Trip of the Week: Philadelphia

Trip of the Week - 10/30/09 - 11/1/09 - Philadelphia

Friday – Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00pm

Saturday – Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers – 1:00pm

Saturday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

Sunday – New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – 1:00pm

Sunday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

Four Teams – 5 games – 3 days.  Quite the sports dilemma in the city of brotherly love.  After Cliff Lee’s dominating performance in Game 1 in Yankee Stadium, the Phillies are heading home tied 1-1 with a chance to win the title in their own beautiful stadium.  At the same time, the Flyers, 76ers and Eagles all host big games at home.  So what to do?  Luckily for the Philadelphia sports fan, all of these important events take place all in one spot, all sharing one lot, so there is nothing to worry about or no where to go.  Here is the SportsBound guide to seeing ALL 5 games this weekend (and can make it 7 if you find a way to get Monday off).  Enjoy the weekend Philadelphia, you couldn’t find a better one.

About Philadelphia

It's been an intriguing evolution for The City of Brotherly Love since it saw the signings of the United States' two most hallowed documents in the 18th century - the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Between the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the new National Constitution Center, Philadelphia still embraces its place in U.S. history, and it also has looked to achieve a new cultural sophistication despite its gruff exterior. A wide array museums and art galleries, a renowned symphony, picturesque parks and a revitalized waterfront area continue to prove that the nation's fifth-largest city has a lot more to offer than Rocky and cheesesteaks.

Pre Game Destinations

Because all the stadiums are packed into one spot, and all share the same local bars, restaurants and parking.  I have combined them into one section.

Bars/Restaurants

South Street

The Blarney South - The Blarney South is an Irish Bar that serves up good Irish-style food, plus an exceptional Philly cheese steak.  Definitely worth stopping into for a pint.

Who’s on Third - Who's on Third looks odd and small from the outside, but it is actually fairly large and is crowded.  Only a few beers on tap, but lots of beers in bottles.

Manny Brown’s - Manny Brown's is a good hangout place that isn't too crowded.  A lot of people start the evening here before going to the more well-known bars.  The menu is Tex Mex, but they serve Guiness as well.

Center City

Mcgillan Ole Ale House - McGillin's is a true brew pub with cheap food ($6-$13) and beer specials every night.  It has been in operation since 1860; the liquor licenses are on the walls to prove it.

The Bards - In addition to a wide beer selection, The Bards serves up traditional Irish food, including great shepherd's pie, at good prices.

Dr. Watson’s Pub - A nice pub atmosphere with live music.  They serve good food and also have some pool tables.

Philadelphia Sports Complex

McFadden’s Ballpark – 33 Hi Def Plasma TV's and 2 Giant projector screens, McFadden's provides the perfect venue to meet preand post game.  Also great food and great drafts. 

And of course tailgate for Eagles Game

NOTE: Liquor is sold only at state-run stores in Pennsylvania, so if you need a bottle you'll have to get it separate from your beer.

Trip Itinerary

Friday – Milwaukee Bucks @ Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00pm

Elton Brand, Andre Iguidala and the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Milwaukee Bucks.  While you’ve seen the Lakers, Cavs and Celtics play 2 or 3 games already, this is the Bucks first appearance on the court.  Losing top players last year, the Bucks struggled and look to step it up this year behind Hakeem Warrick, Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva and maybe make the playoffs for the first time in three years.  The Sixers had high hopes last season with the addition of Elton Brand and hope to live up to them this year.  If they don’t, expect some frustrated Philadelphia fans to let you (and them) know about it

Stadium Guide: The 76ers play in the Wachovia center, located int the Philadelphia Sports Complex.  Opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, later First Union Center and then Wachovia Center replaced the adjacent Spectrum as the home of the 76ers and the NHL's Flyers. Fans can check out the 76ers Zone, an area displaying memorabilia and historical highlights of the NBA in Philadelphia. The arena also has an on-site brewery and pub and a state-of-the-art HD scoreboard

Parking: A total of 6,100 parking spaces are available on the same site as the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum. There are eight parking lots that are brightly lit and patrolled by security personnel throughout the extent of the events. Reserved parking is available for numerous events and can be arranged when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster.

