MLB’s Next Stars Head to Philadelphia as Perfect Game All-American Classic Lands at Citizens Bank Park

One of the biggest stage in high school baseball is heading to one of the sport’s most iconic venues.

Perfect Game announced Thursday that the 2026 DICK’S All-American Classic will be played at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, marking the first time the premier showcase event will be held at the home of the Phillies.

The game is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. ET and will headline a full weekend of events featuring many of the nation’s top high school prospects.

A Historic Setting for a National Showcase

The move to Philadelphia aligns with a landmark year in American history, as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026. Widely regarded as the birthplace of America, Philadelphia will be a focal point for national events, including Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.

Now, it will also host one of amateur baseball’s most prestigious showcases.

“Bringing the DICK’S All-American Classic to Philadelphia is a milestone moment for Perfect Game,” chairman Rick Thurman said in a statement. “Hosting our premiere event in the birthplace of America during the nation’s 250th anniversary makes this especially meaningful.”

Citizens Bank Park, which has hosted three World Series (2008, 2009, 2022) and the 2012 NHL Winter Classic, adds another layer of prestige to the event.

A Return to the East Coast

The 2026 game will mark the first time the DICK’S All-American Classic has been played on the East Coast since 2005, when it was held at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland.

That return brings the nation’s top talent closer to a talent-rich Mid-Atlantic region that continues to produce elite prospects year after year.

Each edition of the All-American Classic features 60 of the best high school players in the country, many of whom go on to become first-round MLB Draft picks and future major leaguers.

Weekend Packed with Elite Talent

The All-American Classic will cap a three-day celebration of amateur baseball in Philadelphia:

PG All-Star Game — Friday, Aug. 14 (11 a.m. ET)
Launch Hydrate Home Run Challenge — Saturday, Aug. 15
DICK’S All-American Classic — Sunday, Aug. 16 (5 p.m. ET)

The event has a long history of showcasing future stars, including Bryce Harper, Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Francisco Lindor, Hunter Greene and Zack Wheeler.

Charlie Manuel to Serve as Honorary Chairman

Adding to the Philadelphia flavor, former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has been named honorary chairman of the event.

Manuel, the winningest manager in franchise history, led the Phillies to back-to-back National League pennants in 2008 and 2009, including a World Series title in 2008.

“Philadelphia will always hold a special place in my heart,” Manuel said. “There’s no better baseball city, no better fans and no better place to showcase MLB’s next generation of stars.”

More Details to Come

Player selections, coaching staffs and broadcast information for the 2026 DICK’S All-American Classic will be announced later this year.

But one thing is already clear: in a year celebrating America’s past, Philadelphia will also be the stage for baseball’s future.