Looking for affordable family sports events this spring? College athletics are a fun and budget-friendly way to spend time together while enjoying exciting live competition. As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect season to catch a local college game.
From baseball and softball on the diamond to the fast-paced excitement of lacrosse face-offs (FOGO), track and field meets, tennis matches, golf tournaments, and crew regattas, there are plenty of ways to experience high-level college sports close to home.
The best part? You don’t have to travel far or spend a lot. Many colleges and universities host spring sporting events that are free or low-cost for families, making them an easy outing in the Philadelphia suburbs and surrounding areas. With the season just getting underway, now is the perfect time to support local athletes and enjoy the energy of college spring sports happening right in your community.
Diamonds in the Rough: Baseball and Softball
Baseball has always been America’s favorite pastime with its laid back vibe and traditions; heck, it even has its own song where fans ‘root, root, root, root for the home team!’ While the MLB is in the throes of Spring Training, our local college players are already in full swing. In the upcoming months, the St. Joe’s Hawks will play other local favorites, the University of Delaware Blue Hens and the Villanova Wildcats and the Gwynedd Mercy University Griffins.
The women also get a chance to take the field during spring softball season. If you have never witnessed an underhand pitch at average speeds ranging from 58-65 miles per hour, it is time to treat yourself to this amazing feat. Several of the local universities have ladies’ teams including Villanova, West Chester, Gwynedd Mercy University, Penn, and Drexel.
Indigenous Origins: Lacrosse
Widely popular and competitive for both men and women, lacrosse was first played over 500 years ago by First Nations people, adapting the game along the way to evolve into the fast-paced sport we know today. With its deep roots in our country, it is only fitting that we are surrounded with some stellar level lacrosse teams to witness in action. Most area colleges have both a men’s and women’s team. Here’s where to find schedules for Haverford, Drexel, St. Joe’s, and Villanova.
Take Me to the River: Rowing
Steeped in traditions, the history of rowing is embedded in the area’s bones, allowing spectators to marvel at both the strength and form of the rowers as well as the Philadelphia area making its own mark on the map with a host of regattas throughout the year. Several colleges row out of boat houses along the Schuylkill River (famously known as Boathouse Row) including Penn, Drexel, and Temple, to name a few. Don’t miss the Dad Vail Regatta, the largest intercollegiate rowing event in the United States, on May 8-9 on the Cooper River.
Taking Center Court: Tennis
Nowadays tennis can be played year-round with access to indoor courts, but the real fun begins in the spring when it can be played naturally outdoors. Check out the schedules of local universities like West Chester , Drexel and Jefferson as some big match-ups are happening in the next few months. Most colleges in the area carry both a men’s and women’s team, so check the schedules for both.
Getting the Runaround: Track and Field
What fun it is to watch these fine athletes fly around the track in races at various distances, jump to great lengths and heights, and throw weighted objects as far as humanly possible. There is literally something always happening during a track and field meet and the seasons are about to take off with a big leap. Check out the action for both men’s and women’s events at Haverford College, West Chester, Penn, and Villanova for starters. Save the date for the Penn Relays in April, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, held at the University of Pennsylvania.
This is the season to get outdoors and enjoy all that spring sports have to offer. We are lucky to have opportunities to attend accessible and affordable collegiate sports for the family so close to home. Do not miss this opportunity to either attend your favorite sport or introduce your family to a new one. You are guaranteed to witness stellar performances from committed student athletes. Check the sports tabs on the websites of your favorite colleges to see what is happening and when.
Enjoy the action and prepare to be amazed by the talents of these local collegiate athletes.
Updated March 2026