Best Things to Do in Philly for Sports Fanatics
Philadelphia fans have experienced joy and sorrow, anger and many other emotions during their 100 years of life in professional sports teams. Check out our guide the best things do in Philly for sports fanatics in 2019!
Philadelphia is one of the few cities to have a professional franchise in five major sports. Almost all the professional teams in Philadelphia operate just around the southern part of the Center City either at Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles football), Wells Fargo Center (Flyers basketball and ice hockey), or Citizens Bank Park (Phillies baseball). The Philadelphia Union football team plays at the Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia.
The city also hosts top-level regattas (Schuylkill regatta Dad Vail and Head regattas), the world’s oldest relay event (the Penn Relays), numerous marathons and running races (the Philadelphia Marathon, Broad Street Run) and much more. Some of the amazing places to visit include:
Contents
Eagles stadium tour
Phillies Ballpark tour
Rocky Statue
Run Boat House Row
Attend a Philadelphia Union game
Watch a game at Xfinity Live
Throw an Axe at Urban Axes
Ice Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink
Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Dave and Busters
If you are a sports fanatic, you'll love these places!
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1
Eagles stadium tour
Tour where Eagles soar!
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Source Philly Voice
Catch a glimpse of the Super Bowl Trophy!
Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Philadelphia Eagles, opened in 2003 and has been praised ever since. This 68,532-seat, $ 512-million stadium, also called “The Linc”, features very large halls, three huge LED video screens, over 300 concession stands, and luxury and club seating areas. Boasting incredible visibility, with a majority of seats on the sidelines, the Lincoln Financial Field is the dream of a football lover. The stadium is also the ideal place for football, college football, and concerts of the world’s biggest groups.
Located north of Lincoln Financial Field, HeadHouse Plaza covers 100,000 square feet devoted to Eagles fans. Get your gear at the team store, grab a bite, head to the Miller Lite hatchback, or check out the interactive zone for the whole family with games and entertainment for kids and adults. The head house features memories of past Eagles seasons, including a visual chronology of past seasons and defining moments. The self-contained building is open year round and includes the Eagles Box Office, pro shop and lounge and Red Zone suites. PETA has designated the Lincoln Financial Field as the most suitable NFL stadium for vegetarians.
With over 68,000 fans starving to feed, Lincoln Financial serves some of the local favorites with some specialties. You’ll have no problem finding a cheesesteak, with venerable stalls like Tony Lukes and Rick’s Steaks. If you want crab fries next door, Chickie’s & Pete’s will cover you with 13 places in the stadium. Philly’s other favorites include McNally’s Tavern Schmitter, Planet Hoagie Hoagies, Johnson Popcorn, Federal Bretzels, and Tastykakes. PETA named the Lincoln Financial Field as the most vegetarian-friendly NFL stadium because of its many meatless options, including veggie rolls, vegetarian steak sandwiches, hot dogs and vegetarian burgers. Hot dogs and gluten-free beer are also available.
For those driving in the city, Lincoln Financial Field is easily accessible from I-95 and I-76. Parking is plentiful, with more than 22,000 spaces available at $ 25 for cars and $ 50 for oversized vehicles. The fastest way to get to Lincoln Financial Field is the south along the SEPTA Broad Street subway line. Exit at the last stop heading south, Pattison Avenue. If the games end after midnight, shuttles on Broad Street will replace the subway trains.
Get Tickets :Tours start at just $15
Hours of Operation :Monday–Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
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2
Phillies Ballpark tour
Feel nostalgic at one of the greatest ballparks of America
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Source Philly Voice
Explore the excellence of Citizen's Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park is the home of Philadelphia Phillies and is a 43,500-seat stadium with lush natural grass and views of the Philadelphia skyline. Ashburn Alley, the entertainment complex in the stadium that owes its nostalgia to Grand Richie Ashburn of the Phillies, offers a story of Memory Lane of team history. Surely with the help of Phillies new golden boy, Bryce Harper, there is much more history to be made at Citizens Bank Park.
The park has been awarded the title of Best Ballpark Eats by Food Network, as Citizens Bank Park excels in food. Fans can enjoy delicious Chickie and Pete crab fries, PJ Whelihan’s many delicious bar food options, fried chicken sandwiches at the Federal Donuts, incredibly amazing roast pork sandwiches at Tony Luke, and classic beach-inspired dishes at Boardwalk Eats. New in 2019, Questlove’s Cheesesteak is served with Impossible 2.0 Herbal Meat, Cottage Cheese Sauce and Pepper Relish. Other new “best for you” options include vegan rolls and tandoori chicken wings. Two other notable additions to early-season dining options just in time for opening day 2019. The park opened a 120-seat Shake Shack and Pass and Stow, a new 24,500-square-foot space, offering a beer garden. Foundry Pizza is available serving brick oven pizzas; a family sports pub; 44 televisions broadcasting the game and more.
