PHILADELPHIA _ Major League Baseball's All-Star Game will return to Philadelphia in 2026 in conjunction with America's 250th birthday, according to a source.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred will make the announcement Tuesday afternoon at a news conference at Independence Hall. He'll be joined by Mayor Jim Kenney, Governor Tom Wolf, and Phillies managing partner John Middleton, along with current and former Phillies players.
A team usually receives an All-Star Game shortly after opening a new ballpark but the Phillies decided to wait until 2026 _ 22 years after Citizens Bank Park's debut _ so it would come during what the city is hoping will be a busy summer in Philadelphia.
During America's Bicentennial in 1976, the city hosted the baseball, basketball, and hockey all-star games along with the NCAA Final Four. The city has a chance to host a World Cup game in 2026 when the soccer tournament comes to North America. Other all-star games could follow baseball's lead.
It will be the fifth time that Philadelphia hosts the All-Star Game and the first time since the Phillies hosted it in 1996 at Veterans Stadium. The game is held each July and also includes the Home Run Derby, a Futures Game for minor-league players, a celebrity softball game and FanFest, which was held at the Convention Center in 1996.
This season's game is in Cleveland and the 2020 game is at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The site of other future games have yet to be announced.
Bryce Harper, who won the Home Run Derby last year at his old home ballpark in Washington, will be 33 by the time the game hits South Philly. His 13-year contract will still have five years remaining. If all goes well, he'll represent the Phillies in 2026.
