2025 Spirit of the City Award Honors Eagles’ Philly Legacy

2025 Spirit of the City Award: A Standing Ovation for the Eagles

This October, the 2025 Spirit of the City Award will take flight in true Philly fashion, honoring the powerhouse that is the Philadelphia Eagles—not for their on-field triumphs, but for their off-field impact. Hosted by the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association (GPHA), the annual luncheon celebrates the Eagles’ pivotal role in boosting the city’s hospitality industry and uplifting the communities that support it.

Set for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, the event is more than a formal sit-down—it’s a celebration of synergy between sports and tourism. With nearly 100 hotels under GPHA’s umbrella, the recognition is both symbolic and strategic. The Eagles’ presence in Philadelphia translates to packed hotels during home games, record-setting stays during Super Bowl season, and an economic ripple effect that touches restaurants, shops, and services citywide.

Joining the festivities will be Brandon Graham, the beloved former Eagles player who defined grit and loyalty, and Don Smolenski, President of the Eagles, who has helped steer the organization with vision and heart. GPHA President & CEO Ed Grose will deliver remarks, underscoring why this year’s 2025 Spirit of the City Award is such a meaningful acknowledgment of what the Eagles represent—community commitment, economic impact, and a whole lot of hometown pride.

2025 Spirit of the City Award: More Than Just Football

The 2025 Spirit of the City Award isn’t handed out lightly. It goes to an organization that exemplifies the spirit of Philadelphia through significant contributions to the hospitality landscape. This year’s recipients have gone above and beyond—not just filling hotel rooms but fueling the city’s post-pandemic recovery through charitable initiatives, tourism boosts, and visible dedication to making Philly a welcoming destination for all.

The event begins at 11:30 AM with a VIP Sponsor Meet & Greet, offering attendees the chance to shake hands and snap photos with Graham and Smolenski. Following that is a sit-down lunch from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM, capped off by the official award program and speeches from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM. The afternoon wraps by 2:00 PM, leaving plenty of time for attendees to network, celebrate, and reflect on what it means to be part of Philadelphia’s unstoppable momentum.

Attendees can register individually for $195, or reserve table packages starting at $1,700. Tickets are available HERE. Valet parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10, with coupons provided at registration.

With the 2025 Spirit of the City Award, GPHA continues its tradition of celebrating those who elevate Philly from a destination to an experience. The Eagles’ selection as this year’s honorees is a powerful nod to how sports, hospitality, and civic engagement are uniquely woven into Philadelphia’s cultural DNA.

^{Top Image: Matt Slocum}

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts