Citizens Bank Park weather delay: When will Blue Jays vs Phillies start?

Friday night’s game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park has been delayed because of severe weather moving across Philadelphia. The game was scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET, but thunderstorms forced officials to hold the start. As of 7 p.m. ET, the Phillies had not announced a new first-pitch time. Some fans at the stadium later shared on social media that they had been allowed to return to their seats, leading to speculation that the game could begin around 7:40 p.m. ET. However, the team has not officially confirmed that timing. The weather also pushed back the Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame ceremony that was planned before the game, with the Phillies saying more updates would be shared once conditions improve.Why Toronto Blue Jays vs Philadelphia Phillies game was delayed at Citizens Bank ParkThe delay came after storms moved into the Philadelphia area on Friday evening. The National Weather Service warned of strong thunderstorms, damaging winds, flash flooding and the possibility of microbursts across the region. A First Alert for severe weather remained in effect through 9 p.m. Friday.The Phillies confirmed the delay in a post on X.“Due to the forecasted weather, the start of tonight’s Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame ceremony and game have been delayed. More information on the start time for the ceremony and the game will be provided as soon as it is available.”At the time of the latest update, the club had not announced when the game would begin. While fans inside the ballpark reported that they were allowed back to their seats, there has been no official confirmation of a revised first-pitch time.The same weather system also caused travel problems around the city. Philadelphia International Airport reported disruptions, with a temporary closure lasting around two hours.Chase Utley’s Phillies Wall of Fame ceremony also postponedThe weather delay also affected a special night for former Phillies star Chase Utley.Utley was set to become the 51st player inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame during a ceremony scheduled for 6:15 p.m. ET, before the first pitch. Phillies CEO John Middleton was expected to present him with his Wall of Fame ring before Utley took a lap around the field as part of the celebration.Instead, the ceremony was postponed along with the game because of the weather.The Phillies have not announced a new time for either event. The team said another update will be shared once officials decide when it is safe to continue.For now, fans at Citizens Bank Park are waiting for improved weather and an official announcement on when the Blue Jays and Phillies can finally take the field.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.