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(Clockwise from bottom left) The Spectrum, the iconic home of the 76ers; the Phillies celebrate their 2008 World Series victory; and The Legendary Blue Horizon. (Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers, by R. Kennedy and by G. Widman)

It’s no secret that, for some many most Philadelphians, the city’s sports teams are a legitimate reason to get up in the morning. It’s a testament to our loyalty that 25+ trophy-less years didn’t get us down too much — but now that teams like the Phillies are serious title contenders, our “We’re #1!” foam fingers are raised higher than ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Dear Philly Sports Fan,

You guys are everywhere. Here are some grand-slam stats to throw out at the game.

1.   Sports fans can always find a big game in Philadelphia, home to eight professional sports teams: Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia Union (Major League Soccer), Philadelphia Independence (Women’s Professional Soccer), Philadelphia KIXX (Major Indoor Soccer League) and Philadelphia Wings (National Lacrosse League).

2.   Philadelphia’s newest soccer teams, the Philadelphia Union and the Philadelphia Independence, kick off their first seasons in 2010 at the 18,500-seat Chester Stadium located along the Delaware River.

3. The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series in 1980 and again in 2008.

4.   For three years in a row (2006-2008), PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ranked Citizens Bank Park number one on its “Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Ballparks” list.

5.   Philadelphia’s Penn Relays is the oldest and largest amateur field relay.

(Clockwise from bottom left) The Flyers' Danny Briere; Citizens Bank Park; and soccer fans, excited for the debut of the Philadelphia Union. (Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia Flyers, by G. Widman and courtesy of Major League Soccer)

6.   On March 2, 1962, legendary Sixer Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single basketball game, an all-time record that nobody has been able to touch.

7.   The Ring magazine called The Legendary Blue Horizon boxing hall the best boxing venue in the world.

8.   In 2008, football fans from all over voted Philadelphia number one in FOX Sports’ poll of “NFL’s Top 10 Fan Bases.”

9.   The Philadelphia Flyers played an exhibition game against Moscow’s legendary Red Army club on January 11, 1976. The Flyers controlled virtually every facet of the game and won 4-1, proving that they were the best team in the world.

10.   Forbes named the furry green Phillie Phanatic America’s top sports mascot in 2008. (Maybe it was good luck!)

This Thanksgiving, We’re Thankful For… [uwishunu]

The Official Philly Brag Book [gophila.com]

(Clockwise from bottom left) The Phillies go green at Citizens Bank Park; fresh tomatoes at Headhouse Square's farmers' market; and a guestroom at the eco-friendly Four Seasons. (Photos by G. Widman and M. McClellan and courtesy of the Four Seasons Philadelphia)

Sustainable food, green buildings and energy-efficient stadiums: Such are the results of Philadelphia’s eco-friendly efforts. How do we measure our thankfulness — in LEED certifications? Locally sourced menus? How about recycling bins? We’ll just give Philadelphia two (green) thumbs up.

Dear Tree Huggers,

Squeeze away. From locals who buy farm-fresh grub to jocks who plant trees, Philadelphians are crazy green.

1. Throughout the city, locals can pick up fresh-from-the-farm fruits and veggies at more than three dozen farmers markets.

2. Philadelphia is home to the state’s largest building with green roof technology added to an existing structure in an urban area — PECO’s headquarters at 23rd and Market Streets.

3. In addition to the small preserved wetland that lives outside Horticultural Hall in Fairmount Park, inside the center preserves more than 20 acres of majestic trees, some of which date back to the Centennial celebration of 1876.

4. The Comcast Center is the biggest example of environmentalism in Philadelphia — literally. The tallest building between New York and Chicago, the 57-story Comcast Center also boasts the designation of the tallest “green” building in the country.

5. Greensgrow Farmstead runs an urban farm and garden center on a former abandoned lot in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.

6. Located in Fishtown, the 100K House proves it’s possible to build an affordable home that satisfies the designer and the environmentalist in everyone.

(From left) The Comcast Center, the country's tallest "green" building; and Greensgrow Farmstead in Kensington. (Photos by J. Holder and M. van Ogtrop)

7. Managers at White Dog Cafe support local organic family farms and purchase supplies from them in season. Wind power supplies the restaurant’s electricity, and White Dog commits a portion of its profits to the region’s environment.