Citizens Bank Park is also one of the most child-friendly baseball parks in the country. At The Yard, youth can play Wiffle ball on a 70-foot-deep pitch, climb a climbing wall over 30 feet and up. In addition, the 19-foot Liberty Bell Bell located at the top of the Veterans Stadium was renovated and installed at the third lower door. Fans can find tons of Phillies gear, including jerseys for each departing player, in the renovated New Era Phillies Team store.
Get Tickets :Tickets start at $10
Hours of Operation :During the season, Public tours are offered Monday through Saturday,Non-Game Days: 10:30 a.m. Game Days: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m; During the offseason, Public tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
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3
Rocky Statue
Step into the ring with Rocky!
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Source Gold Coast Bulletin
A must see for all!
The Rocky statue and the “rocky steps” are undeniably two of Philadelphia’s most popular attractions. Every day, an almost constant flow of people settles down to take a picture of the Rocky statue at the bottom of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, then climb the grand staircase of the museum to try out the famous two-armed salute. Originally created for a scene in Rocky III, the sculpture is a real-life monument of a celluloid hero who remains the fictional favorite son of the City of Brotherly Love.
Visiting the statue, climbing the steps and taking a photo upstairs is a must during any first visit to Philly. The Rocky Statue – a larger-than-life boxer – is one of Philadelphia’s most famous public works. Rocky Balboa’s fictional Rocky film of Sylvester Stallone was immortalized in bronze by artist A. Thomas Schomberg in 1980 for a scene from the film Rocky III. Once the filming was over, Stallone donated the statue to the city of Philadelphia. Since 2006, the statue is located at the bottom of the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and there is an almost constant flow of people lining up to be photographed with “the Italian stallion”.
The steps leading to the east entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, aka “The Rocky Steps”, are as famous as the statue. In fact, they have been declared the second most famous movie location in the world. Every year, tens of thousands of people recreate the legendary film scene and climb the steps. Just get ready to work on it – these 72 steps do not go up by themselves.
Do you want to follow in Rocky’s footsteps? Check out their rock tour of Philadelphia for a self-guided hike to the city attractions and places seen in Rocky movies. Recreate the boxer’s famous climb in the steps of the art museum; grab an authentic cheesesteak at Pats, the very place he stopped in the original Rocky; cross the Italian market, then stop at an old school butchery where (sorry) they are probably not going to let the visitors go to the back to use the meat hanging like a punching bag.
Once the walk is over and the photo is complete, visitors should continue to visit the east entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the third largest art museum in the country. Among the impressive collections of American Impressionist and Modern Renaissance art are Rogier van der Weyden’s large altarpiece, Cezanne’s large Bathers Bath, a room dedicated to Thomas Eakins of Philadelphia, and the famous Marcel Duchamp’s Bridal Stripped Bare his singles (The Large Glass), just as the dada master had originally installed it.
Get Tickets :Free!
Hours of Operation :Open 24 hours for pictures!
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4
Run Boat House Row
Enjoy some of the best scenery Philly has to offer!
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Source Philadelphia Magazine
Improve your health, and take in the view
Local boating clubs are very proud of their historic 19th-century boathouses, which border the Schuylkill River just west of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. At night, the lights describe one of the most beautiful views of the city, called Boathouse Row. From a single rower on a peaceful river in the early morning to an exciting regatta with lots of noise, colors, and fanfares, rowers of all ages and skill levels form a group to the Schuylkill River to compete, learn, practice and explore the sport of rowing.
Located between Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River, Boathouse Row presents a series of historic structures. Boathouse Row is characterized by a range of historic structures, beginning with Fairmount Park’s Lloyd Hall Recreation Center and rowing clubs claiming the following ten buildings to the Sedgely Club, a private social enclave to complete the row. It is positioned in between Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River, each club is a member of the Philadelphia Navy Schuylkill, the oldest amateur sports governing body in America. East Park Canoe Club and the Philadelphia Canoe Club maintain their headquarters a little further down the river.
At Boathouse Row, boathouses light up every night, creating one of the city’s most beautiful displays. Throughout the year, Boathouse Row serves as a backdrop for dedicated races such as the Stotesbury Cup, Schuylkill Navy Regatta, Philadelphia Youth Regatta and, of course, the mammoth Dad Vail. Some clubs also organize programs for rowers of all levels of experience to learn and hone their skills.
Get Tickets :Free!
Hours of Operation :Take a run on your time!
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5
Attend a Philadelphia Union game
Cheer on the boys in blue!
