Ballpark Roadtrip: Citizens Bank

CBSNews.com's Gordon Donovan tours Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park in the first of a five-part "Ballpark Roadtrip" series.

Citizens Bank Park is a 43,647-seat ballpark, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. There are several ten-foot high statues were made by local sculptor Zenos Frudakis, including ones of Mike Schmidt, above, Richie Ashburn, Steve Carlton and Robin Roberts.

If you enter through the right field gates, go find Ashburn Alley and enjoy one of best food selections in baseball.

Fans watch batting practice in the left field seats. The gates open in the center field area 2 hours prior to the game for batting practice.

Bull's BBQ features the "Bulldog," an extra-large kielbasa sandwich. Try the Greg the Bull's sampler platter.

The Bull's Pit, Philly Cheese steaks, Planet Hoagie and Chicky Pets are some the food choices in Ashburn Alley. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your meal during batting practice and the game.

A ball, glove and pen are the tools of the trade for autograph seekers. After eating I walked around taking photos by the field levels. Security was kind and friendly.

ESPN's Jayson Stark enjoys a laugh with Cubs manager Lou Piniella during batting practice.

The Cubs line up along the left field line as the National Anthem is performed prior to the start of the game.

The highlight of any Phillie game is the Phillie Phanatic -perhaps the best mascot in baseball. Riding around on his all-terrain vehicle before the game, the Phanatic is at his mischievous best, mixing it up with opposing players and coaches, trying to knock them off their game to give the home team any advantage.

Phillie fans cheer during player introductions at the start of the game. Philadelphia is famous for it's notoriously hostile fans, I found most of the fans I encountered were friendly and loved their team. Most of younger fans who were drinking were intolerant.

The left field foul pole in Citizens Bank Park. Seated next to me was a retired firefighter who has been a Phillies fan for 50-plus years. He shared stories with me about going to the old Connie Mack Stadium and seeing the Phillies and (Philadelphia) Athletics.

The Phillies Raul Ibanez is congratulated by teammates Jimmy Rollins and Shane Victorino after his 1st inning home run. The Phillies jumped out to an early lead against the Cubs.

The Chicago Cubs Derek Lee swings and connects with pitch in the 4th inning off Phillies starter Rodrigo Lopez.

A view of Citizens Bank Park from the Scoreboard Porch section above Ashburn Alley.

During the 6th inning I walked around taking photos of the ballpark, with fans asking me questions about whom I shooting for and what I was I doing, how many ballparks have I been to, how are the new ballparks in New York? One said, "I want to do what you're doing!" I found the fans in Philadelphia very enthusiastic, and they love their team.

In the Phillies Wall of Fame are plaques of many Phillies greats. Hall of Famer William "Sliding Billy" Hamilton compiled 912 stolen bases, a .344 batting average and 1690 runs in 1591 games. Hamilton played with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1890-1895.

Memory Lane is located on the back of the batter's eye walls is an illustrated history of Philadelphia ballparks, including the Phillies, Athletics and Negro League teams in the city.

A view from Memory Lane of fans in the standing room only area above the bullpens. Part of Memory Lane is closed during games due to the fans easy access to the opponents bullpen and the verbal abuse of players.

Cubs reliever Carlos M

Great ballpark, baseball scene, excellent food, fans love their team. Plan your day around the game and visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Give yourself extra time to travel. The SEPTA orange line down Broad Street was a harrowing experience. Plan trip and buy tickets in advance.