Baseball’s postseason returns to Philadelphia, as the Phillies host the Los Angeles Dodgers–the defending World Series champions–in the National League Division Series. For long-suffering fans of the Phils, “Red October” is more than just a slogan; it means playoff nights in South Philly, intense pressure, and a chance to write a new chapter in franchise lore. Citizens Bank Park will metamorphose into a cauldron of noise, pageantry, and playoff fever.
As Citizens Bank Park prepares to host another Red October, the focus isn’t just on the game itself; it’s on the entire fan experience. From the roar of the crowd and the rally towels to the transit options, exclusive merch, and an ever-evolving lineup of food and drinks, the Phillies are making sure that every detail of playoff season feels bigger, bolder, and uniquely Philly.
Fall Flavors Meet Ballpark Staples
One of the most fun parts of playoff ball is seeing how teams lean into seasonal and local food trends. At CBP, the Phillies are embracing autumn flavors in a big way. The menu includes pumpkin spice cold brews, pumpkin spice boneless wings, and even a pumpkin spice affogato (a cold brew poured over ice cream), served in “The Yard” in Section 101.
Other notable items:
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A Fall Classics Shake made with Richman’s vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche, and topped with an apple-cider donut, sold in a postseason mason jar format.
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A turkey dinner wrapped in eggroll form: turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and gravy for dipping.
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Pierogi poutine (in Sections 135, 208, 323), reflecting Philadelphia’s Eastern European roots.
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Seasonal beers: Yuengling & Sly Fox Oktoberfest, Tröegs Master of Pumpkins, Conshohocken’s “Nightmare on East Elm Street,” and New Belgium’s Atomic Pumpkin Ale.
Citizens Bank Park’s executive chef Vonnie Negron remarked that the goal is to ensure each fan “has a great experience.” It’s a balance of bold novelty and crowd-pleasing staples.
“It’s fall season, my favorite season, so we’re leaning heavily into the fall season,” Negron said.
The 9-9-9 Challenge Box: A Ballpark Rite of Passage
Perhaps the most talked about food item in October would be the legendary 9-9-9 Challenge box.
“It’s nine mini hot dogs and nini mini shots of beer,” Negron said. “It’s our take on the 9-9-9 challenge. A little bit more approachable, a little bit more doable in my opinion.”
For those brave enough to tempt it, the box, also, has its own scoreboard so fans can mark down their progress inning by inning.
It’s not officially sanctioned by MLB or the Phillies, but the tradition has spread across stadiums nationwide, becoming almost a cult ritual among diehard fans. At Citizens Bank Park, it has taken on a life of its own. Social media has only fueled its popularity, with countless TikTok clips and YouTube recaps of fans attempting (and often failing) to complete the marathon of gluttony.
Beyond the feat of eating and drinking, the 9-9-9 Box represents a spirit unique to playoff baseball: indulgence, camaraderie, and the willingness to push boundaries in the name of fandom. Whether fans conquer the challenge or bow out early, just attempting it has become a rite of passage in Philadelphia’s Red October lore.
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