Philadelphia’s ‘Summer of Sports’ Scores Big

September 29, 2026

Philadelphia’s “Summer of Sports,” along with a slate of other major citywide events secured by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), helped drive a record-setting stretch for Center City (downtown) hotels from May 1 through Aug. 31, 2026.

Center City hotels generated $335.6 million in revenue, up 20.6% from the same period in 2025, according to data released by the PHLCVB.

The summer lineup included the PGA Championship, six FIFA World Cup matches—including a Round of 16 match on July 4 that coincided with the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebrations—MLB All-Star Week and UFC 330, along with 112 other meetings and citywide conventions brought to Philadelphia by the PHLCVB.

Center City Hotel Data Highlights:

Revenue: $335.6 million, up 20.6% year-over-year
RevPAR: $188, up 22.2% year-over-year and the highest growth among the top 25 U.S. markets
ADR: $257, up 18.9% year-over-year

Hotel performance is one measure of the economic impact generated by major events, providing business for hotels and the broader hospitality industry.

“This summer gave Philadelphia an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our city to the world, and we proved that we could deliver exceptional experiences on a global scale,” said Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the PHLCVB in a media statement. His team led the effort to bid for and secure events including the NCAA March Madness, MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup, in some cases five to 10 years in advance.

“Major events also translate directly into business for our hotels, restaurants and other hospitality partners, supporting the thousands of people whose work makes Philadelphia such a welcoming destination,” Caren added. “For the PHLCVB, this summer is more than a moment. It’s a powerful proof point that we can leverage to drive visitation and economic impact for years to come.”

Sports Travel Drives Group Business

Fans from all 50 states and 190 countries attended events in Philadelphia this summer, including World Cup matches, the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill and the America250 celebration on July 4.

The momentum continues into 2027, when Philadelphia will host additional major sporting events secured by the PHLCVB and its PHL Sports division, including the 2027 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional Championship and the 2027 NCAA Division I, II and III Men’s Lacrosse Championships.

Philadelphia will also host the Army-Navy Game at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 11, 2027. The city has hosted the game more times than any other destination and expects more than 69,000 visitors for the 2027 matchup.

Meetings and conventions remain the PHLCVB’s largest area of business, with events taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and hotels and venues throughout Center City. Among the major conventions booked for 2027 are:

AIA Conference on Architecture & Design, May — 13,000 attendees expected
BIO International Convention, June — 16,000 attendees expected
International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference, October — 20,000 attendees expected
AACR Philadelphia Marathon, November — 35,000 attendees expected

“On the heels of 2026, the PHLCVB team and those across Philadelphia’s hospitality and tourism industry continue to look ahead and build on the momentum of this year,” Caren said. “We’re focused on bringing more meetings, more business and more international travelers to Philadelphia.”