Philadelphia hosts MLB All-Star Week July 10–14, with HBCU culture taking center stage.
Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. is once again putting HBCUs in the national spotlight. Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies have officially announced the full schedule for 2026 All-Star Week, and for Black baseball fans, the highlight arrives before the Midsummer Classic even tips off.
The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball — co-created with Griffey Jr. himself — returns for its fourth annual edition on Friday, July 10, at Citizens Bank Park. The event brings together Division I baseball student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities for a nationally televised showcase, airing live and exclusively on MLB Network.
But this is more than just a game. The Swingman Classic is a full celebration of HBCU culture, featuring music, entertainment, and ceremonies rooted in the traditions of historically Black colleges and universities from across the country. It’s one of the most culturally rich events on the entire All-Star Week calendar — and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
A week full of events for fans of all ages
Beyond the Swingman Classic, the 2026 All-Star Week in Philadelphia is stacked with events for fans of all backgrounds:
All-Star Sunday (July 12) kicks off with the All-Star Futures Game, showcasing Minor League Baseball’s top prospects in a seven-inning exhibition packed with promotions, mascots, and entertainment. It’s immediately followed by a brand-new event — MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 — a fast-paced, co-ed competition featuring MLB legends and softball superstars in a 30-minute format built around power hitting and athletic catching.
The MLB Draft (July 11) takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall, with opening rounds beginning at 1:30 p.m. Best of all — attending the Draft is FREE and open to the public.
The T-Mobile Home Run Derby (July 13) returns on Gatorade All-Star Workout Day, once again turning Citizens Bank Park into one of the most electric atmospheres in sports.
The All-Star Red Carpet Show (July 14) lets fans watch MLB’s best showcase their personal style ahead of the big game, airing live on MLB Network.
The 96th MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (July 14) closes out the week at Citizens Bank Park — a historic moment as Philadelphia hosts the Midsummer Classic in the nation’s 250th anniversary year, echoing the city’s last All-Star hosting honor during the bicentennial in 1976.
Youth baseball and softball in the mix
The All-Star Commissioner’s Cup and the Jennie Finch Classic presented by ARM & HAMMER bring youth baseball and softball (ages 17 and under) from MLB Youth Academies around the country to Philadelphia. Preliminary rounds run July 10–12 at the Philadelphia Phillies Urban Youth Academy in FDR Park, with championship games on July 13 at the University of Pennsylvania.
Get your tickets now
Tickets for the HBCU Swingman Classic are available now at mlb.com/all-star/hbcu-swingman-classic. Additional ticketing and broadcast information for other All-Star Week events will be announced in the coming months.
