Sports

With a non-stop annual sports calendar, first-class facilities, 12 professional teams and more than 60 intercollegiate athletic programs, Philadelphia is a world-class sports destination. In 2008, Philadelphia was one of only two U.S. cities to host two U.S. Olympic Trials events when the city welcomed Trials for both Table Tennis and Gymnastics. The city also hosted a World Boxing Dual Match between the United States and Puerto Rico, and culminated a year-long celebration of Olympism with the Evening of Champions street festival to commemorate the opening of the Summer Games in Beijing.

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The Army/Navy Game returns home to Lincoln Financial Field for 2008 and 2009. The 2009 year will also see the NCAA Men's Basketball 1st & 2nd Rounds back at the Wachovia Center, the U.S. Women's Open at Saucon Valley Country Club and the Walker Cup at Merion Golf Club.

In the coming years, Philadelphia will continue to host the finest in professional and amateur sports, including events like the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships and the 2013 U.S. Open (golf) at Merion.

Since 2000, Philadelphia has been proud to host events including the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championships, NCAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament, USA Gymnastics Tyson American Cup, the Senior PGA Championships, FIFA Women's World Cup, NBA All-Star Weekend, ESPN X-Games, the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, and the NCAA Women's Final Four.

Rich in tradition, Philadelphia also boasts an impressive resume of annual classics such as the Commerce Pro Cycling Tour International, Philadelphia Distance Run, Philadelphia Marathon, Penn Relays, Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon, Broad Street Run, and a number of world-class Regattas.

The nation's fourth largest media market, Philadelphia boasts extensive athletic facilities, including the Wachovia Complex, Liacouras Center, and two state-of-the-art facilities - the Eagles' home, Lincoln Financial Field and Phillies' ballpark, Citizens Bank Park.

With more than 10,000 hotel rooms in Center City, tremendous accessibility and a comprehensive event infrastructure, Philadelphia offers an unbeatable sports package.

Established in 1987, the Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. The Sports Congress -- working in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the city's professional teams and universities -- has attracted many events to the city and is currently working on bids for future sporting events. The Philadelphia Sports Congress produces the Army/Navy Game on behalf of the City of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Olympic & International Sports Project, an initiative of the Philadelphia Sports Congress, was created following the region's bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The Project focuses on sporting opportunities that will help Philadelphia become a more international sports destination and increase the spirit of Olympism throughout the region.

For more information about the Philadelphia Sports Congress, call 215-636-3417 or sportscongress@pcvb.org.

Have you participated in or attended a sporting event in Philadelphia? We'd LOVE to hear your story! Visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/LOVE.