R-Phils to Celebrate Military Appreciation Night on July 4

(Reading, PA) – On Thursday, July 4th the R-Phils will celebrate Military Appreciation Night at America’s Classic Ballpark when the team takes on the Somerset Patriots (Yankees) at 7 p.m. Fans can honor a special military member in their life by reserving a group outing to receive a personalized game-worn jersey.

On Independence Day, each Fightins player will wear a custom jersey dedicated to one who has served or is currently serving in the nation's military during the game. Players will receive a photo and bio prior to the game of the military member they are representing. A special post-game jersey ceremony will take place with the 25 military honorees or their families thanks to Savage 61 Auto Group. This opportunity is limited to only 25 groups.

Bring out a group of family and friends to honor a loved one who has served in the military. Groups that purchase 20 or more reserved seats or picnic area tickets to the July 4 game can have a personalized jersey worn by a member of the R-Phils recognizing a veteran or a member of the active military for no additional charge. To honor a special military member in your life, click HERE.

FirstEnergy Stadium, built as Reading Municipal Memorial Stadium in 1951, was named in honor of the service men and women who gave their lives for the country. 48 years later in 1999, a statue in the form of giant dog tags was placed in front of FirstEnergy Stadium in a special rededication ceremony to honor the area's veterans.

To further pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our veterans, the Fightins fly a Ceremonial Flag to honor and tell the story of a specific veteran each home game. The ceremonial flag flies by those giant dog tags near the stadium's main entrance, thanks to Savage 61. After the game, the flag is lowered and given to the family.

Before each game, the Fightin Phils raise a ceremonial flag to pay tribute to their memory and tell their story while welcoming their family to the game.

"FirstEnergy stadium was built to honor the service men and women from our community who gave their lives for our country," said Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "America's Classic Ballpark is not just a stadium, it's a memorial. It is only fitting that those who have protected America are remembered at every game here at America's Classic Ballpark. We hope that everyone attends our games will be fully aware the stadium is a memorial to the veterans of our community."

Please complete this FORM to reserve the opportunity for a jersey to be worn by a player during the July 4th game. A Reading Fightin Phils representative will contact you to confirm your submission and coordinate your group outing.

The game will conclude with postgame Carpenter MEGABLAST Fireworks, the largest show in stadium history.

While individual game tickets go on sale at a later date, fans can purchase a General Admission 10 Pack, which includes 10 General Admission tickets to be used at any game, as well as two FREE Opening Night Tickets; all for just $70. Fans can also purchase a Mini Plan or Flex Bank for the 2024 season. Mini Plans start with as few as four games, and flex banks as little as 12 tickets. Both full and half-season ticket plans are on sale now as well. More info on season ticket packages can be found HERE or by calling 610-370-BALL.

The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.