PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Philadelphia sports fans went a year without one of their favorite live sporting event traditions — tailgating. There is no way to make up for all those lost tailgates, but Wells Fargo Center, Comcast Spectator and the Flyers are hosting an event in September that they hope fulfills sports fans' need for community — and competition.
The Philly Tailgate Games, on Saturday, September 25, will decide the all-important question, says Flyers in-arena host Andrea Helfrich: Who in Philadelphia is the best at tailgate games?
"I think this has a lot to do with the fact of what we've all been through for the past year and a half ... and it's very important to everyone at Comcast Spectator that community and being together — that's like one of our core values. And for a long time we couldn't do that. And now that we can I think that it's very important that we get an opportunity," said Helfrich, who also hosts the Flyers' "Everything but Hockey" podcast.
"So this, I think, was born with the need to just get to be together and have fun."
The event will look like a classic Philly block party, featuring competition for teams of two in four games — cornhole, ladder golf, washers and Jenga. Prizes include Flyers tickets, concert tickets, free beer and Live! Casino credits.
All ages can attend, but only those 18 and older can compete, and only those 21 and older can win the beer.
"The prizes are top-notch prizes," Helfrich said. But she says maybe the best prize is one that anyone can play for: a raffle for an opportunity to win a pair of tickets to every concert at Wells Fargo Center for one year.
"I think we feel really lucky to be able to have the venue and this parking lot, to be able to host all of the Philly sports fans that have just been dying to get out and reunite," Helfrich said. "I think it will be a really beautiful evening and event."
Helfrich says they hope to make the Philly Tailgate Games an annual event.
To guard against risk of COVID-19, Wells Fargo Center is following the guidance of public health officials. The event is entirely outdoors and in a large space. At this point, because CDC guidelines do not call for it, masks and social distancing will not be required at this event.
And in the event that an outbreak postpones or cancels any of the ticket prizes up for grabs, event organizers would work with winners to make sure they receive fair value of the prize.
This event will also have fan-favorite foods and live music.
The Philly Tailgate Games will be outside the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday, Sept. 25, at noon. Tickets for competitors are $40, and general admission tickets are $10. More information on the prizes and tickets can be found at PhillyTailgateGames.com.