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Source Philadelphia Union
Take part in viewing the worlds game
The Philadelphia Union, the first Major League Soccer club in the region, has been run by fans immense passion since 2010. Dedicated fans applaud the Union at the Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, along the scenic banks of the Delaware River. Opened on June 27, 2010, the Talen Energy Stadium is considered the first step in a multi-million dollar waterfront revitalization project in Chester. The stadium layout offers more than half of the spectators a view of the Delaware River and the Commodore Barry Bridge. There is also a special section for the Sons of Ben, who have lobbied for Philadelphia to become its first MLS team.
After major efforts at the local level, including a major boost from the supporter association known as “Sons of Ben” (founded in 2007), Philadelphia has been chosen to host the 16th Major League team Soccer February 28, 2008. In May 2009, a fan One poll officially qualified the team as “Philadelphia Union”. Philadelphia was selected to host the 16th Major League Soccer Team on February 28th, 2008. Navy blue and gold were chosen as primary colors of the Union to represent the uniforms of the Continental Army during the War of Independence.
The team’s emblem features thirteen gold stars, representing the thirteen original colonies, with a shield derived from the Philadelphia coat of arms. In the center of the logo, a rattlesnake pays homage to one of Benjamin Franklin’s early designs. The fans will surely not be hungry when they go to encourage the Union. The Talen Energy Stadium features a full-service restaurant, 30 luxury suites and a variety of concessions to feed fans during the match. Philly’s favorite, Chickie’s & Pete’s, operates two locations in the stadium for guests who need their crab fries. There are also cheesesteak vendors, hot dogs, and pretzels if needed.
Get Tickets :Tickets start at $20
Hours of Operation :Hours vary by season schedule
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6
Watch a game at Xfinity Live
A bar made for sports fans
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Source Xfinity Live
Watch a game right outside the stadium!
The Phillies, Flyers, 76ers and Philadelphia Eagles are not the only full-fledged attractions of the South Philadelphia Sports Complex; XFINITY Live! attracts many fans and non-fans, who like bites, breweries, and their energetic atmosphere. Located in the heart of the sports complex, on the former Spectrum site, XFINITY Live’s 80,000 square feet are devoted to catering and entertainment. Featuring a massive 24-foot LED video wall outside in the XFINITY On Demand Theater and a truly impressive 32-foot Sony LED display inside the NBC Sports Arena, XFINITY Live! is the place to watch the game of the day.
Not only is XFINITY Live! an incredible entertainment destination, but it also offers a multitude of dining options. From the pub-inspired drink hall that pays tribute to Philadelphia’s sporting past, there’s something for everyone. In addition to sporting events, families can watch outdoor film shows, concerts and more at XFINITY On Demand Theater. Nearby, the NBC sports field consists of 13-meter (300-foot) artificial turf for outdoor activities and sports leagues.
Get Tickets :Dining options start at $14
Hours of Operation :https://www.xfinitylive.com/hours-of-operation
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7
Throw an Axe at Urban Axes
Where else can you throw an axe safely for fun?
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Source Vimeo
Enjoy your newly discovered axe throwing skills
Urban Axes is proud to bring the urban throw to the heart of your city! The sport of ax throwing was invented about 5 minutes after the creation of the first ax, but it was traditionally practiced in an outdoor environment, away from urban environments. The goal is to prevent ax blows from being thrown into the woods and to bring it safely into the lights of the big city!
Get Tickets :1 hour starts at $20
Hours of Operation :Open daily 11 AM-11 PM
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8
Ice Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink
Who doesn't like to ice skate?
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Source Philly Voice
Enjoy the most beautiful time of year with a pair of ice skates!
When the weather drops, the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest turns Penn’s Landing into a waterfront park for the winter. A winter version of the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest Rollerblading Oasis, the Winterfest features an Olympic-sized ice rink overlooking the Delaware River, a ski chalet-style lodge and a winter garden with an enlightened holiday tree. LED!), An outdoor sitting area with fireplaces, comfortable cabins, a kids’ lodge with arcade games and much more.
The Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is open from November to March and attracts residents and visitors of all ages every year. It offers many special events throughout the season, as well as entertainment, meals, and drinks. Blue Cross RiverRink is the only regulatory outdoor rink in Philadelphia. The centerpiece of the waterfront experience is the Blue Cross RiverRink, Philadelphia’s only regulation-sized outdoor rink. Entry to the rink is $ 4 and on-site skate rentals are available for $ 10.
The destination is also a fantastic venue for vacation meetings and hosts special free events on the ice throughout the season. The Lodge offers a variety of tasty dishes from Philadelphia culinary stars, as well as classic meals like pizzas and fries. For libations, enjoy seasonal cocktails and local and regional craft beers. Located adjacent to the Lodge, Franklin Fountain’s candy booth serves sweet treats – sweets, ice cream sandwiches, homemade hot chocolate, hot fudge sundaes – at Winterfest. Blue Cross RiverRink Festival WInterfestBlue Cross RiverRink Winkfest The Lodge Restaurant & Bar serves tasty dishes from Philadelphia’s culinary stars, as well as cocktails and craft beers.
