handers and seven right-handers), two catchers, six infielders, four outfielders and one designated hitter.

Pitchers (13):

Left-handers – José Alvarado, Kyle Backhus, Tanner Banks, Jesús Luzardo, Tim Mayza and Cristopher Sánchez. Right-handers – Jonathan Bowlan, Jhoan Duran, Brad Keller, Aaron Nola, Andrew Painter, Zach Pop and Taijuan Walker.

Catchers (2):

Rafael Marchán and J.T. Realmuto.

Infielders (6):

Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper, Dylan Moore, Edmundo Sosa, Bryson Stott and Trea Turner.

Outfielders (4):

Justin Crawford, Adolis García, Otto Kemp and Brandon Marsh.

Designated Hitter (1):

Kyle Schwarber.

The Phillies selected the contracts of Crawford and infielder Christian Cairo, and optioned Cairo to triple-A Lehigh Valley. Catcher Garrett Stubbs was designated for assignment.

Additionally, the Phillies placed right-handed pitchers Orion Kerkering (right hamstring strain), Max Lazar (left oblique strain) and Zack Wheeler (right shoulder surgery) on the 15-day injured list, all retroactive to March 22.

Opening Day Fan Lineup

• 9:00 a.m — Newly renovated New Era Phillies Team Store opens.

• 1:25 p.m. — Phillies batting practice.

• 1:45 p.m. — All gates open. All fans receive a 2025 NL East Champions Pennant, courtesy of Nemours Children’s Health.

• 2:25 p.m. — Rangers batting practice.

• 3:30 p.m. — Opening Day ceremonies begin.

Who’s singing the national anthem?

It will be performed by Kane Kalas, son of the late Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas, at his father’s statue behind Section 141. The 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard (also known as the Jersey Devils) will perform a flyover following the national anthem.

Ceremonial first pitch

The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by 10-year-old Lucas Bibro, a Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware patient, alongside his cardiologist Dr. Mark Cartoski, caught by Phillies shortstop Trea Turner.

Plus, 1976 and 1996 Phillies All-Star alumni Larry Bowa, Greg “The Bull” Luzinski, Mike Schmidt and Ricky Bottalico will throw a ceremonial first pitch to current Phillies All-Stars.

New Food Options

Sánchez Sliders

It features a duo of honey-stung chicken tenders tossed in a house-made hot spice blend and served on potato rolls with Grillo’s Pickles, garlic aioli and Mike’s Hot Honey. (Coca-Cola Corner – Left Field Plaza & Cadillac Hall of Fame Club)

A portion of the proceeds benefits Clínica de Familia, a nonprofit community healthcare clinic in Sánchez’s hometown of La Romana.

Schwarbomb Sundae

It features a shareable-sized sundae worthy of a Kyle Schwarber moonshot, featuring Richman’s soft-serve topped with a funnel-cake-fried strawberry Uncrustable, fresh strawberry sauce and fruity cereal pieces – all served in a 2026 MLB All-Star Game batting helmet. (Coca-Cola Corner Treats – Left Field Plaza)

A portion of the proceeds benefits Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes, which directly supports first responders, military personnel and their families.

The Sweeper

A ribeye steak smothered in pizza sauce and topped with provolone cheese and pepperoni. A portion of the proceeds from each sandwich sold will be donated to The Luzardo Family Foundation, directly benefitting children’s health and wellness and underserved community programs. (Campo’s – Ashburn Alley)

New food vendors also include Freddy’s Frozen Custard (Home Plate – Section 126) and LaScala’s Fire (Philadelphia Insurance Club).

Other new creations and enhancements include the following:

1883 Burger Co Smash Burger

A reinvented ode to the Phillies inception, now composed of two Pat LaFrieda signature blend patties with yellow American cheese, Grillo’s Pickles and sweet heat sauce served on a Liscio’s Bakery potato roll. (Sections 109, 207 & 323)

Bull’s BBQ Sampler Platter

A perfect option for the fan who wants it all. Generous tasting portions of Bull’s signature pulled pork, burnt ends and smoked turkey are paired with baked beans and creamy coleslaw, served with classic white bread. (Left Field Plaza)

Hatfield Phootlong Dog

A jumbo version of the classic Phillies Frank, served on a Liscio’s Bakery potato roll. (Sections 114, 129 & 314 – Hatfield Classics Grill)

Wilt’s Chocolate Smothered Berries

A viral sensation that was brought to Reading Terminal Market now arrives at Citizens Bank Park. Fresh strawberries are piled high and smothered in a proprietary milk chocolate blend right before fans’ eyes. The perfect treat for summer! (Section 111 & Cadillac HOF Club)