The FIFA World Cup is less than three months away, and the Philadelphia region will receive an influx of tourists this summer who need a place to stay.

Why it matters: Short-term rental hosts could make some extra cash.

• Yes, but: Philly proper's tough industry regulations could discourage some would-be hosts.

Driving the news: An estimated 149,000 travelers in need of accommodations will visit the metro during Philly's six World Cup matches in June and July, according to an analysis from Deloitte commissioned by Airbnb.

• That includes an estimated 17,000 Airbnb guests.

By the numbers: Deloitte estimates that the average Airbnb host could make $160 per night — or $1,900 over the span of the tourney.

• Meanwhile, average Airbnb booking costs are anticipated to be $109 per person per night.
• Plus: Deloitte estimates that Airbnb guests could spend roughly $52 million in the city and region.

Zoom in: Airbnb said last month that demand for stays is surging during the World Cup in host cities — so much that the platform is offering first-time hosts a $750 bonus through July 31.

State of play: Philly has 426 active limited lodging licenses, which are required for short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo (fewer than 30 days), per a city spokesperson. That's a drop from 650 in 2024.

• Philly has another 402 active rental licenses with a hotel designation — up from around 70 two years ago. These licenses are for traditional hotels and short-term rental properties rented for 30+ days.
• Worth noting: A host with a single license can have several listable units in the same building.

The other side: The Philly region has more than 30,000 rooms across over 80 traditional hotels that are part of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association.

Flashback: Hotel prices skyrocketed in Philly and in other U.S. host cities last year when the World Cup tournament schedule was released in December, according to an analysis by The Athletic.

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This year's Wawa Welcome America Festival has a uniquely Philly sizzle, including an appearance by hometown icon Queen Latifah.

Why it matters: Philly's biggest summer bash is supercharged with a slate of well-known Philly natives as the city welcomes an influx of visitors for the nation's 250th birthday.

Driving the news: Organizers on Monday unveiled the lineup for the festival, which stretches over 16 days with events leading to the July 4th concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

• The July 4 headliners are still TBA in the coming weeks.

Zoom in: The festival includes free movie and museum days, plus the ever-popular free hoagie day on July 1.

What's new: Philly Fair 250 is a three-day celebration, starting Jun 20, that mixes history with culture and music in Philly's Centennial District.

• Expect a hot air balloon experience, food trucks and performances, headlined by Pink Sweat$.
• Plus, a life-sized Liberty Bell replica, exhibits and workshops.

Highlights:

June 19: The Juneteenth Block Party is a daylong celebration featuring live music, vendors, dance performances, food trucks and family-friendly activities at the African American Museum.

• The celebration is headlined by Philly legend DJ Jazzy Jeff.

June 24: The Five Points Night Market, running through June 22, includes shopping, food trucks, music and family-friendly activities.

June 25: Honor Black Music Month with performances from several Black women artists, headlined by Philly native, rapper and actress Eve.

• The celebration includes a dazzling fireworks nightcap at the Dell Music Center. 

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🦅 Former Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. announced his retirement in a on Instagram yesterday following 13 seasons in the NFL.

• Plus: The six-time Pro Bowler's wife reposted a hilarious montage of "Big Play Slay" correcting reporters who used his first name. (CBS Sports)

⚖️ A legal battle is brewing over the future of Sesame Place in Langhorne. Sesame Workshop, the New York nonprofit behind Sesame Street, sued this month seeking to end its partnership with the park operator, United Parks & Resorts Inc., over an alleged breach of contract, among other things.

• A spokesperson for United Parks & Resorts told the Business Journal that it "looks forward to setting the record straight in court."

🥔 Snackers unite. Herr's has launched a petition to have Sour Cream and Onion Day recognized as an official holiday in Pennsylvania.

• Philly's famed potato chipmaker are going all out, filing a request with Gov. Josh Shapiro, to set aside a day in April to celebrate one of its most iconic flavors.

You know spring is in the air when the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's pop-up gardens sprout back up.

Why it matters: Plants from the Philadelphia Flower Show get a second act at the gardens in Manayunk and South Street this year.

What's happening: Both locations are open daily depending on the weather.

• Pro tip: Check the PHS Instagram for daily updates.

🎉 Save the date: On March 27, each garden will throw a grand opening, which will kick off their seven-day-a-week schedules that run through the late fall.

🌳 Worth noting: Proceeds from the pop-up gardens support the society's regional greening efforts.

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Orange you glad you wore green today.

• You know Philly's googly-eyed, trouble-making mascot, Gritty — spotted at this past weekend's St. Patrick's Day Parade — is just waiting to give every not-wearing-green Flyers fan a little pinch.

The bottom line: The big fella made sure to do his part, with his ginger fur poking out of his green getup.

🎉 Happy St. Paddy's Day!