Premier Sporting Events in Philadelphia

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Date March 24, 2025

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. In 2025 alone, Philadelphia will host championship events, historic matches, and set the stage for soccer excitement with the FIFA Club World Cup™.

Northeast Qualifier (NEQ), Volleyball

Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Dates: March 14-16, April 11-13, 18-20

The Northeast Qualifier (NEQ) is an annual girls’ junior volleyball qualifying event in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Convention Center transforms exhibit halls into 75+ volleyball courts over multiple weekends each year. Teams from over 25 states and Puerto Rico come to Philadelphia to compete for Open, USA, Liberty, and American bids to USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior National Championships.

Inside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, red and blue volleyball courts are set up throughout the space. Athletes compete on the court as coaches and spectators watch from the sidelines. Bright lights shine down from overhead.

NEQ 2023 Weekend 3. Photo by J. Ryan for the PHLCVB.

Squash Championships in Philadelphia

Location: Arlen Specter US Squash Center

Squash 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 squash facility is in the heart of Drexel University’s campus and is considered by many to be the finest squash center in the world. 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.

U.S. Junior Squash Championships: March 14 – 16
U.S. Women’s Masters & Skill Level Squash Championships: April 4 – 6
U.S. Masters Championships: April 11 – 13
U.S. Open Squash Championships: October 2025

NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championships

Location: Wells Fargo Center
Dates: March 20-22

This collegiate athletic competition at the Wells Fargo Center determines the national champion in each weight class and All-American wrestlers for each weight.

Experience the intensity and athleticism of collegiate wrestling as the nation’s top competitors converge on the Wells Fargo Center for the NCAA Men’s Wrestling Championships. Over three days of high-stakes action, champions will be crowned in each weight class, and the most elite wrestlers will earn the prestigious All-American title. Tickets are on sale now.

Penn Relays

Location: Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania
Dates: April 24-26

As the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, the Penn Relays is a can’t-miss Philadelphia tradition. For over one hundred years, the Penn Relays have provided competition for more athletes than any other track meet worldwide. During the past ten years, more than 150,000 people have competed in the Penn Relays.

Runners are rounding a track as they run with batons in their hands. A crowd cheers from the bleachers to the left. Officials and coaches stand to the right. The campus is shown in the background.

April 2022 – Penn Relays. Photo courtesy of Penn Relays.

Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run

Location: Along Broad Street
Dates: May 4

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.

Runners are shown running down a street with Philadelphia's City Hall behind them during the annual Broad Street Run.

Broad Street Run. Photo by D. Gehosky.

Philadelphia International Cricket Festival

Location: Philadelphia Cricket Club
Dates: May 1 -5

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.

Truist Championship – PGA Tour

Location: Philadelphia Cricket Club
Dates: May 5-11

In 2025, the Truist Championship, a PGA Tour Signature Event, will be held at the historic Philadelphia Cricket Club. With a larger prize pool and limited field, the Truist Championship promises to attract top names in golf and make a major impact on Philadelphia’s sports scene.

Rowing on the Schuylkill River

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 3-4
Stotesbury Cup Regatta: May 16-17
Independence Dragon Boat Regatta: June 7
Independence Day Regatta: July 4 – 6
Philadelphia Youth Regatta: Annually in July
Bayada Regatta: Annually in the Fall
Head of the Schuylkill Regatta: October 25-26

Three boats of four rowers are shown in the river during the Dad Vail Regatta. The four women in the boat closest to the camera are wearing visors, the first and third women are wearing red visors, the second and fourth women are wearing pink visors. Water splashes up from their oars in the river.

New Year’s fireworks at the BlueCross River Rink. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.

The 2025 Military Basketball Championships

Location: The Liacouras Center
Date: May 25

The 2025 Military Basketball Championships for both men’s and women’s teams will take place in Philadelphia. Established in 2017, the Military Basketball Association aims to promote the Military Athlete by organizing annual events that raise awareness about behavioral health concerns among veterans.

FIFA Club World Cup™ 2025

Location: Lincoln Financial Field
Dates: June 16 – July 4

Philadelphia will host the FIFA Club World Cup™ in summer 2025, featuring iconic clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Juventus. Expanded to 32 teams, the tournament brings top clubs from six confederations, with eight thrilling matches at Lincoln Financial Field, including a July 4 quarterfinal.

Savannah Bananas World Tour

Location: Citizens Bank Park
Dates: July 26 – 27

Get ready for a baseball experience like no other as the Savannah Bananas return to Citizens Bank Park in 2025 for two unforgettable games. Known for their high-energy performances, incredible showmanship, and jaw-dropping skills, this family-friendly exhibition team turns America’s favorite pastime into an electrifying spectacle.

Philadelphia Distance Run

Location: Center City
Dates: September 21

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.

An athlete approaches the finish line after running the Philadelphia Distance Run. The sky is a light blue overhead. Spectators watch from behind the barriers set up along the course.

Philadelphia Distance Run. Photo by M. Stanley.

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.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is in the center. Runners are shown running away from the Philadelphia Museum of Art down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Colorful flags representing different countries wave in the wind, lining the parkway. The sky appears gray. The trees lining the road are green and orange, seasonal for fall.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Marathon.

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.

Premier Sporting Events in Philadelphia