August has arrived, and with it, we welcome our First Friday Interview! In this month’s interview, we are highlighting the President of Philly Sports Trips, Vince Rizzuto! Philly Sports Trips provides premium travel experiences, exclusive group events, tickets to sports games, and more for Philadelphia Sports fans. Whether it’s a Phillies game in San Diego, or a trip to watch the Eagles play in the Super Bowl in Arizona, Philly fans can experience watching their favorite team for away games in exciting and new locations OR can take part in a fun tailgate experience at home with former professional athletes like Hollis Thomas and hang with The Philly Sports Guy!
PPRG: When and Why did you start Philly Sports Trips?
Vince: Philly Sports Trips started in early 2017 – I love sports and business and was ready to build a brand focused on serving the fans of our great city!
PPRG: What would you say to someone who has never been on a trip before with your company?
Vince: We pride ourselves on customer service and providing incredible experiences. You are going to meet some new friends on your trip and have a great time with other Philly Sports fans.
PPRG: What has been the most rewarding moment of Philly Sports Trips so far?
Vince: It’s hard to pinpoint one moment. It’s really every time a fan tells us how these trips/experiences are changing their lives and bringing them joy. It’s the reason I quit my engineering career in 2021 to focus on Philly Sports Trips.
PPRG: Who has been your favorite former or current professional athlete you have met during your time with Philly Sports Trips? Any special memory?
Vince: Traveling with Hollis Thomas since last season has been amazing. He is an extremely kind person who loves the fans.
Charlie Manuel and his wife Missy have become friends. They are wonderful. Introducing Jon Dorenbos on stage in Las Vegas for his magic show was a highlight. The Super Bowl Q&A with Wilbert Montgomery, Seth Joyner, and Hollis. Wilbert is an incredibly brilliant coach and just an awesome guy.
PPRG: Our client, Natalie Egenolf, is going with Philly Sports Trips to San Diego for the Phillies game in September! Can you share what fans can expect for this trip and where they can purchase tickets?
Vince: Natalie is a rockstar. She bleeds Philly colors and it’s been exciting to work with her. The San Diego trip will be sold out next week. It’s going to be an amazing time in paradise, Margaritaville in downtown San Diego to be exact. Great ballpark, tailgate by the pool, two games at the ballpark, it’s going to be a homerun trip for the fans.
PPRG: What former professional athletes will be on the trips this year?
Vince: We have 10 former athletes joining us on upcoming trips across football and baseball trips. Some new faces will be David Akers, Vince Papale, and Jason Avant. Check out the trip page for the full list of trips and who will be joining us.
PPRG: I know you started Boston Sports Trips. How exciting! But more recently, you had a launching event for your new parent company of Philly Sports Trips AND Boston Sports Trips, called True Fan Travel. Can you touch on why you decided to create a parent company?
Vince: We are excited about TrueFan Travel! We realized that there are other fans out there craving premium fan experiences. Partnering with Griffin Whitman in the Boston Sports market is going to be one of our best decisions to date. True Fan Travel is planning to provide fan travel experiences for fans all over the country and one day, all over the world. We are currently running trips to Europe and for fanbases in five different markets so putting all of our efforts under one sports umbrella was the logical next step.
PPRG: What’s one future trip you’re most excited about?
Vince: I get excited about every trip. It’s another opportunity to make memories for the fans. Next up – San Diego. Can’t wait!
It was great speaking with Vince and learning about Philly Sports Trips and the future of True Fan Travel! Be sure to follow PST on social media and check out their website to get tickets for the San Diego trip in September! We’re SO excited to see all of the trips Philly Sports Trips has to offer for fans to go and see our Philly sports teams!
