Your Complete Guide To The Phillies Opening Day 2016

Fans headed to see the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park this year will be in for quite a few changes from last year.

The playing surface will be different: the Phillies have installed Kentucky bluegrass, which management allegedly wanted because it slows down the baseball.

This would go along with the Phillies very obvious goal of amassing as many talented young pitchers as they possibly can. Their starting rotation is entirely different from the five players they trotted out in the early stages last April. And by any measure, the potential of some of these young arms far exceeds last year’s crop.

The interim manager from the end of last season - Pete Mackanin - has been named the full time manager.

And nearly every single one of the beloved faces from the championship teams of 2007-2011 is gone. Only Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz remain.

So what should fans expect? What are some interesting things to look out for?

Many believe that the Phillies hit rock bottom last year with their 63-99 record, the worst in baseball. Expect the energy to be higher this year. A number of exciting prospects are either already on the team or will join in by the summer. The Phillies could be favored to be in contention again as soon as 2017.

Maikel Franco, a rookie third basemen last year, has had a torrid spring. If he continues at anything close to that pace, he’ll be a leading candidate for NL MVP.

As was already mentioned, a number of young arms could come into their own this year. Look for Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, and Vincent Velasquez to have potentially breakout seasons. In the minor leagues, highly touted Jake Thompson and first overall draft pick Mark Appel could be contributing to the big league club by June.

The Phillies have also made a number of additions to their food and drink offerings for the 2016 season, according to a press release:

• Phillies Wine produced by Chaddsford Winery: The Phillies have added a newly-branded "Phillies Wine" produced by local Chaddsford Winery, which is a proud addition to the MLB® Wine collection. Phillies Wine will be available at Harry the K's, High and Inside Pub, Diamond Club and the Hall of Fame Club, as well as at select retailers across the tri-state area and mlb.com/wine.
• Wayback Burgers (behind Sections 120, 135 and Left Field Plaza): The best burgers under the bun, originating from Newark, DE, are now being served at Citizens Bank Park! Fans can go "Wayback to delicious" with the Wayback Burgers and Wayback Grilled Chicken. Plus, a must try: the "Wayback Triple Triple" available at the Alley Grill.
• Phillies Frank Topped Dogs (behind Section 134): The hot dog cart will feature a variety of topped dogs all season-long, rotating by homestand, including:
• Turkey Hill Creamery (Ashburn Alley). Featuring hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, milkshakes, floats along with a variety of different ice cream sauces and toppings.
• Philly Cheese Steak Dog. Now at a new location in Section 122. Phillies Frank topped with Philadelphia cheese steak, melted cheese, served 'wit' or 'wit out' onions.
• Harry the K's will feature three new intriguing options: Rittenhouse Square Smoked Turkey Club, Northern Liberties Roast Pork, and the Brisket Stack.
• New concession offerings also include the Diamond Club Salad Bar, Hot & Spicy Hatfield Sausages, a kid's-size of our Chicken Tenders & Fries, and Chickie's & Pete's Crab Fries.

Tickets for the home opener are still available. To buy tickets and to view the full schedule, see here.