About an hour before first pitch Monday, the flags and pennants were whipping around out in center field. The excitement was probably due to the 24-mile-per-hour wind gusts, which cancelled a planned parachute troop performance — or maybe it was the frenzied Phillies’ faithful that packed Citizens Bank Park for the home opener, the 205th straight sellout for the home team.

Steve Joerg and his buddy purchased tickets about a month ago and celebrated the occasion by chugging Guinness near the new Irish Pub in Section 103. “They do it right here,” said Joerg, 25, of Marlton, N.J. “Guinness and Chickie’s and Pete’s, what could be better?”

Joerg, like many of the fans polled, expressed concern about the team after watching the Phillies’ offense struggle in Pittsburgh. However, most predicted a deep playoff run and a sixth straight NL East title.

“They just need to get healthy and stay healthy,” said Mike Bott, 36, of Jim Thorpe.

Bott left his home around 8:30 a.m. so he could get to the ballpark early and take in the sights and sounds. This was his first time at a Phillies’ home opener dating back to the team’s days at Veterans Stadium.

Big hand for Hamels

Fans, the ones that weren’t still tailgating, gave Cole Hamels close to a standing ovation when he was introduced. Hamels is a free agent after this season.

What we saw

Fans were going crazy for the Phanatic Dangle Hat, one of the new items available at the Majestic Clubhouse Store. Kids, adults and high school girls were modeling them throughout the ballpark.

The Liscio’s Bakery ad featuring Hunter Pence, with his catchphrase, “Let’s Go Eat!” is priceless, also a TV commercial that is equally hilarious.

The newly opened Xfinity Live! was a crazy scene of fandom in hosting patrons during its first Phillies game. The bars were packed to the point of lines forming before the game even ended.