Philadelphia Phillies Paint the Town Red Week, March 24-31

Red Phanatic returns! Mayor Nutter to turn Phanatic red; Joins Philadelphia Phillies' efforts in urging fans to "Step Up to the Plate" & volunteer

03/17/2008 -- With Opening Day two weeks away, the Philadelphia Phillies are getting ready to Paint the Town Red! From March 24-31, the Red Phanatic will appear once again to celebrate the upcoming baseball season - with unique events aimed at encouraging fans to "Step Up to the Plate" and volunteer in their community.

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Other highlights include a special online ticket opportunity, when you sign up and volunteer in your community through Greater Philadelphia Cares. For additional info, visit phillies.com/volunteer. Plus, Paint the Town Red Week specials will be offered by numerous merchants and Phillies sponsors throughout the city.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

Step Up to the Plate Rally! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Noon, Northwest Side of City Hall

Show your Phillies colors and join Mayor Michael Nutter, local media celebrities, the Mummers, former Phillie Garry Maddox, Director of Public Affairs Scott Palmer, the Phillies Ballgirls, and Hatfield Phillies Franks' Smiley the Pig - as well as volunteers from Greater Philadelphia Cares, Citizens Bank and City Year - as they team up for a unique rally aimed at getting Philadelphians to "Step Up to the Plate" to make their community a better place! This event will lead off with the Phanatic turning red with the help of Philadelphia's new mayor - and continue with plenty of Phillies fun to celebrate the upcoming season.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

Play Ball & Mentor! OPEN TO SPECTATORS, 3:00 p.m., National Constitution Center, Independence Mall, 525 Arch Street

* In honor of the "Baseball as America" exhibit on display at the NCC, the Phillies will team up with Mayor Nutter, Citizens Bank and former players to host a wiffle ball game with children from the Ford PAL Center and Rookie Leagues.
* Participants include Phillies broadcasters Gary Matthews and Scott Franzke, as well as the Red Phanatic, Phillies Ballgirls and Citizens Bank Ballpark Bankers. Fans are invited to watch the game and receive Phillies giveaways!

Phillies Liberty Bell Classic Games Underway! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, 3:00 p.m.

The following local Division I colleges will compete in the Liberty Bell Classic Tournament: Villanova University at Lehigh University; St. Joseph's University at University of Delaware; LaSalle University at Temple University; and University of Pennsylvania at Lafayette University. The championship game at Citizens Bank Park on April 8, 8:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

Phillies Blood Drive: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, 2 - 7 p.m., Citizens Bank Park; MEDIA ONLY, 12 - 3 p.m.

Help support the American Red Cross and donate blood! Appointments are recommended at pleasegiveblood.org. Donors will receive special Phillies prizes.

ON-DECK WITH THE PHILLIES

* Friday, March 28: Pep Rally, 15th & Market Streets (outside Citizens Bank): Citizens Bank and the Phillies will be distributing "Go Phillies" signs and rally towels to celebrate the season ... On-Deck with the Phillies Reception & Phillies vs. Blue Jays, Citizens Bank Park: The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will welcome back players at their annual reception at Citizens Bank Park (SOLD OUT). Then, at 7:05 p.m., the Phillies take on the Blue Jays. Go to phillies.com for tickets.
* Saturday, March 29 - Phillies vs. Blue Jays, 1:05 p.m., Citizens Bank Park. Scouts Day/Hatfield Phillies Franks Dollar Dog Day/Southwest Airlines Schedule Magnet for all fans.
* Sunday, March 30 - Phillies play ball vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at the new Coca-Cola Park in Allentown! Game time: 2:05 p.m. For info go to ironpigsbaseball.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 31: Modell's Sporting Goods Opening Day! Phillies take on the Washington Nationals, Citizens Bank Park, 3:05 p.m. SOLD OUT. Watch the game LIVE on CBS3!

SATURDAY, APRIL 5: Philly Spring Cleanup, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Take part in this city-wide cleanup! More info at phillyspringcleanup.com.

Source: MLB