8. To offset the carbon footprint of the team’s utility power usage at Citizens Bank Park, the 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies purchased 20 million kilowatt-hours of Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

9. Once an overgrown, abandoned lot, The Village of Arts and Humanities has been transformed into a thriving center that combines the outdoors, the arts and education.

10. In the 2009 Nalgene Least Wasteful City Study, Philadelphia came in third for recycling, third for avoiding using the car for trips and sixth for participating in sustainability/environmental programs.

11. For the Philadelphia Eagles, green is more than a team color. In 2008, the team planted more than 1,500 trees and shrubs in the Eagles Forest at Neshaminy State Park to offset the team’s carbon emissions from away-game travel.

12. Through a series of efficiency and lighting upgrades, the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia significantly reduced its overall energy consumption, while leftover food from its award-winning restaurants (including the Five-Star Fountain Restaurant) is recycled at a local composting farm.

This Thanksgiving, We’re Thankful For… [uwishunu]

The Official Philly Brag Book [gophila.com]

The Phillie Phanatic Takes New York.

Believe it.

(Also, check out our Facebook page tonight for ongoing updates and fan interactions during the game.)

Visit Philly [Facebook]

On Halloween, "SuperPhan" Cathy McVey proved that Phillies fans are superiorly super. (All photos supplied by C. McVey)

Ladies and gentlemen, this World Series has been one for the ages: Full of pitchers’ duels (yeah, Cliff!), game-changing home runs (yeah, Chase!) and unprecedented fan support (yeah, us!). It’s been a heated series. Phillies. Yankees. Who’s going to take it?

But wait…wait…is that a baseball-loving bird? A Phillies Red plane? It’s…it’s…our fourth Superfan — or make that SuperPhan — Cathy McVey, who took advantage of Halloween to show Yankees fans who’s boss. Here’s her story:

When my sister-in-law announced last year that she was having a Halloween party, never would I have imagined that our Fightin’ Phils would be battling her New York Yankees in the World Series. But somehow, someway, that’s exactly what happened.

So how could two loyal Phillies fans show our pride in our boys and poke a little fun at hers? I give you: SuperPhan and A-Rod. My costume: a red Zoro-like mask, a matching cape emblazoned with a super-sized “P,” a Phightin’ Philadelphia tee and red sneakers. Pretty much the best Halloween costume ever! My husband’s attire: an A-Rod tee atop a muscle shirt that beefed-up his chest and arms; a NY hat; a gold necklace from which a glittery, oversized dollar sign dangled; and a Yankees money clip stuffed with loot — lots of it. All in good fun, I promise — although my husband (a tried-and-true Phillies fan) is still traumatized by his get-up.

SuperPhan and A-Rod do battle. Our bets are on the caped lady.

So, how did it all work out? Well, we made it out of North Jersey in one piece. Our hosts and their guests even got a kick out of our costumes. Oh, and I should mention that they got us back — forcing us to sleep in the Yankees room of the house. I’m talking Yankees sheets, pillows, bobble heads, posters, coasters, you name it. We survived though. We’re a resilient duo — just like our Phils.

Cathy McVey, you are indeed a Superfan. And a brave one, at that.

Could you make use of your cape and fly up to The Bronx for a couple days? We’ve got a score to settle.

LET’S GO PHILLIES! WIN GAME 6!

Phillies Superfans [uwishunu]

“If it’s me, I’m going Chase Utley. 100 percent of the time. He’s a power-hitting second baseman — do you know how rare that is?”

Power-hitting, indeed.

Mac has a point.

Chase Utley, we love you too.

Go Phillies.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Itinerary [Gophila.com]

The Phanatic teaches the children well. (All photos by Vincent J. Brown)

Last night’s game was a bit — how to put it — deflating. But here’s the thing about the World Series: It’s a series. Of a possible seven games, in fact.

So let’s make sure the Phillies take it all the way, starting with a win tonight at Citizens Bank Park.

How do we do that? Well, you can take the Phillie Phanatic’s example (set so poignantly at Franklin Square’s recent pep rally) and put those rally caps on!

Dancing a jig to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," Phanatic-style.

Do you think the Phanatic ever gets down about the Phillies? Not sure.

