Philly Invite/Sportsfest 2008

Saturday & Sunday, July 19th & 20th, 2008

For 2008, we will again be part of Pennsylvania Sportsfest--the "Olympics of Pennsylvania" with over 10,000 athletes & 100,000 spectators. There will be two mixed divisions this year.

We will be hosting this event at the incredible, brand new soccer fields in Allentown, PA (about 1 hour south of New York City & 1 hour north of Philadelphia).

GET DIRECTIONS HERE (Local NY/Philly directions also copied below)
Bids: $200 per team. Bids for "elite" bracket due by May 15th & accepted teams to be announced by June 1st.

Bids for "club" bracket are due by June 1st. Bids can be submitted to Peter Knappenberger (TD) at knappy at pada (dotremovethis) org. All payments, regardless of division, are due by June 15th. (payment info will be sent via email)

Amenities: Expect media coverage from local print & tv outlets, as last year. Water, fruit & snacks will be provided, including our famous Philly Soft pretzels. Discounted tickets for Wildwater Kingdom (huge water park 2 minutes from the fields) will be available for a post-game dip, but must be bought in advance--ask TD for details. Wildwater Kingdom

"Elite" Mixed Division:

The "original" Philly Invite is now in its 4th year, and is an invitation only tournament for top Mixed club teams who are preparing to compete in the UPA Fall series. The format will be 8-12 club teams playing 4/3 ultimate. The format is designed to get your team ready for the Fall series with maximum exposure to other top teams. Bids can be submitted via email to knappy@pada.org. Last year, we had over 24 teams vying for 12 spots. Accepted teams included 5 Nationals qualifiers--Slow White (national finalist), Amp (national semifinalist), Rival, Black Molly, Bashing Pinatas--plus perennial contenders from NYC, Philly & DC.

"Club" Mixed Division:

Format will also be 4/3, 12-16 mixed club teams. Same amenities, same great fields.

Tournament will be sponsored by Philly's top mixed team, AMP. Partial proceeds will go to charity.

HOTEL INFO
Here's a link to Google Maps that has all of the hotels and the fields shown (as well as some food hotspots, Dorney Park, and the closest bar): Hotel Map

This also lists the hotel addresses (on the left hand side), so people can get directions to & from their hotels & the fields.

On Hamilton Blvd (Rte 222)

Wingate: http://tinyurl.com/yv3svc
Comfort Suites: http://tinyurl.com/2x3he6
Holiday Inn Express: http://tinyurl.com/25ohqx
We recommend staying at one of these places above. Close to food (many choices near the intersection of Rte 222 and Cedar Crest Blvd), close to the fields, and close to Dorney Park.

Off Route 100
Hilton Garden: http://tinyurl.com/2fmq63
Holiday Inn I-78: http://tinyurl.com/ysvouo
A bit farther but also close to food & stuff.
North of the fields
Days Inn: http://tinyurl.com/2wh2wl
I haven't been to this hotel so I don't know how nice it is, but they do have a special Sportsfest rate of $75/night.

Important links:

2007 Philly Invite Results ("elite" mixed): Results

Photos from 2007: Thanks, Brian!

What is Sportsfest?

The Field Complex - Local Directions

From the West:

Take I 78 East to Route 22 East

 Exit at Route 309 South

 Exit Tilghman Street East (toward Allentown)

 Turn right at 1st traffic light onto Parkway Road

 Follow Parkway Road through traffic light into Lehigh County Fields

From PA Turnpike:

Take Lehigh Valley exit 33 (Allentown) and follow signs to I 78/Route 22 East

Take Route 22 East then follow directions above from there

From NJ and points East:

 Take I 78 West/Route 309 North

 Exit 53 (this is the 78/309 split – stay right for Route 309 North toward Tamaqua)

 Route 309 North (stay right for exit at Tilghman St)

 Exit Tilghman Street East

 At 1st light ( ¼ mile), turn right onto Parkway Road

 Follow Parkway Road through traffic light into Lehigh County Fields