### Phillies Face Daunting Atmosphere as Mets Prepare for Crucial Games at Citi Field

As the Philadelphia Phillies step into Citi Field for their upcoming series against the New York Mets, they are bracing for a highly charged environment. Despite the Mets’ lackluster postseason record at Citi Field—5 wins and 6 losses in 11 games since it opened in 2009—the intensity of the local fans could create a formidable atmosphere for the visiting team.

Historically, Citi Field has not been a fortress for the Mets during crucial playoff games. Notably, they lost 7-2 in 11 innings to Kansas City in Game 5 of the 2015 World Series, fell 3-0 to the San Francisco Giants in the NL wild-card game in 2016, and were defeated 6-0 by the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the 2022 wild-card series. This year, the Mets improved their home record significantly by winning 12 of their last 14 games, finishing at 46-35. Nevertheless, their overall home performance this season was less than stellar until their late rally.

Fan engagement has also been a mixed bag for the Mets. They drew 2,329,999 fans to Citi Field this season, ranking 11th in the National League, which is a stark contrast to the Phillies’ attendance at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies attracted 1,034,413 more fans despite having a similar seating capacity. Consequently, there were over a million empty seats at Citi Field this season, which the Mets fans are looking to fill with fervor in the upcoming games.

When the Phillies visited Citi Field 2 ½ weeks ago, the atmosphere was electric, proving that the size of the crowd isn't as impactful as its energy. The intimidating New York crowd could play a crucial role, though history shows that even the most passionate fans can’t always guarantee a win. The Phillies need to demonstrate resilience and fearlessness to combat the local fervor.

Notably, individual players like Mark Vientos have felt the pressure of hostile crowds but responded impressively. Fans have been eagerly awaiting these games, evidenced by thousands gathering at Citi Field just to watch away games on big screens together. This sense of community and anticipation among Mets fans will likely amplify the atmosphere.

As the teams prepare for their 5:08 p.m. showdown, Citi Field will be abuzz with excitement. While Mets fans aim to avoid unsportsmanlike behavior observed in other cities, the focus will remain on creating a loud and spirited environment. The Phillies, a strong team in their own right, must navigate this challenging backdrop if they hope to secure a return trip to Citizens Bank Park.