Fightins Welcome Star-Studded Celebrity Guest List for 2016
This season, the Reading Fightin Phils will be rolling out the red carpet on select game dates for a group of celebrity guests and cast of characters that will grace Baseballtown in 2016.
Soap opera star Steve Burton will be on hand Sunday, April 10th thanks to Feesers. Burton is best known for playing Jason Morgan on ABC's General Hospital, and he currently stars on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless as Dylan McAvoy. A five-time Daytime Emmy nominated actor, Burton was awarded a Daytime Emmy in 1998 for his role on General Hospital.
On the heels of Burton's appearance, "The Farmer" Chris Soules from ABC's The Bachelor and Dancing With the Stars will bring his rose to America's Classic Ballpark on Wednesday, August 3rd for Ladies Night thanks to Pepsi. Soules was fan favorite as a cast member on the tenth season The Bachelorette, where he finished third, and later starred in the nineteenth season of The Bachelor. A fourth-generation farmer from Iowa, Soules also placed fifth on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars and was on the cast of Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition.
On Friday, May 6th, Sean "X-Pac" Waltman will be the honored guest for this year's Tribute to Professional Wrestling Night presented by Saucony Creek. Over his legendary career, Waltman has wrestled for WWE, WCW, and TNA as a member of both the popular New World Order (nWo) and D-Generation X. A decorated champion, Waltman has held the WWE European Championship, WWE Light Heavyweight Championship, WWE Tag Team Championship, WCW Cruiserweight Championship, and WCW World Tag Championship.
Joey Chesnut will bring his famous appetite with him on Tuesday, July 26th for the Fightins annual Gluttony Night promotion on behalf of Yuengling's Ice Cream. Currently ranked second in the world by Major League Eating, Chestnut shocked the world in 2007 when he won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest to dethrone Takeru Kobayashi. He went on to win the July 4th contest the next seven years for a total of eight straight victories. Among the foods he holds world records for are steak (4.5 pounds, plus sides, in 8 minutes, 52 seconds), hot dogs (69 in 10 minutes), and bratwursts (70 in 10 minutes).
Each of the above guests will be on hand to for a free autograph session at their game date as well as an exclusive pre-game VIP Meet-and-Greet.
In addition the celebrity guests, the Fightins will also welcome some popular guests from over the team's 50 Phillies Seasons.
The Phillie Phanatic will entertain the crowds in Baseballtown at two regular season games on June 29th and August 7th in addition to the March 31st Phillies Futures Game.
Elvis Presley tribute artist Jeff Krick looks to bring some "Burnin' Love" to FirstEnergy Stadium when he performs in the pre-game and post-game on Friday, July 1st brought to you by 830 AM WEEU.
Garrison Carida's 501st Legion will bring various Star Wars characters from across the galaxy on Saturday, June 4th. At the game, the Fightins will be wearing special Chewbacca game jerseys that will be auctioned at the end of the night.
On June 5th, the Fightins will hold a free soccer clinic on field for Kid's Club members featuring a player from the Philadelphia Union. That same player will also participate in an autograph session at the game.
Chronological Summary of Appearances
| Thurs., March 31st, 6:05 p.m. | Phillie Phanatic |
| Sun., April 9th, 2:05 p.m. | Steve Burton: "Jason Morgan" from General Hospital |
| Fri., May 6th, 7:05 p.m. | Wrestling Legend Sean "X-Pac" Waltman |
| Sat., June 4th, 6:35 p.m. | Star Wars Tribute w/ Star Wars Characters |
| Sun., June 5th, 2:05 p.m. | Philadelphia Union Player |
| Wed., June 29th, 7:05 p.m. | Phillie Phanatic |
| Fri., July 1st, 7:05 p.m. | Elvis Tribute w/ Jeff Krick |
| Tues., July 26th, 7:05 p.m. | Joey Chestnut |
| Wed., August 3rd, 7:05 p.m. | "The Farmer" Chris Soules from The Bachelor & Dancing with the Stars |
| Thurs., August 7th, 5:05 p.m. | Phillie Phanatic |
Tickets for the 2016 season, including the March 31st Phillies Futures Game, go on sale Thursday, February 18th. Season tickets, mini-plans, and group tickets for the 2016 season at FirstEnergy Stadium are available now by visiting Fightins.com, calling at 610-370-BALL, or by stopping by the Fightins Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightins on Twitter @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via Facebook.com/Fightins.
Throughout the next two weeks, the Fightins will announce their slate of promotions for the 2016 season leading up to the day single game tickets go on sale February 18th. Below is a list of the Fightins release schedule for the 2016 promotions:
Feb. 8 50 Phillies Seasons Golden Bobbleheads for Adults
Feb. 9 50 Phillies Seasons Golden Bobbleheads for Kids
Feb. 10 Hall of Fame Night Inductees
Feb. 11 50 Phillies Seasons 50 Greatest Players Promotions
Feb. 12 Mega Blasts & Other Fireworks Shows
Feb. 15 Adult Giveaways
Feb. 16 Kids Giveaways
Feb. 17 Full Schedule Announced