When you’re visiting Philadelphia this summer, make sure you know the local soccer playbook. Where are the best soccer bars? Where can you jump into a pickup game? Which local legends should you know before kickoff?
We asked our local experts to help create the ultimate soccer fan guide so you can focus on the action and experience Philly like a true local.
Best Place To Watch A Game Live
Home to the Philadelphia Union, Subaru Park is one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in the country. Sitting right along the Delaware River, the venue offers incredible views of the water and the Commodore Barry Bridge — and there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Best Soccer Bar In Town
The debate over the best soccer pub in any city is always fiercely contested, and Philly is no exception.
Two of the biggest contenders are Lion Sports Bar and Misconduct Tavern. Lion, located right in the heart of downtown, welcomes supporters of every club and is known for its great food and lively atmosphere. Misconduct Tavern, with two locations, has become a favorite gathering spot for the newly crowned Arsenal supporters and always brings high energy on matchdays.
Honorable mentions go to Fadó Irish Pub and Villa Capri in Doylestown.
Best Place To Play Soccer
Our pick is Penn Park. The University of Pennsylvania’s soccer fields sit right next to Drexel University, creating a perfect mix of competitive pickup games with local college students and players from all over the city.
The fields are beautifully maintained, and the backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline and nearby river makes it one of the best places in town to lace up your boots.
Local Soccer Legend
Even though Hershey is about 90 minutes away, Philadelphia has fully embraced one of the greatest USMNT players of all time as one of its own: Christian Pulisic.
“Captain America” has already built an incredible résumé, ranking fifth on the USMNT’s all-time scoring list while also becoming the youngest player ever to score for — and captain — the United States.
Other notable local soccer names include Brendan Aaronson, Philadelphia Union legend Sébastien Le Toux, and current wonderkid Cavan Sullivan, the 16-year-old phenom making waves from the Philly area.
Philly's Can’t-Miss Eats
Last week may have been all about Kansas City barbecue, but in Philly, it has to be cheesesteaks.
You can stick with the legendary tourist spots or follow the locals to favorites like Angelo’s, Skinny Joey’s, and Chickie’s & Pete’s — and yes, you absolutely need to order the fries, too.
To do it the Philly way, order it with Whiz. If that’s not your style, provolone is always a solid choice.
Local Tips
Philadelphia’s soccer roots run deep, dating back to the 1950s. In 1952, Manchester United visited the city to take on the Philadelphia All-Stars at Lighthouse Field in Kensington. United won the match 4-0, but the event remains an important piece of the city’s long soccer history.
Local Soccer Post Stores
In the Philadelphia area, visit Soccer Post Berwyn, Soccer Post Huntingdon Valley, and just across the river, Soccer Post Cherry Hill. Gear up for whatever you need, whether it's a jersey to wear to the stadium or cleats and a ball for pickup, and make sure to get your Philly Host City Tees, coming soon!
