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If strike happens, Phils are prepared

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By Mark Bowman / MLB.com

10/30/09 8:27 PM EST

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies are concerned about the possibility that a strike could limit the public transportation available during what is shaping up to be a busy sports weekend in Philadelphia.

But if negotiations between SEPTA and the Transport Workers Union Local 234 break down, the Phillies are prepared to help their fans as they attempt to make their way to Citizens Bank Park this weekend for the World Series.

"We have contingency plans in place," Phillies vice president of communications Bonnie Clark said.

The union has threatened to strike at 12:01 a.m. ET on Saturday. If this were to occur, fans wouldn't have the opportunity to take SEPTA's subway system en route to the World Series or the other entertainment events scheduled around Citizens Bank Park this weekend.

While the Phillies host Game 3 on Saturday night at 7:57, Pearl Jam is scheduled to perform across the street at the Spectrum. Before the World Series resumes with Game 4 on Sunday night at 8:20, the Eagles are scheduled to host the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field in a key NFL matchup.

This presents a problem given the fact that the Phillies and Eagles share parking lots.

Before Game 5 at 7:57 p.m. on Monday, the Flyers are scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Lightning in an NHL affair at the Wachovia Center. This event would also decrease the amount of parking available around Citizens Bank Park.

Even with the hope that a strike will be averted, the Phillies are urging fans to carpool to this weekend's games. In addition, they have asked that fans who do not have tickets to this weekend's Sports Complex events to stay away from the area.

Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.