On June 10, the Department of Aviation's Guest Experience team hosted a special, fun-filled, soccer-themed Pep Rally event celebrating all airport employees. The event honored the airport’s preparation for the FIFA Club World Cup® held from June 14 to July 4, 2025 and also gave a nod to the Department of Aviation’s partnership with the Philadelphia Union. 

Employees enjoyed a meet-and-greet with the Philadelphia Union mascot Phang, and team legend Sebastien Le Toux, who also autographed soccer balls. The pep rally kicked off with a parade throughout all terminals, exciting guests and employees, featuring the Positive Movement Drumline with Philly Elmo and the West Powelton Steppers, who drummed and danced. Employees and airport guests also enjoyed a DJ, artist demonstrations, and giveaways. Department of Aviation Director of Guest Experience Leah Douglas and American Airlines Managing Director of Customer Care for PHL Rhett Workman emphasized the role employees have in shaping the airport experience and thanked employees for all they do.    

“Today is a celebration for you, to thank you for providing our guests with positive experiences no matter what the occasion,” said Douglas. “Let’s carry this momentum forward as Philadelphia has the honor of being one of the 16 host cities in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Next year, we will also welcome the PGA Tour, March Madness, the MLB All-Star Game, and the nation’s 250th birthday. I know that you all will make us proud and leave a long-lasting impression on all our visitors.”  

Guests and employees participated in a virtual reality soccer simulator, taking turns attempting to score a goal. MarketPlace PHL provided food and beverage sampling by Pepsi Co and Welcome America shared give-aways. Five employees were recognized and honored in the Airport-wide Employee Recognition All-Star 2025 segment of the program. Kennia Gonzales-Marrabel, Timothy Garside, Pamela Rivers, Airport Police Officer, Eric Scott, and Soumia Ben Heddi all received autographed soccer balls by the Philadelphia Union team. Gonzales-Marrabel was named the Airport-wide Employee Recognition All-Star of 2025, receiving a special medal and confetti-filled celebration. 

The pep rally is part of PHL WORKS, a program created by the PHL Guest Experience Stakeholder Council in 2024. The Council brings together representatives from all PHL partners. The airports have more than 17,000 badged employees — including those from the Department of Aviation, airlines, concessions, service providers, and TSA — that impact every aspect of a guest’s journey through the airport from curb to cloud.