It’s taken 10 years, but Philadelphia will once again claim the spotlight for an All-Star event.
The last US professional All-Star Game to be held in the City of Brotherly Love was the NBA’s in 2002. It was 16 years ago that the MLB brought their All-Star event to the old Veterans Stadium and 20 years ago that the NHL hosted their last midseason showcase in the home of the Flyers.
As far as soccer is concerned, Philadelphia saw Team America, a squad of NASL All-Stars, take on the national team of England in 1976 at JFK Stadium.
The match was part of the Bicentennial Cup, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was played on May 31, 1976, and England beat Team America 3-1, but they finished in second place in the four-team, six-match round-robin tournament that was won by Brazil.
That 1976 saw every major league except the NFL play an All-Star Game in Philadelphia. The NFL has played 32 of their last 33 Pro Bowls in Honolulu.
In addition to the 1976 event, Philly has been home to other major soccer events, including the 2003 Women’s World Cup and the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
ALL-STAR GAMES HELD IN PHILADELPHIA:
2002: NBA
1996: MLB
1992: NHL
1976: NBA, MLB, NHL, NASL
1942: NFL