But does he ever show it? Never!

Does he ever give up on our Fightins? Never!

Profiles in phanaticism: The Phillie Phanatic.

The Phanatic has never let us down, so let’s return the favor. Cheer for the Phillies tonight like never before. Let ‘em hear you all the way at Citizens Bank Park.

And maybe, just maybe, the Phanatic will reward you with one of these (at least in spirit):

What we wouldn't give for a hug from this guy.

GO. PHILLIES.

Photos courtesy of Vincent J. Brown.

 
Lots of positive energy here people. Let’s keep it going.

Go Phils.

Stand Up 2 Cancer [YouTube]

Earlier: Video: Dad and Daughter Who Threw Back Phillies Foul Ball on The Today Show

The South Philadelphia sports complex will be ground zero. (Clockwise from top: Photo by G. Widman, R. Kennedy, and With Love)

We’ve got:

Phillies vs.Yankees, Citizens Bank Park

Eagles vs. Giants, Lincoln Financial Field

Sixers vs. Knicks, Madison Square Garden

This weekend, the teams of Philadelphia and New York square off four times in three sports, making this weekend the ultimate Philly vs. New York showdown.

Serving as the opening act to the epic weekend, Saturday night the Sixers and Knicks square off in an early season match up at Madison Square Garden. Back in Philadelphia, the Phillies and Yankees go to battle Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park for Game 3 of the World Series.

Then on Sunday, not only are the Phils and Yanks dueling at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday for Game 4 (8:20 pm), but the Eagles are taking on the rival NY Giants several hours earlier (1 pm) at Lincoln Financial Field.

For New Yorkers making the trip down to Philly this weekend, may we suggest booking the World Series Hotel Package at the Hilton Inn at Penn? The package comes with a customized “welcome kit”, complete with various Phillies goodies and a pack of tissues (of which you’ll likely need to request more).

And dining? We know New Yorkers love their pizza and Philly is home to two of the top pizza restaurants in the country, Osteria and Tacconelli’s. But when in Philly, eat like a Philadelphian and enjoy a (real) mouth-watering authentic cheesesteak.

To recap:

Saturday:
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden, 7:30 pm
New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, 7:57 pm

Sunday:
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, 1:00 pm
New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies, Citizens Bank Park, 8:20 pm

GO PHILLIES!

Morimoto is getting in on the cheesesteak fun.

In celebration of the Phillies playing in the World Series, Morimoto is now offering an upscale cheesesteak on its lunch and dinner menus.

The gourmet cheesesteak is made with Wagyu Kobe beef, topped with sweet soy sautéed onions, enoki mushrooms, and grilled scallions and served on an Amoroso roll. It’s accompanied by house-made tonkatsu sauce (Japanese ketchup), pommes frites and a seasonal salad. Price tag is $35.

Morimoto suggests you wash it all down with a glass of Morimoto’s signature beer by Rogue Brewery ($6) and then finish off your World Series tribute meal with an order of their Cracker Jack ice cream ($10).

Sounds delicious if a little expensive.

Morimoto [Gophila.com]

The New York Times calls the cheesesteak "an almost perfect sandwich." (Left photo by B. Krist; right by R. Kennedy)

With all the attention cheesesteaks are getting these days, largely thanks to the Phillies playing in the World Series, The New York Times weighed in today on the overall virtues of the sandwich as a food staple.

And they had interesting things to say, including calling the cheesesteak “an almost perfect sandwich” and noting how Geno’s cheesesteaks can taste better late at night depending on one’s sobriety.

And then they got into the composition of the sandwich itself:

Mr. Wells: Stop right there. Mayo?

Mr. Sifton: That is right, my friend. A little dressing to moisten the meat, provide glue to the bread, add what the professionals call mouth feel.

Mr. Wells: Did you ever order it that way in South Philly? And live to tell the tale?

Mr. Sifton: In South Philly there are signs on the windows of the restaurants compelling patrons to order their food “in English.” Mayonnaise, for all I know, is Greek to them. I stood down and got Whiz, some hot peppers, made my way to a table and ate. I understood then why mayo doesn’t fly down there. The Whiz is essentially mayonnaise in consistency and purpose. It’s an elegantly ordered world.

