Philadelphia’s Unmissable Sporting Events of 2024

Sporting events are a significant part of Philadelphia’s culture that keep giving an adrenaline rush to locals and visitors all year round. 2024 is a year of some of the biggest events slated to mark a historic year for Philadelphia’s role and contribution in promoting sports. From WrestleMania 40 to various championships and matches, sports fans from all over the world are keeping a close eye on the upcoming events.

WrestleMania 40®, April 6-7

Philadelphia will host WrestleMania 40, a week-long celebration of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) culminating in the main event at Lincoln Financial Field. The city will host six major events across three venues, including Friday Night SmackDown® and the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony® at Wells Fargo Center.

Northeast Qualifier (NEQ), Volleyball, April 19-21, 26-28

The Northeast Qualifier (NEQ) is an annual girls’ junior volleyball qualifying event in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Convention Center transforms meeting halls into 75+ volleyball courts over multiple weekends each year. Teams from over 25 states and Puerto Rico come to Philadelphia to compete for Open, USA, Liberty, and American bids to USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior National Championships.

Penn Relays, April 25-27

As the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, the Penn Relays is a can’t-miss Philadelphia tradition. In its 126th year, the Penn Relays provide competition for more athletes than any other track meets worldwide. During the past ten years, more than 150,000 people have competed in the three-day track and field competition. Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania — the oldest college football stadium in the country — is the longtime home of the event.

Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run, April 28

Each year, Philadelphia closes its centre throughway, Broad Street, for the 10-mile Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run. This marks the official start to Philadelphia’s running season. More than 35,000 runners participate in the competition, named one of the fastest 10-mile courses in the country by Runner’s World.

Philadelphia International Cricket Festival, May 2-5

18 Cricket Teams, comprised of over 200 players representing 16 nations, arrive in Philadelphia for four days of cricketing. The final match takes place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club and is open to members of the public to delight in the timeless game.

Rowing in Philadelphia, Different Dates

For over 200 years, the Schuylkill River has hosted some of the nation’s most prominent rowing events. Among many events, the river is home to the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school sprint race in the country, and the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, featuring more than 2,000 boats and 8,000 competitors.

̶ Philadelphia City Championships: May 4-5

̶ Stotesbury Cup Regatta: May 17-18

̶ Independence Dragon Boat Regatta: June 1

̶ Independence Day Regatta: June 28-30

̶ Philadelphia Youth Regatta: July 20

̶ Bayada Regatta: Annually in August

̶ Head of the Schuylkill Regatta: October 26-27

2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship, May 25-27

Drexel University will serve as the host for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship at Lincoln Financial Field. The top national men’s programs will face off in Philadelphia to determine who among them is the best collegiate lacrosse team in Division I, II, and III.
Philadelphia International Unity Cup, Annually from August through OctoberA World Cup-style tournament held over several months, the Philadelphia International Unity Cup unites the city’s neighbourhoods and celebrates its diverse immigrant communities through soccer. Created by former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, the Unity Cup became an annual tradition after its successful inaugural year in 2016.

Philadelphia Distance Run, September 25

Dating back to 1978, runners have been taking to the streets of Philadelphia to run this fast, flat course that is known as one of the country’s premier half-marathons.

U.S. Open Squash Championships, October 6-13

The U.S. Open is known as one of the most prestigious squash tournaments in the United States and brings in competitors from all over the globe. The championships have been hosted in partnership with Drexel University since 2011 and are held at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. This state-of-the-art squash facility is in the heart of Drexel University’s campus and is considered by many to be the finest squash centre in the world.

Philadelphia Marathon, annually on the third weekend in November

Named the best qualifier to get to the Boston Marathon by Running USA, the Philadelphia Marathon is one of the fastest courses in the country. More than 30,000 participants take part in the 8K, Half Marathon, and Marathon. Participating in the run is a great way to see America’s “most historic mile” while making your own history.