The Philadelphia 76ers are rolling out a full week of fan events, branded 'Blue Week', to ignite the city before their 2026-27 NBA home opener against the Boston Celtics on October 16. This push for excitement comes as the team looks to turn the page on a preseason that included a 144-106 loss to those same Celtics on October 10.
A branded bus tour, featuring team officials and sponsor Wawa, has been traveling across Philadelphia giving away limited edition t-shirts. Mascots Franklin the Dog and Wally Goose made appearances. Wawa used the tour's South Philly stop to announce its new status as the official hoagie and breakfast sandwich of the 76ers, unveiling special team-themed packaging.
The tour also hit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall's Dilworth Plaza. More events are scheduled. A Dunkin' pep rally on October 19 at 8 a.m. on Cottman Avenue will offer a 'Slam Dunkalatte' drink and giveaways. That same day, fans can enter a sweepstakes to win a custom 76ers jersey by ranking the team's six new uniform designs.
On October 20, a free Season Tip-Off Fan Fest at StatesideLive! Will feature live entertainment. The team and Independence Blue Cross are also hiding a free pair of home opener tickets and special T-shirts at a secret city location on October 21.
The arrival of NBA legend LeBron James in free agency this summer has transformed the atmosphere in Philadelphia. His presence is already making a major economic impact. Reports indicate the city has seen between $250 and $430 million in added revenue from higher ticket prices, media deals, and increased fan spending.
This buzz provides a powerful counter-narrative to the team's preseason results. Beyond the loss to Boston, the 76ers fell 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets on October 8. They did secure a 120-97 victory over the New York Knicks on October 5. The team's full preseason schedule and upcoming matchups can be found on our schedule page.
All the buildup leads directly to the regular season opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22. First, they have a final preseason test and a chance for redemption in a rematch against the Boston Celtics at home on October 16.
The team's performance in that game could set the tone. Beating a conference rival like Boston would send a strong message to the league. It would also reward the fans who have engaged with Blue Week's events. The organization is clearly betting that LeBron James's star power, combined with these community efforts, will create an electric home-court advantage all season long.
