The hype around the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia is already going strong in the City of Brotherly Love.
The city hasn't hosted the Midsummer Classic in three decades, so momentum is building for an epic week next July at Citizens Bank Park. That excitement is evident on the latest episode of the "6-1-1 Podcast," in which co-hosts and Phillies greats Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins look ahead to the event with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
"It's going to be amazing. I think the Bank's going to be rocking," Shapiro says. "It's going to be incredible."
Philadelphia last hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1996 at the old Veterans Stadium, a game the NL won, 6-0 and which featured 19 future Hall of Famers between the two rosters.
The Phillies' lone representative that year was pitcher Ricky Bottalico, but 2026 would figure to feature a greater team presence with the likes of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez among the potential favorites to get nods to play before the home crowd next summer.
The podcast also showcased a commemorative Philly-themed All-Star Game bat made by Pennsylvania bat company Victus that features the official 2026 game logo and the words "Ring The bell."
Reviews were overwhelmingly positive.
"That is sweet," Rollins says.
With local interest in the game already high, it could be tough for Phillies fans to wait 11 months for All-Star Week to arrive. But the wait will certainly be worth it.
"Philly is just going to be on fire," Shapiro says.
The 6-1-1 Podcast is available on MLB.com, MLB.TV, all podcast platforms and YouTube.