Saturday – Carolina Hurricanes @ Philadelphia Flyers – 1:00pm

Stadium Guide: The Flyers play in the Wachovia center, located int the Philadelphia Sports Complex.  Opened in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, later First Union Center and then Wachovia Center replaced the adjacent Spectrum as the home of the 76ers and the NHL's Flyers. Fans can check out the Flyers Zone, an area displaying memorabilia and historical highlights of the NHL in Philadelphia. The arena also has an on-site brewery and pub and a state-of-the-art HD scoreboard

Parking: A total of 6,100 parking spaces are available on the same site as the Wachovia Center and Wachovia Spectrum. There are eight parking lots that are brightly lit and patrolled by security personnel throughout the extent of the events. Reserved parking is available for numerous events and can be arranged when purchasing tickets through Ticketmaster

Saturday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

This should need no introduction.  Game 3 World Series tied at 1 game a piece.  Cole Hamels, last years World Series MVP, takes on Andy Pettite.  Whoever wins this game has a firm hold on the series and may win the title.  Enjoy the atmosphere, the game, and everything the World Series has to offer.

Stadium Guide: Citizens Bank Park opened April, 2004, as a fantastic facility replacing the old run down Veterans (known as one of the worst stadiums of all time) which the Phillies played in since 1971.  The ballpark combines Philadelphia's rich tradition of sports architecture with unmistakably modern style. The $336 million, baseball-only stadium has a natural grass field, multi-angled "bowl style" seating, breathtaking views, dazzling amenities and a staggering array of special, fan-friendly features.  The greatest feature is Ashburn Alley, one of the best outfield concourses in baseball.  Ashburn Alley is filled with shops and consessions named for Phils' legend Richie Ashburn, and a highlight there is Bulls' BBQ, where you may find former Phils' slugger Greg "The Bull" Luzinski hanging out.  Another great spot is McFadden’s Ballpark Bar.  Attached to the stadium this place is great for a pregame Phillies stop.

Sunday – New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles – 1:00pm

An NFC East battle that cannot be matched.  When the Giants head to Philadelphia.  The Eagles are coming off a big Monday Night victory over the Washington Redskins, while the Giants are hoping to prevent their third loss in a row after starting off 5-0.  As many know, the Eagles eliminated the Giants from last years playoffs, beating them in New York after the Giants were favored to win the title.  This will probably be in the Giants minds when they head to Lincoln Financial Field, so look for them to play with some added emotion

Stadium Guide: Lincoln Financial Field, a $512 million dollar complex opened in August, 2003.  The stadium was created, many believe, as a key component to transform the Eagles into anelite NFL franchise. The front row is 60 feet from the field's sideline, or half the distance of that at the old Veterans Stadium.  Stadium seating capacity is about 68,000 while they have 172 luxury suites, both improvements from Veterans Stadium.  The Eagles Pep Band strolls around that wide concourse before games and leads followers in rousing renditions of "Fly, Eagles, Fly," the team's fight song. The Eagles Honor Roll, a list of the franchise's greatest players, from Sonny Jurgensen to Harold Carmichael to Tommy McDonald, is located in the HeadHouse Lobby, next to the pro shop, and is open to the public.

Parking Information: $20 for cars.  $40 for oversized vehicles.  Wachovia complex opens at 6am for tailgating.  When full, the Citizens Bank Lot opens at 10am. 

Sunday – New York Yankees @ Philadelphia Phillies – 8:00pm

Game 4 is a MUST win for someone.  Whoever loses game 3 must win this one or the series could be over quickly.  Maybe the biggest ame for both teams.  If Philadelphia wins game 3, New York must win this one to prevent possible elimination in Philadelphia.  If the Phillies lose game 3, they need this one to prevent 3 must win’s including 2 in New York.