Phillies to host 2026 All-Star Game
Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. announced today that Major League Baseball has awarded the 2026 All-Star Game and accompanying All-Star Week events to the Philadelphia Phillies. Baseball’s Midsummer Classic will be held in Philadelphia for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence and follows suit from 1976, when Veterans Stadium hosted the All-Star Game in the year of the nation’s bicentennial. The announcement was made during a fan and media event in historic Philadelphia, with Independence Hall as the backdrop. Current and former Phillies All-Stars participated, as well as state and city dignitaries.
The 2026 All-Star Game – which will be Baseball’s 97th Midsummer Classic – will mark the fifth time that the City of Philadelphia will host the event, including the first ever at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ home since 2004. Shibe Park staged the Midsummer Classic in 1943 (hosted by the Philadelphia Athletics) and 1952. In addition to 1976, Veterans Stadium was the site of the All-Star Game again in 1996.
Commissioner Manfred said: “Major League Baseball is honored to have the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia be part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. This event will continue a tradition established in 1976 where the National Pastime plays an important role in a milestone for our country.”
“The Phillies are honored to take part in this history-making event by showcasing our ballpark to baseball fans and the game’s future stars,” said John Middleton, Phillies Managing Partner. “The idea of bringing the 2026 All-Star Game to Philadelphia in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary was one that was led by Phillies Chairman David Montgomery. His passion for the game, as well as his unwavering loyalty to this great city and the best fans in all of sports, is why the crown jewel of Major League Baseball is making its return to Philadelphia.”
“The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is yet another opportunity for the national and international spotlight to shine on our great city,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “This incredible multi-day sporting event is expected to bring over 100,000 baseball fans to our World Heritage City, bringing with them an amazing economic opportunity for local businesses and workers across the hospitality industry. Tourism and hospitality is one of our city’s largest and fastest-growing employment sectors and events like this provide the catalyst for continued growth.”
The other upcoming Midsummer Classic hosts are the Cleveland Indians, who will welcome the 90th All-Star Game to Progressive Field this July 9th; and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will host the 2020 Midsummer Classic at Dodger Stadium, the first at the historic ballpark since 1980.