Philadelphia sure knows how to throw a party.
As the city transitioned its attention from the World Cup to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week, Citizens Bank Park took center stage by announcing an abundance of new attractions to showcase in the national spotlight.
The home of the Philadelphia Phillies welcomed guests to the Cadillac Hall of Fame Club on July 8 for a sneak peek of some of the amenities that made All-Star Week in Philadelphia so special. It included new food offerings and a hand-painted fiberglass All-Star bell.
2026 marks the fifth time Philadelphia has hosted the All-Star Game and its first in 30 years. Shibe Park hosted in 1943 and 1952 and Veterans Stadium hosted in 1976 and 1996. South Philly received the good news seven years ago that Citizens Bank Park would receive its first All-Star Game.
“Seven years ago, Major League Baseball awarded the city the 2026 All-Star Game,” said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Events. “And from the very start, it wasn’t just about picking a great baseball town, although Philadelphia and your fans certainly are that. It was more about timing. And because 2026 is America’s 250th birthday and there was no more fitting place to celebrate the semiquincentennial than right here in the birth of our nation. That’s why All-Star Week in Philadelphia has been built as a central part of how Major League Baseball is celebrating and honoring America 250.”
Leading up to the All-Star Game the city hosted a long list of events including the HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park, the All-Star Village and the opening rounds of the MLB Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the MLB All-Star Futures Game and the new MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 at Citizens Bank Park.
It concluded with the All-Star staples of the Home Run Derby, the Red Carpet Show and the actual MLB All-Star Game. It all ties in with the ongoing fireworks of the country’s 250th anniversary.
“This is America’s pastime, the game’s greatest stars in the birthplace of our country during our 250th anniversary. It doesn’t get any bigger or better than that,” said Michael Harris, Philadelphia Phillies Vice President, Marketing & Government Affairs. “There will be many All-Star games after 2026 but none will have the significance, the energy and the spotlight of this one.”
There was also big news for the baseball foodies out there.
Aramark Sports + Entertainment announced the winner of the first MLB fan culinary vote, crowning Betsy’s Banana Ice Cream Sundae as the winning creation and earning it a featured spot throughout MLB All-Star Week.
Betsy’s Banana Ice Cream Sundae features banana pudding and vanilla soft serve topped with crushed vanilla wafers, peanut brittle, hot fudge, strawberry sauce, toasted marshmallow cloud and red, white and blue sprinkles, all served in a commemorative All-Star souvenir cap.
But in the grand scheme of things, Philly loves its underdogs, too.
Coming in second place was the Revolutionary Rib Melt. While Betsy’s Banana Ice Cream Sundae emerged as the winner, fan enthusiasm for the Revolutionary Rib Melt was almost overwhelming. In response to the support it received throughout the voting process, Aramark will make both menu items available during MLB All-Star Week at Citizens Bank Park.
“Our team is excited to bring the fans’ voice to life and serve these two incredible items alongside some of our new and longtime partners,’ said Iovonnie Negron, Aramark Sports + Entertainment Executive Chef at Citizens Bank Park.
There was also a big announcement regarding a past favorite.
“The Schmitter is making a comeback to Philadelphia,” Negron said of the sandwich previously served at the park until 2016. “Philadelphia’s big-league sandwich from McNally’s in Chestnut Hill is coming back to the ballpark for the All-Star Game and hopefully going forward. It will be available at Pass & Stow.”
Away from the dinner bells, a new fiberglass, hand-painted All-Star bell commemorating America250 was unveiled in the Hall of Fame Club. It was created by local artist Andre Chaney in collaboration with Bells Across PA and Mural Arts Philadelphia.
It displayed a collage of past All-Stars representing the Phillies on one side of the bell. The other portrayed the team’s lovable mascot the Phillie Phanatic.
“This bell celebrates two traditions that have long brought Philadelphians together — public art and sports,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director, America250PA. “We’re especially grateful to the team for giving it a home in a place that means so much to so many.” ••
