Yes, you can bring water into Citizens Bank Park, but it has to be sealed and unopened
Citizens Bank Park allows one sealed, unopened bottle of water per person. The bottle must be factory-sealed — you cannot bring an open bottle, a bottle you've already started drinking from, or a refillable water bottle you've filled yourself. This is the main rule that matters when you're planning what to pack for a game.
The policy exists because the stadium wants to control what liquids enter the building and prevent outside beverages from being brought in. A sealed bottle proves the water hasn't been tampered with and hasn't had anything added to it. Once you're inside, you can open and drink it whenever you want.
If you forget to bring water or finish your bottle before you get to your seat, the stadium sells bottled water at concession stands. You'll pay more than you would outside the park, which is why many people bring their sealed bottle with them.
Key Takeaways
- One sealed, unopened bottle of water per person is allowed into Citizens Bank Park.
- The bottle must be factory-sealed and cannot be opened, partially drunk, or refilled before you enter.
- You can open and drink the water once you're inside the stadium.
- Bottled water is available for purchase at concession stands if you don't bring your own.
- Other outside beverages, including open drinks and other sealed drinks, are not permitted.
What counts as a sealed water bottle
A sealed water bottle means a bottle that came from the manufacturer with an unbroken seal. Common examples are individual bottled water bottles you buy at a grocery store, gas station, or convenience store — the kind with a plastic wrap around the cap or a tamper-evident band showing the bottle hasn't been opened.
Bottles that do not count as sealed include refillable water bottles you've filled at home, water bottles you've already opened and resealed, thermoses, or any container you brought from outside the stadium. Even if you seal it yourself with tape or a lid, it won't meet the requirement because security staff cannot verify it hasn't been tampered with.
Other drinks and outside beverages
Citizens Bank Park does not allow any other outside beverages into the stadium, whether sealed or not. This includes soda, juice, sports drinks, coffee, tea, or alcohol. The one exception is the single sealed water bottle per person.
The reason for this policy is that the stadium generates revenue from food and beverage sales at concession stands. Allowing outside drinks would cut into that revenue. The water exception exists because staying hydrated during a game is a health and safety issue, especially during hot weather or long games.
What happens if you try to bring prohibited drinks
Security staff at the gates check bags and what people are carrying as they enter. If you have a sealed drink other than water, or an open drink, or a refillable bottle, staff will ask you to throw it away or leave it outside. You won't be allowed to bring it into the stadium.
This happens at the gate before you enter, so you'll know right away. You can choose to discard the drink, go back to your car or a nearby trash can, or not enter. There's no penalty beyond not being able to bring that item in — you won't be banned or fined.
Bringing food into Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park allows you to bring outside food, unlike beverages. You can bring snacks, sandwiches, fruit, or other food items in a bag. This is different from the drink policy and is one way people save money on stadium food costs.
The food policy is more relaxed because the stadium's main concern is controlling what liquids enter the building. Food doesn't pose the same security or revenue concerns as beverages do. Many people take advantage of this by packing snacks before they arrive.
Planning what to bring on game day
If you're going to a game and want to stay hydrated without buying drinks inside, buy a sealed bottle of water before you arrive and bring it with you. Stop at any convenience store or grocery store on the way to the stadium and pick up a bottle. It costs less than buying water inside the park.
Pack your sealed water bottle in a bag along with any snacks you want to bring. When you go through security at the gate, have the bottle visible so staff can see it's sealed. Once you're inside, you can open it and drink it at any point during the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at a fountain inside the stadium?
No, you cannot bring an empty refillable water bottle into Citizens Bank Park. The policy requires a sealed, unopened bottle. However, once you're inside, you can purchase a sealed bottle of water at a concession stand and drink from it, or ask at a concession stand if they have a water fountain you can use.
What if I have a medical condition and need to bring a special drink?
Contact Citizens Bank Park directly before your visit to ask about exceptions for medical reasons. The main phone number for the stadium is available through the Philadelphia Phillies website. Explain your situation and ask what documentation or approval you might need. Some venues make exceptions for documented medical needs, but you need to request this in advance.
Can I bring water for a child or someone who gets dehydrated easily?
Yes, you can bring one sealed water bottle per person, including for children. If you have multiple people in your group, each person can bring one sealed bottle. This means a family of four can bring four sealed water bottles total.
Are there water fountains inside Citizens Bank Park?
Citizens Bank Park has water fountains available for guests. If you don't bring a sealed bottle, you can use these fountains once you're inside the stadium. This is a free option, though it may involve waiting in line depending on how busy the stadium is.
What if my sealed water bottle gets opened or damaged before I enter?
If your bottle is no longer sealed when you reach security, you won't be able to bring it in. The seal must be intact at the gate. If this happens, you can throw it away and purchase a new sealed bottle inside the stadium, or use the water fountains available throughout the park.