Meet Hockey Players, Play Games at Annual Philadelphia Flyers Charities Carnival

Celebrating its 46th year, the Philadelphia Flyers Charities Carnival returns on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wells Fargo. The annual event will feature many activities and attractions for guests, including a 65-foot Ferris wheel and various games such as cornhole and ladder toss. Admission is free for children younger than 12.

A much-anticipated part of the event is meet-and-greets with former and current Flyers players. Guests can purchase tickets for photos with the players or challenge them in carnival game competitions. Flyers superfans have the opportunity to meet Flyers Coach Tortorella, tour the players' locker room, and take a shot on goal.

Continually focused on evolving and improving upon the event, Flyers Charities will release a digital event map online and bring back the popular flea market, where guests can fill a bag with Flyers merchandise.

“The helmets are off, fans are seeing their faces, they're talking, and we get shown pictures with players from 30 or 40 years ago that people hold on to,” said Cindy Stutman, senior vice president of community relations, in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. “It's all just a really fun fan vibe.”

Flyers Charities, which hosts the Carnival, has supported the Philadelphia community for more than 50 years. According to Flyers Charities President Blair Listino, the organization began by helping families impacted by cancer. It added the goal of growing the game of hockey in later years.

Stutman noted in The Philadelphia Inquirer report that funds from the Carnival have allowed Flyers Charities to create its own programs in addition to supporting hockey initiatives. Rink Revive addresses the disrepair of local hockey rinks and funds grants for their improvement. Learn to Play Scholarships identify supporting partners in youth hockey and education.

“The Carnival is something that fans, players, staff, really anybody associated with the team look forward to every year,” she said.

The Philadelphia Flyers are back in action for the 2023-24 season. They will begin the “New Era of Orange” under Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and Danny Briere. They hope to rebuild the organization and move toward a new era under their fiery head coach John Tortorella. The Wells Fargo Center will be a great time this season, but there are also things you need to know before a Flyers game.

An NHL game is one of the most entertaining live events in all of sports. The fast-paced, continuous action mesmerizes fans with all different levels of knowledge about hockey. The crowd even ignites when players drop the gloves for a fight midgame.

The Flyers will count on goaltender Carter Hart as one of their stars in 2023-24. The 25-year-old is already playing in his sixth NHL season. Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, and Joel Farabee will play at the top of the lineup for the forwards.

The lineup is full of young players hoping to grow into roles as key contributors at the NHL level and work their way into contention for the Stanley Cup after the rebuild is complete. The new leaders of the front office have also spoken optimistically about the future of Philadelphia.

Live events have become more accessible as the world loosens pandemic restrictions, and attending a Flyers game is a worthwhile trip for sports fans in Philadelphia.

Some fans at the Wells Fargo Center are season ticket holders who’ve been to hundreds of games. Some are newer fans of the sport. Whatever your level of expertise, things change every year. Refresh yourself or learn something new about Flyers games in 2023-24.

It’s not always a no-brainer. You’ll have your Flyers gear on, but make sure a jacket, a hat, or any other clothes you wear don’t rep the visiting colors. Don’t risk getting stuck wearing yellow if it’s a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Eight parking lots surround the Wells Fargo Center. Availability changes depending on your arrival time, but the F, E, and D lots between Xfinity Live and the Wells Fargo Center are typically the easiest to access. The arena lots no longer accept cash.

If you’d rather take public transportation to the game, NRG Station is the terminal stop on the Broad Street Line (Orange Line). It lets riders out at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, just a quick walk from the Wells Fargo Center.

The entrances typically open 1.5 hours before most home games. Concession stands and merchandise locations around the main concourse typically open at the same time. The Flyers don’t allow reentry.

Limit what you bring into the stadium to make the screening process simpler. Fans cannot bring any outside food and beverage items inside. The Flyers have made improvements to keep lines at the stadium entrance moving quickly.

Digital access has become the easiest way to enter the arena, and the Wells Fargo Center offers digital options through its official box office. The Ticket Transfer app has also made it easier for people to exchange tickets before the game.

Weeknight games begin at 7 p.m. most of the time. However, the Flyers play some afternoon games at home. Plus, any nationally televised games can change the typical schedule. Make sure you check before heading to the game.

You could go with a cheesesteak, and crab fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s should be on the table. You can even get a milkshake at Toothsome inside the Wells Fargo Center now. There are plenty of options at a Flyers game. Many fans will be interested in a cold drink too. Just make sure to avoid cash payments at concession stands also.

The Flyers have plenty of great giveaways lined up for the 2023-24 season. The list this season includes a t-shirt, a Flyers beer stein, and Gritty earmuffs, They also put their alumni on full display as well as any professional sports team, so you could run into a famous Flyer from the past. Check their promotional calendar for all upcoming events.

If you’re looking for a night out after the game, head right over to Xfinity Live. The sports complex’s favorite bar offers specials after many games for fans who leave the arena. South Philly has plenty of other bars close to the stadium, including Chickie’s and Pete’s, and Philadium.