Philadelphia Sports and Recreation Guide - Philadelphia is more than history and culture — there’s plenty of ways to exercise the body and just have fun, from outdoor activities to notable spectator sports. Play Ball!
Walking — and Biking — Philly
There are plenty of ways to combine a bracing walk with a history tour that will exercise your mind. You can take an architecture tour with a docent who will tell you everything. Other tours of Philly include candlelight tours, ghost tours, history tours with re-enactors that let you witness great moments in American history — there are even tippler’s tours that visit historic city taverns. Visit the Independence Visitors Center, where they’ll tell you everything you need to know. If you want to help yourself, take a self-guided walking tour of Old City or another neighborhood. Just look up: the ubiquitous signs will tell you about the surrounding landmarks. From May to October, the Permaburn Society’s Philadelphia Bike Tours (215-334-0790) take you to the sights on four-hour guided tours via bicycle or moped.
Park and Turf
Fairmount Park is the largest landscaped city park in the world, offering recreational facilities for everyone. This is paradise for strollers, shutterbugs, joggers, softball players — you name it. Fairmount Park has long been regarded as having the nation’s finest rowing course, and Boathouse Row is home base for the clubs that make up the venerable Schuylkill Navy. Call (215) 683-0200 for more information. It’s all conveniently near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. If a day at the races is your thing, visit Philadelphia Park Racetrack in Bensalem (215-639-9000); for off-track action, try the Park’s Turf Clubs around the region.
Fly Like an Eagle
The Philadelphia Eagles have been bringing football thrills to local fans for the past seven decades, making it all the way to Super Bowl XXXIX in February 2005. In the fall of 2005, they return to Lincoln Financial Field for their home games. Keep your eye on quarterback Donovan McNabb and receiver Terrell Owens. On defense, watch the shark-attack style of Brian Dawkins and Jamaal Green. Check ‘em out if you’re in town this season. Call (215) 463-5500 for tickets.
Phillies Fever
The Philadelphia Phillies always treat their fans to some brilliant baseball, and this year holds the promise of a season full of hits and runs. Manager Charlie Manuel sends the signals from the dugout. Veteran Bobby Abreu, a career .300 hitter, takes right field and collects base hits. First baseman Jim Thome, a huge acquisition three years ago from the Cleveland Indians, slugged 42 homers last year, among the tops in the majors. In the process, he also set some franchise records. Taking turns on the mound are Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla. Look for some big-time slugging action from Pat Burrell. You can also count on Mike Lieberthal and All-Star Jimmy Rollins to add to the summer excitement. For Phillies tickets, call (215) 463-1000.
Spirited 76ers
Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Dr. J. are just two of the stars who have made the Philadelphia 76ers an important part of basketball history. Now watch top-scoring Allen Iverson do his thing. Iverson, at only six feet tall, is one of the shorter players in the NBA, but is very long on talent. Former Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player, Iverson is a dervish on the court, perennially among the top scorers in the league. In February 2005, he was joined by five-time All-Star forward Chris Webber, traded from Sacramento, which suddenly boosted 76er firepower. Home games are played at the Wachovia Center. For tickets, call (215) 339-7676.
Ice Games
There’s nothing like the fast pace of a pro hockey game. Critics are very high on the high-flying Philadelphia Flyers (215-755-9700), who usually make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Behind the stick work of Jeremy Roenick and defenseman Eric Desjardins, they’re one of the most competitive clubs in the NHL. Flyers home games are played at the Wachovia Center. Cheer on veterans such as defenseman Kim Johnsson and left wing John LeClair, who has scored 20 or more goals in a season eight times. You could also check out the Flyers’ farm team, The Phantoms (215-465-4522). Their bargain-priced games have become so popular that they draw quite a crowd.
The Minors
There’s a new team in town, just across the river from Philadelphia. They call themselves the Camden Riversharks (856-963-2600), but you’ll call them a fun way to take in a game. The minor leaguers play about 70 home games per season at Campbell’s Field. And along with the traditional popcorn and peanuts, the stadium offers a matchless view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline. Who knows? You might even get to see a future star of the majors knock one out of the park.
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Recreation Features
Now Visitors—Not Just Serious Scullers—
Can Row, Row, Row Their Boats In Philadelphia
The picturesque row of historic buildings that face Kelly Drive and light up the waters of the Schuylkill River at night has long been synonymous with Philadelphia postcards. What many don’t know though is that Boathouse Row, home to Philadelphia’s rowing community, is a leading epicenter of the nation’s championship aspirations for the sport. It is a magnet for the grass roots development of national and world championship medalists and has been home to a long list of Olympic competitors and coaches. More |
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Ready, Set, Run: Parks, Paths, Trails And
Tracks Abound For Runners In Philadelphia
A few marquee competitions, as well as hundreds of other large, small and mid-sized races held in the region during the spring, summer and fall months are just part of the reason why Philadelphia is so popular among competitive runners. For casual runners, Philadelphia boasts a rich network of pocket parks, charming shopping districts and narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets that link up to long, bucolic stretches of rural landscape, making downtown Philadelphia appealing to those of all fitness levels. More |
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Featured Event: 2006 Devon Horse Show
2006 MARKS 110th YEAR FOR DEVON HORSE SHOW IN PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS
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