One of the biggest years in the history of Philadelphia is on the horizon.
The Semiquincentennial, which will be celebrated in 2026, marks the 250th birthday of America. Many of the most-significant events throughout the country are slated for the City of Brotherly Love.
The MLB All-Star game, the FIFA Men's World Cup, golf's PGA Championship and the return of March Madness, the NCAA's men's college basketball tournament, are just some of the marquee events that will be featured in Philadelphia.
"2026 is not just a year for Philadelphia. It's a defining opportunity to highlight our city's passion and unwavering spirit on the global stage," Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said via a news release in March.
While Philadelphia is roughly eight months from marking the celebratory year, there doesn't seem to be a hint that 2026 is within sight.
There are no banners flying around the city. There's no marketing buzz - yet. However, there will be some signs of 2026 soon, according to those planning the MLB ALL Star Game.
The 2026 festivities, including the ever-popular Home Run Derby, will be hosted by Citizens Bank Park for the first time.
"During the first part of the current season, we'll work with the MLB design group about the logo," MLB SVP of Global Events Jeremiah Yolkut said. "You'll see the logo for the Philadelphia All Star game and the branding after the All Star Game in Atlanta is completed in July. What we do at MLB is focus on the current All-Star Game. The next All-Star game becomes more real after the current one is over.
"We're talking regularly with the Phillies. We're trying to make this event not just relevant for the Phillies and the midsummer classic but with all the stuff that is going on in Philadelphia and the 250th birthday of our country."
There will be an All-Star Village and other attractions at Citizens Bank Park.
"We'll expand the footprint in the hospitality area but we're mindful that this is the Phillies' fans' ballpark," Yolkut said. "We don't want to change it. If a Diamondbacks fan is coming from Arizona, we want them to feel what it's like to have that Philadelphia experience. And then there are the fans of the Phillies, who are so boisterous. We love them.
"We can't wait to see their passion during the home run derby when one of their players is participating in that event and playing in the All-Star game itself."
According to Yolkut, expect MLB All Star game presence to be visible by the end of summer.
"I'm sure MLB will be plastered around Independence Hall by late July or August," Yolkut said. "We're very excited about what we're working on (there)."
Tickets are going to be tougher than a World Series ducat since the All-Star game is a lone contest. Phillies season ticket holders will have the initial option for tickets.
Philly welcomes the world
Speaking of in-demand events, the MLB All Star game may be a big deal for American sports fans but the world will be watching the six matches taking place in Philadelphia at the FIFA World Cup 26.
The World Cup concludes its Philadelphia portion with one knockout-stage fixture on July 4, which only seems appropriate, calendar-wise.
The matches are slated for June 14, 19, 22, 25, 27, and July 4. All will be played at Lincoln Financial Field.
"We're still in the planning stages when it comes to the FIFA World Cup," Philadelphia Soccer 2025 Host City Executive Meg Kane said. "We're working very closely with 'Welcome to America' and the Phillies. I would expect to feel the impact of FIFA one year out, so you will feel that presence (beginning) in June."
Expect a massive impact from FIFA, which will host a Fan Fest at Lemon Hill Park, located behind the Art Museum off of Boathouse Row.
"That area is not utilized much," Kane said. "It can host up to 25,000 people a day with food and beverage and there will be a family zone. It's going to be a true festival."
Fan Fest will last until July 19, two weeks after the final match at the Linc.
"We believe people will still have that FIFA feeling after July 4," Kane said.
(Credit: Philadelphia Soccer 2026)
According to Kane, the city is expecting $770 million in economic impact with more than 500,000 visitors traveling to Philadelphia for the World Cup and the other sporting events coming to town.
"There should be more than 6,600 jobs coming to Philadelphia because of the events in 2026" Kane said. "This is going to be massive for Philadelphia. All eyes will be on Philadelphia."
Three billion soccer fans are expected to tune in for the FIFA events. "To put that in perspective, about 225 million to 250 million watch the Super Bowl every year," Kane said. "The FIFA World Cup is well beyond that."
Tickets will be coveted.
A PGA major in Delco
It's been awhile since the Aronimink Golf Club hosted a PGA championship. The first was back in 1962 when Gary Player won the first of his two PGA Championship titles.
The PGA championship returns to the Newtown Square course in Delaware County from May 11-17.
Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. (Credit: Aronomink.org)
"We're very excited about being part of the 2026 celebration," PGA Championship director Ryan Ogle said. "We look forward to complementing the other sporting events. The last major in the area was in 2013 at the Merion Golf Club. The Aronimink course is a tough but fair course. The spectator experience is amazing. You're right on the rope line as the golfers compete. It' a unique and compelling experience. We're going to highlight and promote extensively over the next year."
The PGA championship will provide a considerable boost to the Delaware Valley.
"It's going to be a boon for Philadelphia," Ogle said. "The PGA championship will bring $125 million to the region. Factor in people staying at hotels and restaurants and you'll see a huge impact."
One Shining Moment in March
March Madness is slated for March 20 and 22 at the Wells Fargo Center (although it will have a new name by then).
"Saint Joseph's University is honored and thrilled to partner with the Wells Fargo Center, the PHLCVB and PHL Sports to bring both the 2026 Men's Basketball first and second rounds and the 2027 Women's Basketball Regionals to Philadelphia," Associate Athletics Director for External Relations Jack Jumper said. "We look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for student-athletes, fans and everyone involved in the event."
What a difference 50 years makes
During the Bicentennial in 1976, Philadelphia hosted the MLB, NBA and NFL All-Star games, the NCAA Men's Final Four and a soccer match pitting Team America (NASL All-Stars) and the national team of England as part of the Bicentennial Cup at JFK Stadium.
The National Anthem for the 1976 MLB All Star Game at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia (Credit: Phillies Insider)
However, the stakes and budgets are higher a half-century later.
"Over the past year, my administration has collaborated with community leaders, businesses, cultural institutions, and countless others to ensure Philadelphia is prepared to seize this historic opportunity for our city and our nation," Mayor Parker said. "We're committed to ensuring Philly is ready to welcome the world."
But is Philadelphia prepared to host the most massive events in the history of the city? Will the city be able to accommodate thousands of guests from around the world for an entire year?
"There will definitely be enough rooms for those coming to Philadelphia in 2026," Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association Executive Director Ed Grose said, indicating that there will be close to 15,000 rooms available in Center City.
"And then there will be rooms in other parts of the city, in the suburbs, and at the airport," Grose said. "I'm certain that we'll have enough rooms for people, especially when you factor in the suburbs. We see this, particularly when the World Cup arrives, as a regional event."
The only issue for those planning ahead is that most hotels only handle reservations a year in advance. "That's pretty common," Grose said. "That's something people have to take in consideration."
Grose suggests that those looking for accommodations should go to visitphilly.com and reach out a year to the date of when their trip commences.
However, AirBnB is taking reservations throughout 2026 and there is plenty of availability even in July of next year.
It'll be an economic boon for Philadelphia and for tourism as well since many people drawn to the events will be first time visitors.
The experience drawing newcomers may draw dividends for Philadelphia for years. Vice President of Sports Events Pittsburgh Jim Britt knows Philadelphia well and how the city will benefit from 2026.
"For many visitors, it will be their initial experience in Philadelphia and it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase what the city offers," Britt said. "Once people visit a city like Philadelphia they'll want to come back. 2026 is going to be an amazing year for Philadelphia."
