Premier Sporting Events in Philadelphia

From classic river races to historic relays, discover Philadelphia’s storied and festive year-round sporting events.

The fan experience in Philadelphia is unlike any other. In addition to nine professional sports teams, there are nearly 100 collegiate institutions and many more organizations that bring exciting sporting events to the city throughout the year. 2026 will be a historic year for sports in Philadelphia, with huge events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the MLB All-Star Game taking place alongside annual mainstays such as the Penn Relays and U.S. Open Squash Championships.

Unrivaled Basketball

Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena
Dates: January 30, 2026

Philadelphia welcomes the arrival of Unrivaled – the trail-blazing 3-on-3 women’s basketball league. Four teams will battle it out in two electrifying games at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship

Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena
Dates: March 20 & 22, 2026

Philadelphia will feel the March Madness as Xfinity Mobile Arena hosts the First and Second Rounds of the 87^th NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. Tickets are on sale now.

Penn Relays

Location: Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania
Dates: April 23-25, 2026

As the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, the Penn Relays is a can’t-miss Philadelphia tradition. In its 130th year, the Penn Relays provide competition for more athletes than any other track meet worldwide. During the past ten years, more than 150,000 people have competed in the three-day track and field competition. Franklin Field — the oldest college football stadium in the country — is the longtime home of the event.

Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run

Location: Along Broad Street
Dates: Early May 2026

Each year, Philadelphia closes its center throughway, Broad Street, for the 10-mile Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run. This marks the official start to Philadelphia’s running season. More than 35,000 runners participate in the competition, named one of the fastest 10-mile courses in the country by Runner’s World.

PGA Championship

Location: Aronimink Golf Club, Newtown Square, PA
Dates:May 11-17, 2026

From May 11-17, 2026, Philadelphia takes center stage in the golf world as the PGA Championship touches down at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. Returning here for the first time since 1962, this major brings elite-level competition, historic course design, and crowd energy alongside America’s 250th-anniversary festivities.

Philadelphia International Cricket Festival

Location: Philadelphia Cricket Club
Dates:Annually first week in May

18 Cricket Teams, comprised of over 200 players representing 16 nations, arrive in Philadelphia for four days of cricketing. The final match takes place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club and is open to members of the public to delight in the timeless game.

Rowing in Philadelphia

Location: Schuylkill River

For over 200 years, the Schuylkill River has hosted some of the nation’s most prominent rowing events. Among many events, The river is home to the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school sprint race in the country, and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, featuring more than 2,000 boats and 8,000 competitors.

Philadelphia City Championships: May 2-3

Stotesbury Cup Regatta: May 15-16

Independence Dragon Boat Regatta: June 6

Independence Day Regatta: July 4 – 6

Philadelphia Youth Regatta: Annually in July

Quaker City Masters Regatta: August 1

Bayada Regatta: Annually in the Fall

Head of the Schuylkill Regatta:  October 24-25

FIFA World Cup™ 2026

Location: Lincoln Financial Field
Dates: June 14–July 4, 2026

Philadelphia will host six matches of the FIFA World Cup in the summer of 2026. The schedule includes five group stage matches and one round of 16 match.

Philadelphia Distance Run

Location: Center City
Dates: September 20

Dating back to 1978, runners have been taking to the streets of Philadelphia to run this fast, flat course that is known as one of the country’s premier half-marathons.

U.S. Open Squash Championships

Location: Arlen Specter US Squash Center
Dates: Fall 2026

The U.S. Open is known as one of the most prestigious squash tournaments in the United States and brings in competitors from all over the globe. The championships have been hosted in partnership with Drexel University since 2011 and are held at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. This state-of-the-art facility is in the heart of Drexel’s campus and is considered by many to be the finest squash center in the world.

Philadelphia Marathon

Location: Center City
Dates: Annually the third weekend in November.

Named the best qualifier to get you to the Boston Marathon by Running USA, the Philadelphia Marathon is one of the fastest courses in the country. More than 30,000 participants take part in the 8K, Half Marathon, and Marathon. Participating in the run is a great way to see America’s “most historic mile” while making your own history.

If you’re in Philadelphia for one of these events, or can’t get tickets but still want to experience the action, visit one of the city’s top sports bars to grab a drink and immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s vibrant sports culture.