Mr. Wells: See, this is what I mean. The cheese steak, properly considered, is an arrangement of textures, from soft to chewy to sticky. Salt plays a role; beyond that, I think flavor is irrelevant.

Mr. Sifton: The fire of the hot pepper is good, though, and the cheese is basically a salty sweet. Everything a triangle, everything in ratio! It’s Michael Ruhlman’s world; we just live in it.

They closed with a question playfully alluding to the cheesesteak’s role in nourishing the Phillies players and aiding their dominance in baseball over the last two seasons:

Yes, let’s hear some other opinions on this. If the Phillies take two World Series in a row, should George Steinbrenner yank all the concessions at the stadium except Carl’s Philly Cheesesteak?

Good question.

On the Question of Cheese Steaks [Diner's Journal - New York Times]
A Cheese Steak at Yankee Stadium? [Bats Blog - New York Times]

Earlier: Philly Cheesesteaks Invade New York City, Yankee Stadium; Sometimes Even Serve As Pre-Game Meal For Yankees Players

BONUS VIDEO: TONY LUKE IN WORLD SERIES FOOD FIGHT

Also, below we have a video of Tony Luke Jr. (he of Tony Luke’s) representing Philadelphia and Philadelphia foods in a verbal food fight against Sal Scognamillo of Patsy’s in New York City on Fox News the other night.

Tony Luke professes Philadelphia’s greatness right off the bat by stating that “[Philadelphia] invented the cheesesteak and the cheesesteak has literally become the new great American sandwich.” Enough said.

The Betsy Ross House, the sand sculpture at Franklin Square, and the Franklin Institute's famous Giant Heart. (Photos by G. Widman, courtesy of Franklin Square and courtesy of the Franklin Institute)

We realize that not all Phillies fans are old enough to frequent bars and other game-watching locations. So we’ve put together a list of special Phillies promotions and events that even the littlest Phillies fans can enjoy!

National Liberty Museum: Free Admission for all Philly Phans wearing red-and-white Phillies shirts/hats/jackets during the World Series Games; all phans are eligible for raffle drawing to win Museum family membership.

Franklin Institute: On all World Series game days, fans wearing a Phillies hat or shirt will receive $2.00 off admission to the exhibit. Fans must refer to this Phillies Phan offer at Ticketing to receive this discount.

The Betsy Ross House: Extended by popular demand and in support of the Fightin’ Phils… Play Ball! A History of Baseball in Philadelphia exhibit at the Betsy Ross House. Current items in the exhibit celebrate the 2008 World Championship season.

And there’s lots going on at Franklin Square on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Pep Rally from 12:30-1:30 p.m., featuring 1) The Phanatic, the Phillies Ballgirls and Scott Palmer (Phillies’ Director, Public Affairs) all taking swipes at a Yankees piñata 2) “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” playing on the Carousel and 3) Wear Phillies gear and get 10% off at SquareBurger.
- Phillies Sand Sculpture: The 360-degree design features the World Series Trophy, Phillie Phanatic, a Phillies jersey and other items.
- Mini Golf: Get a “hole-in-one” on the Philly sports hole and win a FREE pair of tickets to the Lightning Bolt Express, a pair of tickets for the carousel AND a Phillies rally towel.

Philadelphia Phillies [gophila.com]

The customized welcome kits for Yankees fans includes tissues which they'll surely need (Photo courtesy of the Inn at Penn)

Yankees fans who book the special World Series Hotel Package at the Hilton Inn at Penn will receive the hotel’s new customized “welcome kit” for Yankees fans when they check in.

The kits are called We “Heart” Grief Kits.

Genius.

The kits will include such items as a mini pack of Tissues (for obvious reasons…), a Phillies towel (you know, for the really BIG tears…), a box of band-aids (jokingly meant for treatment of their hurt feelings when their team loses…), and either a Phillies bobblehead or a special edition baseball card plaque (to serve as a keepsake from their wonderful time in Philly).

Kudos Hilton Inn at Penn — we like your style.

Note: Other Yankee fans staying at the hotel during the World Series who have not specifically booked the World Series Package will also receive the special We “Heart” Grief Kits while supplies last.

World Series Package at the Hilton Inn at Penn [Gophila.com]