Philadelphia-area sports bars, retailers prepare for packed playoff weekend

Philadelphia-area sports bars, retailers prepare for packed playoff weekend

Philadelphia sports fans are gearing up for a busy weekend as both the 76ers and the Flyers play playoff games Saturday, drawing crowds to sports bars and driving demand for team merchandise across the region.

The Sixers are hoping to advance to the next round of the playoffs, while the Flyers are set to open a new series and are looking to start it with a win.

With multiple high-profile sporting events on the schedule, local businesses say they are bracing for a full day of customers.

Preparations were already underway at Rally House and P.J. Whelihan's, where staff members say interest has been building all week.

"I think tomorrow's going to be a pretty wild day, especially with the Kentucky Derby as an appetizer starting it off, then you're just going to roll right into the Sixers and Flyers, you have the Phillies too. Honorable mention for them," said Kyle Delone of the Rook in Manayunk.

If you're a Philadelphia sports fan and you aren't watching almost all of your teams play Saturday, what are you doing?

At P.J. Whelihan's, employees expect a sea of Flyers colors and say they are staffing up accordingly.

"Everything's going to be blasted on the TVs, all sounds, all TVs, 50-something of them. Come in, enjoy your time here, and come get some wings," said Antonique Anguin, a bartender and server at P.J. Whelihan's.

Fans themselves are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Very, very nervous, very excited, though we've come so far, everybody was on the edge of their seat, but we made it. Can't wait to see what happens," Anguin added.

In Manayunk, the Rook has been building excitement on social media ahead of the Flyers' matchup against Carolina.

"It's kind of snowballed into this madness," said Delone.

The Rook has a number of drink specials going on for the games.

Rally House says Saturday is expected to be its busiest day ahead of the games, with shipments arriving Monday through Friday, though inventory remains unpredictable.

Fans planning to watch from bars are encouraged to arrive early, as many locations are expected to be packed.