The winter festival season begins each year on Thanksgiving weekend and continues for more than three months with a full schedule of free events and special events. Every day, participants can enjoy free oversized board games and many arcade games, all of which are available for a nominal fee. Movie nights and live music are regularly scheduled at The Lodge throughout the winter.
Visitors can expect more entertainment during the holidays – during the winter season, the Winterfest is open seven days a week, even on holidays – and a good hour for New Year’s Eve in conjunction with the 18 hours and midnight fireworks presented by SugarHouse Casino. The general entrance to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is free and open to the public. Cardholders and Independence Blue Cross employees receive free entry to skate. RiverRink Winterfest is located on the docks of the Delaware River on Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street.
SEPTA provides easy access to the winter attraction – the Market-Frankford Line leaves people a few blocks from the winter wonderland. After spending so much time on the RiverRink you can cool off inside the Lodge Restaurant an on-site ski chalet-style tent with indoor fireplaces, comfy sofas, arcade games and plenty of heat within a rustic atmosphere.
Get Tickets :Admission to skate is $4
Hours of Operation :Monday - Thursday: 1PM - 11PM Friday: 1PM - 1AM Saturday: 11AM - 1AM Sunday: 11AM - 11PM
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9
Philadelphia Rock Gyms
Challenge yourself to rock climbing!
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Source RootsRated
Climb into good times!
Persistence is a prerequisite for any hard climber, especially those for whom large quantities of quality rock are not readily available. In Philadelphia, a place better known for the Liberty Bell, the Rocky and the Cheesesteaks than the outdoors, local climbers have long embodied such persistence, finding routes not only in the surrounding areas but even in the city itself. For more than half a century, mountaineers have tackled the fun and sporting problems of shale and boulder in one of the most densely populated areas of America.
The rocks offer a mini-respite amidst pockets of greenery, as well as unbeatable access for climbers in Philly. In this metropolis of more than 1.5 million people, the Wissahickon Valley Park, nestled northwest of Philly, is an escape from everyone and everything. The park stretches over 1,800 acres and winds from the almost suburban Chestnut Hill to Mt. Airy and Germantown and fading to the Schuylkill River. Most residents go hiking, biking, running or horse riding on more than 50 km of trails lined with elms, poplars, and magnolias; some fish for trout in Wissahickon Creek, while others go bird watching. However, since the 1950s, a group of greedy inhabitants has also climbed.
Climbing at Philly started at Livezey Rock, a 30-foot shale formation located half an hour from downtown, in the heart of Wissahickon Woods – and right next to a massive five-foot diameter pipe disgust. The pipe is not only a practical point of insurance but is the reason for this rock: in the 1930s, the hill was sanded to make room for the pipe and exposed rock now hosted a dozen climbs ranging from 5.4 to 5.11+. Although mountaineers installed anchors at Livezey in the 1960s, a free solo ethic persists until the beginning of the century.
Get Tickets :Daily passes start at $19
Hours of Operation :Open daily 9 AM-10 PM
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10
Dave and Busters
An adult playground for sports fans alike!
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Source Philly Phoodie
Watch a game, play arcade games, drink, and enjoy!
Dave & Buster’s is an American restaurant and entertainment company based in Dallas. There is a video arcade and a full-service restaurant for each Dave and Buster’s. By April 2019, the company had 126 sites in the United States and Canada, and more are expected to open soon. Dave & Buster menu items are available from late-night breakfast to pasta, burgers, steaks, seafood, chicken, and desserts. They update the menu frequently to portray guest favorites and current trends. Other places also serve brunch.
Dave and Buster offer complete bar services and buffets are also available for private parties and special events. Dave & Buster nicknamed his arcade section “Million Dollar Midway” which features interactive games and simulators. In 1997, Dave & Buster’s launched the Power Card, a tapering card or “debit card” that replaces traditional chips and notes. It is necessary to activate most arcade games and can be recharged in “power plants”.
The purpose of the Power Card is to make it easier for customers to activate games and encourage extended games to increase customer spend. By replacing most parts operations, the Power Card has reduced the technical difficulties and maintenance issues associated with prepayment equipment. In 2015, Dave & Buster’s proximity debit card readers allow guests to simply tap readers to read them.
Get Tickets :Dining options start at $12, gaming options vary
Hours of Operation :Open daily 11:30 AM-12 AM, Friday & Saturday, till 2 AM
- 1. Eagles stadium tour
- 2. Phillies Ballpark tour
- 3. Rocky Statue
- 4. Run Boat House Row
- 5. Attend a Philadelphia Union game
- 6. Watch a game at Xfinity Live
- 7. Throw an Axe at Urban Axes
- 8. Ice Skating at Blue Cross RiverRink
- 9. Philadelphia Rock Gyms
- 10. Dave and Busters
