PHILADELPHIA – It could be the biggest party in Philadelphia since that famous July 4th in 1776.
What we know:
Next year’s semiquincentennial celebration of America’s 250th birthday is shaping up to be an economic home run for the city that knows how to do big events.
“This is an opportunity to show the world who Philadelphia really is, who we are” said Dr. Bradley Baker, Associate Professor at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.
He says the throngs of visitors expected into town the celebration will be unprecedented since events are spread over a whole year.
Throw in major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, Major League All Star Game, The PGA Championship and the first two rounds of the NCAA Basketball tournament.
“How do we take advantage of that and say it’s not just July 4th or the July 4th weekend but Philadelphia it’s celebrating America’s birthday for the entire year” said Baker.
By the numbers:
A study commissioned by VisitPhilly estimates tourism in 2026 will generate $1.3 to $2.5 billion in economic impact.
Baker says it’s not just hotels and restaurants making the money.
The ripple effect could last well beyond the events themselves.
“It’s not just about the spending they are doing. But how that money re-circulates within Philadelphia. It’s the dry cleaner who is pressing staff uniforms, it’s the baker who is supplying a caterer. It’s the family that gets to go out for a night perhaps they wouldn’t have gone so you. So that money circulates through the economy making lives better for Philadelphia”, Baker added.
Jobs have already been created. Work has been going on for months on a $23 million dollar facelift to the Market Street corridor in Old City.
Back in March, the City committed $60 million dollars to help projects and events surrounding the 250th celebration.
“Another big part of that 2026 economic engine is the first and last place many visitors see when they come to town. The Philadelphia International Airport. More than a half a dollars worth of renovations are underway including new restrooms, upgrades to airport signage and security systems. Many of the projects were accelerated to be finished in time for next year.
But Baker says there’s one thing that needs to happen for all this investment to pay off. Inclusion.
“One of the key things to make sure this event or this whole series of events benefits all of Philadelphia. And all of the neighborhoods Not just Independence Hall and the Parkway and how do we make this beneficial to all”
What’s next:
The first official event is on October 9th with a “Parade of Ships” where ships representing every major US conflict will sail down the Delaware River and the US Army and Marine Corps will both celebrate their 250th birthday.
But many are looking forward to the benefits well beyond 2026.
“This isn’t just America’s birthday, this is a year-long commercial for Philadelphia,” added Baker.
The Source: The information in this story is from Dr. Bradley Baker, Associate Professor at Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management and VisitPhilly.