Press Release

PARTY AND PLAY IN PHILADELPHIA AFTER DARK
Families, Friends And Couples Will Find That Nighttime Is The Right Time For Recreation In Philly

PHILADELPHIA, January 22, 2008 - For those who want a night on the town that includes pulsating music and packed clubs, Philadelphia can deliver. But the city can also satisfy those who prefer bowling and billiards to high heels and hip-hop. A slew of local comedy clubs, bowling alleys, theaters, ice skating rinks and sporting venues offer a fun night out for families, friends and couples of all ages. The following are just a few suggestions:

North Bowl

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

 

• Far from a typical bowling alley, the Center City outpost of the L.A.-based chain Lucky Strike Lanes features upscale eats, a VIP lounge and 24 lanes for bowling the night away. 1336 Chestnut Street, (215) 545-2471, www.bowlluckystrike.com
• With its vintage furnishings, video games and comfy lounge area, Northern Liberties’ North Bowl is a great place to enjoy a few frames, a few beers and a whole night of entertainment. 909 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 238-BOWL, www.northbowlphilly.com
• Strikes Bowling Lounge’s neon-lit lanes in University City keep the college kids entertained every night of the week. Foosball tables, billiards and ping-pong tables ensure that even non-bowlers have fun until closing at 2:00 a.m. 4040 Locust Street, (215) 387-BOWL, www.strikesbowlinglounge.com

• Have a laugh at Helium, the city’s newest comedy club located near Rittenhouse Square. In addition to the three-act shows held four nights a week, the 250-seat theater serves up light snacks and drinks. 2031 Sansom Street, (215) 496-9001, www.heliumcomedy.com
• A South Street staple, Laff House showcases local and national headliners, with an open mic night on most Wednesdays for newbie talent to gain some experience. 221 South Street, (215) 440-4242, www.laffhouse.com
• Philly’s longest running improv show, Comedy Sportz is a great bet for a night of silly, spontaneous fun in which crowd participation is guaranteed. 2030 Sansom Street, (877) 98L-AUGH, www.comedysportzphilly.com

• For skating with a view, the outdoor Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing takes the prize. It wins even more points for staying open until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, November through February. Columbus Boulevard & Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, www.riverrink.com
• The Class of 1923 Arena, an indoor rink on the University of Pennsylvania campus, is open for public sessions (check their calendar for details) and skating lessons on some evenings. The annual Winterfest! offers a free skating night in January. 3130 Walnut Street, (215) 898-1923, www.upenn.edu/icerink
• Chestnut Hill’s indoor Wissahickon Skating Club, a venerable neighborhood institution, welcomes the public on Friday nights from 8:30-10:30 p.m. The Club also schedules group lessons for non-members at various times throughout the year. 550 W. Willow Grove Avenue, (215) 247-1759, www.wissskating.com

• With 14 pool tables, three dartboards and plenty of comfy chairs for lounging, Buffalo Billiards is one of the best places to shoot stick in the city. 118 Chestnut Street, (215) 574-7665, www.buffalobilliards.com
• A gigantic playground for adults, Dave and Buster’s entertains with rows of pool tables, skeeball and video and carnival games aplenty. A restaurant and multiple bars add to the fun, keeping visitors occupied for hours. 325 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-1951; 1995 Franklin Mills Boulevard, (215) 632-0333, www.daveandbusters.com

• There’s no better way to spend a summer’s evening in Philly than at a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park—cheesesteak in hand, water ice in the other, city skyline glowing in the distance. 1 Citizens Bank Park Way, (215) 463-1000, www.phillies.com
• To glimpse true Philly sports mania in action, visit an Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field. For those who can’t snag tickets, why not host a lively (but unofficial) tailgating party in the parking lot? 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, (215) 463-2500, www.philadelphiaeagles.com
• Both the Flyers (NHL hockey) and the 76ers (NBA basketball) face their opponents for exciting competition at the Wachovia Center during their respective seasons. Broad Street & Pattison Avenue, (800) 298-4200, www.comcast-spectacor.com
• The Wachovia Center and the Wachovia Spectrum also host the Phantoms (minor professional hockey), the Kixx (indoor soccer), the Wings (lacrosse) and the Soul (arena football), making it easy to catch a game of some sort almost any night of the week. Broad Street & Pattison Avenue, (800) 298-4200, www.comcast-spectacor.com

• The Cadillac Broadway Series at the Academy of Music showcases the most popular Broadway plays and musicals—right in downtown Philadelphia. Also at the Academy: the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Opera Company of Philadelphia and other special performances. Broad & Locust Streets, (215) 893-1999, www.academyofmusic.org
• The typically smaller-scale works at Arden Theatre Company challenge and inspire audiences. And its convenient Old City location means patrons don’t have to go far to enjoy post-show conversation over a good meal. 40 N. 2^nd Street, (215) 922-1122, www.ardentheatre.org
• The Philadelphia Orchestra, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®, American Theater Arts for Youth, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Philadanco all call the Kimmel Center home, which means there’s a show to catch nearly every night of the week. 260 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999, www.kimmelcenter.org
• The home of the Philadelphia Theatre Company, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre is the newest theater on the Philadelphia block. The company’s Next program brings together the culturally conscious for entertainment, cocktails and more. 480 S. Broad Street, (215) 985-0420, www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org
• The oldest theater in the country, the Walnut Street Theatre is a National Historic Landmark and the official State Theatre of Pennsylvania. Large and independent productions have taken the stage here since 1809. 825 Walnut Street, (215) 574-3550, www.walnutstreettheatre.org

Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery.

CONTACT:

Caroline Bean, GPTMC
(215) 599-7433, caroline@gptmc.com

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