A game day weekend is one of those experiences that stays with you forever. Whether it’s father and son/daughter, or a group of friends, heading out to support a team is a travelogue worth the effort. From exploring Old City to gearing up for the game, here’s how to get it right in Philly!
Find a Great Place to Stay
Being a major city, you are never stuck for choice when booking somewhere to stay in Philly. Of course, costs are decided on the location and the features you want. For a full sports experience, staying close to the stadium is recommended, and it will help to find a hotel room around Lincoln Financial Field if you are an Eagles fan, for example. Booking a hotel within walking distance of the game helps you avoid traffic and offers much more convenience.
Explore Old City
There are a few iconic places that speak to the greatness of America, like Old City. A roughly one square mile area, Old City is steeped in history, which allows you to appreciate what happened in the past, to enjoy a sports game now. Iconic attractions include the Liberty Bell Center, home to the famous Bell that celebrates William Penn, Independence Hall, where you can see the Declaration, and Elfreth’s Alley, the United States’ oldest residential street.
Game Day Weekend Pre-Game Hype
With top-tier teams for the NFL, NBA, and MLB, no one could argue that Philly isn’t one of the best destinations for live sporting events that attract thousands of people. With so much on offer and many game days each week, it’s pretty easy to get hyped when staying in the city. Even the local markets are exciting, with tons of vendors selling hand-made delights, including the much-loved Philly Cheesesteaks. Of course, you can browse the sports complex to soak it all in.
Gear Up for the Game
Soaking up the atmosphere just before a big game is nothing short of magic. Gearing up gets everyone excited, shifts the atmosphere, and reminds you why you are there. Tailgating is a great way to experience the wonder of a sports day and mingle with other fans. Whether organized or DIY, you can meet other sports fans while sampling food and drink, hitting the dancefloor, and even celebrating with vehicle decorations before the big game kicks off.
Post-Game Chillout
Whether you lost or won, does it really matter? The experience of a big game day is nothing short of amazing, and you should be proud you got to witness everything firsthand. After the game, you can celebrate or commiserate at one of the many sports bars around the stadium. If nothing else, some quality food and a few drinks can cushion the blow of a loss. But of course, it makes a win feel even more amazing! Just know your limits for the drive home the next day!
Summary
Finding somewhere to stay close to the action is a great start to a game day weekend in Philly, or anywhere else. Getting hyped up by soaking in the city can help you appreciate where you are, and whether you win or lose, good food and drink can kind of cushion the blow a little.