Philadelphia might be known as the City of Brotherly Love, but if you're an unfortunate visiting athlete, you will certainly be wondering how this city got its nickname.
Some may argue that Philly fans are a little over the top -- a few overzealous Eagles supporters once threw ice and snow at an opposing football coach. However, it is these spectators' incredible passion for sports that lies at the heart of Philadelphia -- recently ranked as the fourth best sports city by Sporting News.
A quick tour of the city's ballparks and arenas -- all of which are located in one South Philadelphia complex -- will leave even the most seasoned Philadelphian confused about where his old stadiums went.
The First Union Center -- home to the National Basketball Association's 76ers and the National Hockey League's Flyers -- is now known as the Wachovia Center.
Similarly, the Wachovia Spectrum -- which houses an indoor soccer team known as the Kixx, the National Lacrosse League's Wings and the Flyers' minor league team, the Phantoms -- is the new name of the old First Union Spectrum.
While Major League Baseball's Phillies fight for a wildcard playoff birth at the famous Veterans Stadium -- now in its last season -- the brand new Citizens Bank Park sits across the street awaiting its opening in April.
The National Football League's Eagles, who were just one win away from a trip to the Super Bowl last season, will make another championship run, this year at the new Lincoln Financial Field, nicknamed "The Linc."
This summer was quite the time to be a sports fan in Philadelphia.
"The Linc" opened to a sell-out crowd who witnessed European soccer's Manchester United play FC Barcelona.
The Senior Professional Golf Association Championship was held at nearby Aronimink Golf Club.
The Phillies have had their most successful season in years, thanks to the acquisition of first baseman Jim Thome in the off-season.
Finally, the Women's United Soccer Association's Charge continued to entertain fans at Villanova Stadium. The Women's World Cup is set to be heldin part at Lincoln Financial Field in September.
Aside from professional sports, Philadelphia is also a hotbed for NCAA basketball as the Big 5 -- Penn, Saint Joseph's, Villanova, La Salle, and Temple universities -- provide some of the most intense college basketball competition in the nation.
