Five Make-A-Wish children visiting Philadelphia for the MLB All-Star Game were treated to a private shopping experience and an unexpected visit from former Phillies star Jimmy Rollins on Saturday.

Fanatics hosted the event at the new Mitchell & Ness flagship store in Center City as part of the children's All-Star Game wishes. Each child received $250 to shop for MLB All-Star merchandise, and Rollins helped them pick out gear during his surprise appearance.

The families will also receive premier access to major All-Star Weekend events provided by MLB, including the MLB Draft, Home Run Derby, batting practice, celebrity meet-and-greets and Tuesday's All-Star Game.

Make-A-Wish, which grants experiences to children with critical illnesses, said the weekend aimed to build emotional and physical strength through meaningful moments.

Fanatics worked with Make-A-Wish America, Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley and MLB to deliver joy and memorable experiences for the families.

Two-time World Series champion Shane Victorino volunteered at the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club in Philadelphia Saturday morning.

Major League Baseball, Phillies Charities, Inc. and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia teamed up to refurbish the Shane Victorino Nicetown Club as part of MLB Together's yearlong volunteer initiative.

About 100 volunteers spent the morning painting and deep cleaning learning and social spaces inside the club, while others worked outside on seeding, planting and landscaping improvements. The effort was supported by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and additional special guests.

The project contributed to MLB Together's goal of reaching 250,000 collective volunteer hours by the end of 2026 in honor of America's 250th anniversary.

According to MLB, the initiative is part of a broader investment of more than $5.5 million in community projects across the region aimed at expanding youth access to baseball and softball, supporting veterans and providing educational and nutritional resources.

Thousands of baseball fans turned out Saturday for the opening of MLB All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where interactive exhibits, games and attractions welcomed visitors as part of MLB All-Star Week.

The four-day event opened to the public at 10 a.m. and quickly drew crowds, with organizers reporting more than 5,000 fans in the first hour. This year's theme highlights Philadelphia neighborhoods and includes activities designed for fans of all ages.

Among the visitors was 8-year-old Ashton, who smiled for photos in his baseball jersey while taking part in attractions that allowed fans to experience the excitement of the MLB Draft.

"Great scene. As soon as we walked in, everything is super eye-catching, and it just gives the boys an opportunity to fall in love more with the game of baseball," said Andrew Yannarella of Perkasie, Ashton's dad.

Organizers said creating activities for the entire family is a key goal of the event.

"Important to us that everyone has something to do so that the whole family can come out because the goal of All-Star Village is to have everyone enjoy with their family," said Jaime Whittington, MLB's senior director of global event operations.

The village features a variety of attractions, including photo opportunities with what organizers call the world's biggest baseball, access to a mock-up All-Star clubhouse, displays featuring the lockers of Phillies players Christopher Sanchez and Kyle Schwarber, and a virtual reality home run derby experience.

"You step into the cage, put on your VR headset, and you're transported to Citizens Bank Park where you can hit home runs just like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, hopefully in the derby on Tuesday," said Peter Banks of MLB's video games and XR division.

At the center of the event, younger fans had the opportunity to participate in their own baseball activities, including fielding ground balls and playing games on a youth-sized diamond.

"I played second base," said 9-year-old Nicholas.

His uncle, Keith Wakefield of Rhawnhurst, praised the setup.

"This is so much fun; it's a great setup. It's nice that it's indoors too," Wakefield said.

Elsewhere, visitors took batting practice, explored exhibits highlighting baseball history and posed with this year's Home Run Derby championship chain.

"It's the Philly way," said Beth Ann McGarry of Aston. "I mean, baseball, Philadelphia, the city, the traditions, it's just handed down."

Organizers said hosting the event in Philadelphia, shortly after the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, has added to the atmosphere surrounding All-Star Week.

"There's been so much patriotism, so much hometown pride, so much love for baseball, we're having a great time with it," Banks said.

MLB All-Star Village will continue at the Pennsylvania Convention Center through Tuesday as part of the league's All-Star Week festivities.

MLB All-Star Week festivities kicked off with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, where dozens of standout baseball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities took the field in front of scouts, executives, fans and media.

The event is designed to give HBCU players a national platform while increasing visibility and opportunities in the sport on one of baseball's biggest stages.

For some attendees, the experience was a first.

"This is my first time coming to a baseball game, so I'm just very excited," said Arjai Rivera, who attends Morgan State University but is from South Jersey.

The classic was founded in 2023 by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who said the event is about creating opportunities for HBCU athletes.

"They love baseball like anybody else, and if I can get them to be seen, that's what I'm here for," Griffey said.

During the game, 50 of the nation's top HBCU players showcased their talent on the field. Among them were local standouts Santino Harwood of Delaware State University and Solomon McKinney of Lincoln University.

"To be picked for this event and be touching this field right now, it's just all a blessing and I'm extremely grateful," he said.

McKinney said being selected carried added significance.

"I think I'm the only D2 guy here, so it means a lot," he said.

Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins managed the National League team in this year's game and encouraged players to appreciate the moment.

"My message to them is to take this all in, look up in the sky, look at the stands, look at all the seats. When you were a kid, this is where you wanted to be and now you're here," Rollins said.

Players said the opportunity to perform on a national stage is meaningful and could help elevate HBCU baseball's profile.

"All of us being out here on the big stage, big crowd, there's nothing more you can ask for," said Ryan Hunter of Southern University. "This is going to be the most competitive HBCU baseball you're going to see all year."

