Spectator Sports
In Philadelphia, sports are no walk in the park—or on the field or court. Not for the teams and certainly not for the fans. Philly fans have spirit (okay, so maybe some people would call it being somewhat rowdy). They don’t hesitate to express their opinions, whether positive or negative. In this town, fans are as enthusiastic about local high school and college teams as they are about their high-profile pros.
1. Philadelphia Soul
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (800) 298-4200
Address: 3601 S. Broad St.
Description: The city’s indoor football team is back to keep fans passionate about pigskin pageantry happy from April through July. Call for ticket prices.
2. Philadelphia Phillies
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (215) 463-1000
Description: Who deserves a great, big (more than 43,000 seats) state-of-the-art stadium more than the multiple–World Series and many times National League Championship–winning Phils? The grass is as real as the passion of the players and Philly fans. The season is April through October. Single-game tickets range from $20 for bleachers to $60 for the best field-level seats. Parking is pricey.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: Box office: (800) 298-4200
Address: 3601 S. Broad St.
Description: Over a more than 70-year history, the Sixers, a National Basketball Association team, has counted among its illustrious alumni some of the nation’s greatest kings of the court, including Wilt Chamberlain, “Dr. J” Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Charles Barkley. The season runs from October through early May; depending on the competing team, tickets can start as low as $15 and soar to over $200 per seat.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (215) 463-5500
Address: 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
Description: Twice they came this close to winning the gold ring, but Philadelphians remain hopeful and super-supportive of their beloved Birds. Season-ticket holders fill the majority of the seats, but if there are any available, they will run between $79.55 and $105.20 for regular games. When the Dallas Cowboys or New York Giants come to town, you’ll be lucky to get standing-room-only tickets—and even they’ll cost you $63.20.
5. Philadelphia Flyers
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (800) 298-4200
Address: 3601 S. Broad St.
Description: Having had a double-dose of Stanley Cup glory in the ’70s, the team—and its faithful Philly fans—are determined to go all the way again. In recent years the Flyers have once again become strong contenders for the Cup, and everybody wants to be there to see it. The season runs from October through April. Expect to pay anywhere between $46 and $180, depending on the opposing team (among their biggest archrivals are the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins).
6. Philadelphia Wings
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 3601 S. Broad St.
Description: This team has given its Philly fans a reason to sing “We Are the Champions” 6 times, making it the “winning-est” team in the National Lacrosse League. The season runs from January through mid-April; single tickets are $18 to $62.
7. Philadelphia KiXX
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Telephone: (215) 336-3600
Address: 3601 S. Broad St.
Description: One of the founding franchises of the 7-team Major Indoor Soccer League (formerly the National Indoor Soccer League) in 2008, the KIXX had already established a record of championship wins and are strong up-and-comers in the hearts of Philly fans. The season runs from November to March; tickets range from $19 to $60.
8. Philadelphia Freedoms
City: Philadelphia, PA
Category: Spectator Sports
Address: 800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Description: After Wimbledon, July’s World TeamTennis pro matches are the most anticipated and exciting in the sport. Founded by Billie Jean King, home team for 5 years to Venus Williams and currently to number 8 world-ranked player Andy Roddick, the Freedoms play world-class coed singles, doubles, and mixed doubles against such top competitors as Venus and Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova, and Martina Hingis. Call for ticket prices.