Phillies deny entry to fan with emotional support alligator
The Philadelphia Phillies turned away an interesting visitor before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday.
A fan with an emotional support alligator was denied entry into the contest after arriving at the park with it on a leash.
Are you kidding me. A #Phillies fan tried to come into game tonight with what they said was a “service animal.” An Alligator! Yes an Alligator. Thing’s I’ve never seen. This is it. @SportsRadioWIP pic.twitter.com/H7A0FM0IYC
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) September 27, 2023
The alligator, which goes by the name WallyGator, has a large Instagram and TikTok following and is owned by Joie Henney, according to Maria McIlwain of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Citizens Bank Park allows "certified service dogs or service dogs in training for guests with special needs," but "all other animals are prohibited," according to the Phillies' official website.