Phillies take on Mets in London: Everything to know before first pitch this weekend
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Philadelphia Phillies are set to reign in London as the best team in the National League.
The Fightins traveled across the pond Thursday and are set to take on the New York Mets this weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know before first pitch
Local fans are taking the trip
Tara Casey, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, is one of the many fans traveling to see the Phillies this weekend.
“Once in a lifetime trip. Phillies are amazing right now. We are so excited,” she said.
It’s a day Tara and her husband say they planned for months, coinciding with an even more special date for the couple.
READ MORE: Phillies London series: Watch parties, drink specials and bars opening early this weekend
“Our anniversary is Monday, we always travel for it. We were like, we cannot miss this,” she said. “We travel for the Phillies all the time, been to about 20 stadiums. So we had to add London to the list.”
Vince Rizzuto, the president of Philly Sports Trips, has been planning this trip for about a year.
“We have all our events planned, our game tickets sent out. People are excited, they’re checking into their flights,” he said.
Rizzuto says 200 Phillies fans purchased the special packages and traveled to the U.K. with the group.
For many fans, it’s their first trip across the pond.
“Once in a lifetime! I retired last year, took my first cruise, this my first international trip,” said Linda Ciafre of South Philadelphia.
Watch parties and more
Many local bars across the Philadelphia region are opening up early and are offering up Phillies-theme drinks.
Many of of Chickie’s & Pete’s locations will be ready to serve fans early.
In Philadelphia, the city’s iconic tavern McGillin’s will be selling $1 hotdogs along with its “Phillies-tini.”
And over at Xfinity Live!, a brunch burger, biscuits and gravy and more on are the menu for those looking for the early grub.
