So you’re thinking of visiting Philly for a Sounders match? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
GET THERE
Air
Most major U.S. airlines offer service to and from Philadelphia (PHL), which is a hub for American Airlines.
Driving
If you have the motivation to drive from Seattle to Philadelphia just make sure to allot yourself at least 3 days to make the trip a comfortable one. For those of you on the east coast, you will want to use I-76 or I-95 to reach the city.
GET AROUND
Transit to Subaru Park:
Depending on where you’re staying in the city, you’ll want to get to 30th St. Station. The easiest way to do so is taking the Market-Frankford Line (also known as the El, blue line on maps) to the 30th St. stop. If you’re staying north or south, take the Broad Street Line (orange line on maps) towards City Hall and transfer to the MFL heading west. If you’re not near a subway line, your best bet is to Uber/Lyft/Taxi to the 30th st. Station.
At 30th Street Station: take the Wilmington/Newark SEPTA Regional Rail line to Chester Transportation Center. There will be a free shuttle service to Subaru Park and back, with service beginning four hours prior to game time.
Uber/Lyft
This is probably the best option for getting around the non-walkable parts of the city. Don’t worry, the ban here only lasted 2 days and has been lifted.
SEE/DO
Philadelphia has a large variety of tourist traps and entertainment spots, you’re sure to find something to get into while you’re here. Below are some of the recommended areas:
Center City
Philadelphia’s beautiful City Hall, the Convention Center, Chinatown, Washington Square West, the gay-friendly Gayborhood, and the Broad Street Arts Corridor. West of Broad Street and City Hall includes the Art Museum, Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square.
Old City
Philadelphia’s oldest historic quarter, where the roots of the American Independence began. Located between 6th Street and the Delaware River, it features Independence Mall and historical landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, and Independence Hall. Old City is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood with an ‘old world’ European aesthetic. Evening hours bring added excitement with great restaurants, bars and clubs.
South Philly
East Passyunk, the Italian Market, the NRG Sports Complex, dive bars, small shops and plenty of independent places to eat.
North Philly
2nd street in Northern Liberties is lined with bars pubs and storefronts. Frankford Avenue and Front Street in the Fishtown neighborhood are home to renown restaurants and a plethora of nightlife options.
Northwest
The off-the-beaten-path northwestern reaches of the city, most notable for historic Germantown; the scene of a key Revolutionary War battle at Cliveden, and the home to historic colonial and Victorian era homes such as Ebenezer Maxwell mansion as well as middle-to-upper class residential neighborhoods of Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, East Falls and Mt. Airy. Wissahickon park is a great spot for hiking and seeing some nature. For a great view of the skyline, visit the Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park.
EAT/DRINK
Breweries
Big-name mainstays like Sly Fox, Victory and Dock Street as well as an ever-growing list of buzzy spots, including Forest & Main, 2SP, Crime & Punishment and Levante. Beer bars and beer gardens? Monk’s Café, Local 44 and City Tap House; amid the plants at the lush PHS Pop Up Gardens; and at beautiful seasonal hotspots like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Parks on Tap. Especially if you’re looking for a zero-proof beverage, check out our partner bar – Bar Palmina.
Reading Terminal Market
Open daily and offering a wide array of foods and other wares from the local area. This place is known to be VERY crowded so plan on spending a few hours if you plan on hitting everything, especially on Friday/Saturday. Grab a sandwich at Dinic’s and you can thank me later.
SLEEP
Subaru Park is technically located in Chester, which means most you will most likely need a ride to the stadium regardless of where you stay. The airport is only a few miles north of the stadium, so you will be able to find plenty of hotels near there if you prefer to not stay in the city. Lodging in Chester isn’t advised.
MATCHDAY
For the last match in Philadelphia we held a no-host tailgate party, but check the travel page and matchday thread for specific plans. We will most likely be given access to our own part of the lot for this, but please stay tuned for more information.
GET HOME
With 3 points.