The road to Philadelphia's long-awaited All-Star Game has officially begun.
Major League Baseball opened fan voting Wednesday for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, giving baseball fans their first opportunity to help shape the starting lineups for the Midsummer Classic that will be played July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.
For Philadelphia, the launch of voting serves as another milestone in what is expected to be one of the most significant baseball events ever hosted by the city. The game will mark the first All-Star Game played at Citizens Bank Park and the fifth time Philadelphia has hosted baseball's annual showcase. Previous editions were played at Shibe Park in 1943 and 1952, and at Veterans Stadium in 1976 and 1996.
The event also arrives during a historic year for the city and the nation. The 2026 All-Star Game will coincide with the United States Semiquincentennial celebration, echoing the circumstances surrounding the 1976 All-Star Game at Veterans Stadium during America's Bicentennial year.
Fans can vote exclusively online through MLB platforms through June 25 as part of the first phase of voting. The top two finishers at each infield position and the top six outfielders in each league will advance to a second round of voting that begins June 29. The leading overall vote-getter in each league during Phase 1 will automatically earn a starting assignment in the All-Star Game.
The National League and American League starters will ultimately be determined through two rounds of fan voting, while pitchers and reserve selections will be chosen through a combination of player voting and selections from the Commissioner's Office. Full All-Star rosters will be announced July 4.
The All-Star Game will serve as the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration that is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Philadelphia. MLB All-Star Week will include the MLB Draft, HBCU Swingman Classic, Futures Game, Home Run Derby, Capital One All-Star Village and several additional fan events throughout the city.
For Phillies fans, the opening of voting also begins what could become one of the most closely watched races on the ballot. With Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez all producing strong seasons, Philadelphia could once again be heavily represented when the National League roster is unveiled next month.
But beyond the individual candidates, Wednesday's announcement served as another reminder that after a 30-year wait, baseball's biggest summer showcase is finally returning to Philadelphia.
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