South Philadelphia Sports Complex & The Navy Yard: A Guide to Philly’s Stadium District

Expériences à ne pas manquer

1. Root, root, root for the home team and enjoy epic events

The three arenas in the Sports Complex can hold more than 130,000 people collectively. On game and concert days, the surrounding parking lots brim with tailgating fans who barbecue, drink and play games.

Les Philadelphie Phillies’ home field — Citizens Bank Park — features seats for 43,000 fans and stellar views of the Centre ville skyline, while Lincoln Financial Field erupts into raucous E-A-G-L-E-S chants from sell-out crowds every time the Eagles de Philadelphie take the field.

And Philadelphia’s 76ers, Les mouches and Wings all play at Xfinity Mobile Arena, which also regularly hosts star-studded concerts and massive events like monster truck rallies and professional wrestling and boxing matches.

Citizens Bank Park   - Photo par Visit Philadelphia

2. Relax, stroll and dine at the birthplace of the U.S. Navy

When America realized it needed a strong naval defense system, the country’s first naval shipyard set up shop on the Delaware River. The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard built and repaired battle-ready warships until its closure in 1996.

In 2000, planning started for the massive revitalization effort that became Le chantier naval. Now a thriving business campus open to the public daily, visitors can relax in abundant green space, grab a bite at onsite eateries, enjoy art public et même passer la nuit.

  - Photo avec l'aimable autorisation de The Navy Yard

3. Play, learn and feast at FDR Park’s vast open spaces

Birdwatchers, picnickers, team players, cyclists and skaters flock to Parc FDR’s 348 acres of courts, fields, trails and wetlands daily to enjoy a quiet respite from the bustling South Philadelphia neighborhood. Pro tip: Early mornings and sunset are the most tranquil times to visit.

Visitors here can also learn about the area’s first settlers at the Musée historique suédois américain, and weekends from spring through fall bring dozens of vendors to the Marché d'Asie du Sud-Est au parc FDR, named “l'un des meilleurs marchés alimentaires des États-Unis” by Vins et gastronomie.

Marché du Sud-Est asiatique dans le parc FDR   - Photo prise par S. Ramones pour Visit Philadelphia

4. Sink your teeth into an authentic Philly cheesesteak

Those in search of the authentic Philly cheesesteak can find legendary offerings at Tony & Nick’s Steaks (formerly Tony Luke’s) and Rôti de porc de John, which continually ranks among the city’s top steak spots.

Les cheesesteaks de Skinny Joey (from the often-newsworthy “Skinny Joey” Merlino and partner Joe Perri) has gained a devoted following.

5. Ride the bull and party at Stateside Live!

Located in the heart of the Sports Complex, En direct des États-Unis ! becomes party central for pre- and post-game revelry, watch parties and celebratory holidays like New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day.

The venue’s 80,000 square feet features bites, brews and a high-energy atmosphere — complete with a free-to-ride-if-you-dare mechanical bull.

  — Photo gracieusement fournie par Stateside Live!

Où séjourner

Attracting about 7 million visitors annually, the neighborhood features many hotels to lay weary heads including:

• Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, located within the Sports Complex with 200 upscale rooms and slots, table games, dining and entertainment
• the plush Courtyard Philadelphia South at Navy Yard, just a short walk from stadiums, and
• les Holiday Inn Philadelphia Airport/Stadium Area, with easy airport access.

Head here for a full guide to hotels near the Sports Complex.

Le Courtyard South Philadelphia à Navy Yard   — Photo by J. Goldman

Conseils locaux

• Locals love tomato pie at Cascia’s Bakery, Pop’s Water Ice (a summer staple), all-day breakfast at the Oregon Diner, all-you-can-eat at Royal Buffet & Grill and the OG Chickie’s & Pete’s, where the signature Crabfries flow freely.
• Station NRG — the last southbound stop on SEPTA’s Broad Street subway line — provides easy access to the neighborhood, with shuttle service available between the station and The Navy Yard. Driving to the complex is easy, too, with I-95 and I-76 both passing through.
• The Sport Complex opens up many of its parkings for free on non-event days.