On Friday, Major League Baseball and the Phillies officially unveiled the logo for the 2026 All-Star Game, a celebration that will land squarely in South Philly — and right in the heart of America’s 250th birthday.
The 96th Midsummer Classic is coming to Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and if that date sounds historic, it should. It's the semesquicentennial — the 250th anniversary of American independence. And just like 1976, when eterans Stadium hosted the All-Star Game in honor of the bicentennial, Philadelphia will once again become the beating heart of baseball — and the country — for a summer night that’s sure to be electric.
And make no mistake: this will be more than just a game.
It’s been nearly 30 years since Philadelphia last hosted the All-Star festivities (1996 at the Vet), and 83 years since Shibe Park first welcomed the stars of the sport. In 2026, the game will be played at Citizens Bank Park for the first time, making it the fifth time Philadelphia has hosted the All-Star Game — tying it with Chicago for the most among National League cities.
So yes, this is a big deal.
The announcement came with pageantry and Philly flair at Dilworth Park, where Phillies royalty, city officials, and All-Star alumni gathered to make it official. Bryce Harper was there. So were Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski, and Dave Cash; Bobby Abreu, Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard, John Kruk, and Juan Samuel were part of the celebration, too. Skipper Charlie Manuel also made an appearance.
As for the logo?
It’s as Philly as it gets. The centerpiece: a reimagined Liberty Bell, full of motion and fire — a nod to both the city and the spirit of the Midsummer Classic. The typography draws directly from the historic bell’s inscriptions, layered with design cues from the Phillies’ iconic branding. The result: a mark that blends the nation’s roots with baseball’s modern-day flair.
“Major League Baseball is thrilled for Philadelphia to be the host city for the 2026 All-Star Game and for America’s pastime to play a role in recognizing a momentous year in our nation’s history,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred. “Today’s logo unveiling sets the stage for a year-long celebration of our game and our country in the City of Brotherly Love. We are excited to work together with the Phillies and local officials to shine a light on Philadelphia’s rich history, culture and passionate fan base.”
“Philadelphia will be the place to be in 2026, and the Phillies are thrilled to join MLB in hosting the Midsummer Classic,” added Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton. “Baseball fans will have the opportunity to take part in the activities and events that make All-Star Week a special experience. In addition, the 250th birthday celebration of our great nation will give fans and visitors to our city an opportunity to see Philadelphia in a unique light. We have no doubt that they will create wonderful memories.”
“The crown jewel of Major League Baseball is making its return to Philadelphia, and we could not be more excited,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “This will be an incredible moment for our city as the 2026 MLB All-Star Week festivities are held during our nation’s semiquincentennial of American independence. Let’s play ball!”
And this won’t be a one-night affair.
The 2026 All-Star Game will headline a week of baseball celebration, with traditional events like the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the All-Star Futures Game, and potentially a return of the MLB Draft, Capital One All-Star Village, and community outreach initiatives all likely to take center stage.
And if Friday was the overture, the encore’s still to come.
Because this won’t just be another All-Star Game.
It’ll be a full-blown, red-white-and-blue, bell-ringing, skyline-lit, once-in-250-years Philly showcase.
And the countdown starts now.
