April 3, 2015
Hope springs eternal at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where the Phillies set to host the Red Sox on Monday afternoon. The Phillies endured a forgettable 2014 campaign, posting just 73 wins in the basement of the N.L. East. Monday will welcome a sense of fanfare that’s been empty in the stands since last April, and ticket prices won’t be cheap on the secondary market.
According to TicketIQ, the average secondary price for Phillies Opening Day tickets is $232.58, marking a price jump of 2.7% from last week’s average of $226.49. The get-in price starts at $101.
The Phillies haven’t seen such exorbitant Opening Day numbers since TicketIQ began tracking data in 2010, and despite the team’s projection to again dwell in the depths of the East, Citizen’s Bank Park will undoubtedly welcome a sellout crowd Monday.
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Since appearing in the 2009 World Series, the Philadelphia Phillies have struggled to find their identity. General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has been criticized for handing out big dollar contracts to players that do not deserve them and hanging on to players he probably should have traded to help rebuild. Philadelphia is stuck with first baseman Ryan Howard, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract which proved to be the first major miscue for Amaro. Philadelphia has not been able to find a trade partner for the burly first baseman. Philadelphia traded its emotional leader, shortstop, Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospects. While Philadelphia still has two stud pitchers in Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, this team has entertained trade offers, but has not pulled the trigger. There is a lot of pressure on Amaro and manager Ryne Sandberg to take this team back to the playoffs. That quest for a playoff berth will start on Opening Day.
Phillies Opening Day Ticket Prices Since 2010
| Year | Opponent | Avg Price | Get-in Price |
| 2015 | vs BOS | $226.49 | $38 |
| 2014 | vs MIL | $98.72 | $38 |
| 2013 | vs KC | $141.53 | $52 |
| 2012 | vs MIA | $157.38 | $70 |
| 2011 | vs HOU | $182.98 | $75 |
| 2010 | vs WAS | $248.49 | $125 |
Expect Philadelphia to play with a lot of emotion as it looks to return to its winning ways. Either Hamels or Lee will receive the Opening Day start against Boston, if they are still on the roster. If they are, it’s also possible they might not be by next Opening Day.
