Flyers

The Orange and Black. The Broad Street Bullies. The Philadelphia Flyers, the youngest of the professional teams in Philly [3], lacks for nothing when it comes to owning a secure place in the mythology of the sports scene. With arguably the most loyal and fervent fans in the city, Flyers hockey has always meant big hits, wild punches, and sold-out stadiums.

Created in 1967 as part of hockey’s expansion, the Flyers have been a perennial contender year in and year out, coming close many times but still looking for their first championship since winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1973–1974 and 1974–1975. The bruising style and reputation they developed in the early ’70s, which earned them the “Bullies” nickname, made the Flyers local heroes in Philly and one of the most hated teams in the league.

The championship teams and its players forged a strong connection to the city that remains strong and partially accounts for their intense and loyal following. Fans still clamor for the style of play that was successful in the ’70s and often a crunching check or violent confrontation between two enforcers gets the Philly crowd more juiced than a nice pass or a pretty goal.

Hockey tends to takes a back seat to the other three major sports in terms of its overall impact on the city, but when the Flyers are doing well, additional fans come out in droves.

Tickets can be purchased online at the team website and at the stadium. Even during down years the Flyers remain a tough ticket to nab—and an expensive one. Individual tickets cost $25–105.