PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Phillies have launched their preparations for the 2026 All-Star Game, which they will host. The announcement came shortly after Kyle Schwarber’s MVP performance in the 2025 All-Star Game.
The unveiling event took place at Dilworth Park in Center City, where Bryce Harper and Phillies managing partner John Middleton revealed the Liberty Bell-themed logo for the upcoming game. “History is embedded in the DNA of Philadelphia,” Middleton stated, highlighting the city’s historical significance as it prepares to host the game during America’s 250th birthday.
The ceremony featured appearances by several Phillies legends, including Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski, Dave Cash, Bobby Abreu, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, John Kruk, Juan Samuel, and manager Charlie Manuel. Middleton praised the fans gathered in Center City as “the best fans in the country.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker also participated in the event and expressed gratitude to Middleton and the Phillies organization for hosting such a significant occasion. “I love to demonstrate that Philadelphia has the best sports fans in the nation,” she said.
The festivities included an All-Star hype video featuring Leslie Odom Jr., performances by The Roots, and a city tour on the “2026 All-Star Declaration Bus” with stops at local landmarks like Independence Mall and Betsy Ross House.
Middleton emphasized that next year’s event would bring together not only top players but also everyone joining them in Philadelphia. The day concluded with a pregame ceremony at Citizens Bank Park featuring a parachute team from the U.S. Navy and Schwarber displaying his MVP award.
Phillies alumni Bobby Abreu and Ryan Howard threw ceremonial first pitches. Howard expressed high expectations for next year’s Home Run Derby: “I’m expecting somebody to go in the third deck,” he said.
The new 2026 All-Star logo is now displayed prominently at Citizens Bank Park and will remain there until next summer.
Beyond just hosting games, Philadelphia will also welcome events like the Home Run Derby, Futures Game, MLB Draft, Capital One All-Star Village, and various community initiatives. “Today is just the beginning,” Middleton remarked.