Since the HBCU Swingman Classic began in 2023, there have been 150 participants, and 10 have been drafted into Major League Baseball.

Organizers say they hope that number continues to grow.

The Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center opens to the public Saturday morning, offering fans an expansive, hands-on celebration of baseball ahead of the All-Star Game.

The attraction spans an overwhelming, awe-inspiring experience inside the convention center, featuring interactive displays and two baseball diamonds where visitors can test their skills.

Senior Manager of Global Events for MLB Robert Field said the space is designed to give fans room to explore.

"500,000 ft. they're able to eat, they're able to play, they're able to buy merchandise," he said.

Food offerings highlight ballpark favorites from around the country, including a 9th inning Sombrero from the home of the Houston Texans.

"It's made for four people; you get a bunch of chips and dips in the middle. It's supposed to be fun for the entire family," said Jim Wolf with Aramark.

READ MORE | Live updates ahead of 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia

The village also features virtual reality experiences and appearances from baseball stars.

"We have Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard doing their podcast here on Tuesday," Field said.

Just down the hall, the MLB Draft stage will host one of the weekend's most anticipated moments.

"The commissioner will come out; he'll say the pick is in, and life will change for some great athletes," Field said.

The All-Star Village is a ticketed event and opens to the public at 9 a.m. Saturday, running through Tuesday for the All-Star Game.

The Benjamin Franklin Bridge will close to vehicle traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday due to a 100-year birthday celebration. Fans are being encouraged to plan ahead.

Citizens Bank Park is rolling out fresh merchandise and on-field branding as the city prepares to host the 2026 All-Star Game, a milestone event organizers say has been seven years in the making.

The outfield now features the official All-Star Game 2026 logo, part of what Major League Baseball leaders describe as a celebration of the sport's biggest stars and Philadelphia's role in the festivities.

"It's really a big part of what we're doing. We were excited to join Philadelphia's efforts and making the 250th a big deal, and the All-Star game here does exactly that," said Jeremiah Yolkut, senior vice president of global operations and events for MLB.

New gear, including collectible pins, is available exclusively at the team store inside Citizens Bank Park, adding to the fanfare surrounding the week's events.

Programming will stretch across the city, beginning Friday.

"We'll start here at the ballpark on Friday for the HBCU classic and we'll run all the way through Tuesday at the All-Star game, but a lot of great programming in between," said Aaron Kaplan of MLB.

Yolkut said the celebration extends well beyond the stadium.

"We'll be at the Convention Center for the draft on Saturday. We'll have the All-Star village there over the course of Saturday through Tuesday. We'll be at Independence Hall for the red carpet show, and we'll just be woven throughout the city," he said.

Inside the ballpark, fans will find an expanded food lineup, including Sanchez sliders, a revolutionary rib sandwich, ribs on the bone, a classic cheesesteak and a lamb hot dog topped with feta and pickles.

Whether fans arrive hungry or eager to pick up a commemorative cup, organizers say All-Star week will offer plenty to enjoy as Philadelphia welcomes baseball's biggest stage.

The 2026 MLB All-Star week, which is being hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies, is about to begin.

The events get underway with the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10, and culminate with the 96th Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park in South Philadelphia on July 14.

The MLB says it's all part of the celebration for America's 250th anniversary this summer.

"Set within a year when Philadelphia will host the world, All-Star Week captures a uniquely American perspective on that global spotlight, rooted in heritage, community, and the enduring spirit of the game," said Jeremiah Yolkut, MLB Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Events.

Full List of 2026 All-Star Week Events:

• July 10: HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park

The HBCU Swingman Classic was co-created by Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and highlights the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs while also providing HBCU baseball players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage.

For tickets and more information, visit the MLB's website.

• July 10-13: Youth baseball and softball tournaments at Philadelphia Phillies Urban Youth Academy in FDR Park

The All-Star Commissioner's Classic features teams of youth baseball players from MLB Youth Academies across the country and Puerto Rico.

The Jennie Finch Classic features teams of youth softball players from MLB Youth Academies and Jennie Finch softball programs.

• July 11-14: Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center

MLB's marquee fan festival is a unique, one-of-a-kind baseball theme park for fans of all ages. More details on specific activations and former players attending All-Star Village will be announced at a later date, along with ticket availability.

• July 11: Opening rounds of the MLB Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall

Attending the draft will be free and open to the public. More information, including attendees and ticketing for the Draft, will be announced at a later date.

• July 12: All-Star Sunday Doubleheader featuring All-Star Futures Game and MLBx All-Star 3-on-3 at Citizens Bank Park

The All-Star Futures Game highlights baseball's top prospects playing in a seven-inning exhibition with some of Minor League Baseball's best promotions, mascots and entertainment.

The MLBx: All-Star 3-on-3 game is a new, co-ed competition bringing together male and female athletes with MLB legends and special guests. Lineups will be revealed at a later date.

• July 13: T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Park

The Home Run Derby features some of MLB's biggest power hitters competing in three rounds before crowning a champion.

• July 14: The All-Star Red Carpet Show

The All-Star Red Carpet Show is where the MLB All-Stars will showcase their personal style ahead of the All-Star Game.

The location of this year's Red Carpet Show will be announced at a later date.

• July 14: The 96th Midsummer Classic at Citizens Bank Park

Events culminate with the All-Star game at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, featuring some of MLB's best players from across the league.

For more information, visit AllStarGame.com.