WGOLV.COM ALLENTOWN, Pa - The City of Allentown is excited to welcome NFL superstar Saquon Barkley, born in the Bronx and raised in the Lehigh Valley, for a special Honorary Celebration at the PPL Center on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
This event offers fans the chance to see Barkley in person while supporting a meaningful cause.
Adding to the excitement, the Whitehall High School cheerleaders and marching band will take the stage to perform and celebrate Barkley’s return to the Lehigh Valley. Plus, attendees can receive a complimentary commemorative Saquon Barkley keepsake, available while supplies last.
Tickets for this celebration are available online at www.pplcenter.com for just $1.50, with 50% of ticket sales benefiting the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through education, mentorship, and community support. Free general parking will be available.
“Allentown is beyond excited to celebrate a local champion at this special event”, said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “Saquon Barkley embodies what makes Allentown the beating heart of the Lehigh Valley: dedication, resilience, kindness, and commitment to the community. We welcome the opportunity to give folks an opportunity to express their appreciation for someone who showed the world how great we can be.”
“As the Mayor of Whitehall, it will be an honor to acknowledge Saquon’s accomplishments on behalf of the people of Whitehall Township,” said Mayor Joe Marx.
Barkley’s journey from the Bronx to the Lehigh Valley to the NFL is a story of perseverance and dedication. His family first moved to Bethlehem in 2001, later to Allentown, and finally settled in Coplay in 2005.
Barkley attended Marvine Elementary School in the Bethlehem Area School District before making his mark as a standout athlete at Whitehall High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track.
His local roots run deep, and he remains committed to giving back to the community that shaped him. Barkley’s Foundation, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation, continually supports student-athletes in the Lehigh Valley by providing funding via the AthLife Foundation, providing mentorship and opportunities to help young athletes succeed both on and off the field.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 2-4pm
Location: PPL Center, Allentown, PA
Tickets: $1.50 with 50% of ticket sales going to support the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation
The event is sponsored and brought to you by the City of Allentown, Whitehall Township, PPL Center, LOUD Radio PA, Love's Restaurant & Lounge, and Alloy5 Architecture.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/SaquonAllentown.
BARKLEY BECOMES HIGHEST-PAID NFL RUNNING BACK:
Additionally, Saquon Barkley has added another achievement to his remarkable career: becoming the highest-paid NFL running back.
The Eagles have signed their star player to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, as reported by multiple sources, making him the first player in his position to earn over $20 million.
This historic deal includes $36 million fully guaranteed, with up to $15 million in incentives and escalators, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
About the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation
Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded to support the goals of our youth to excel in academia and athletics through the United States. We provide educational assistance and athletics guidance. The primary goal of the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation is to supply assistance to underserved children, adolescents and young adults that have a strong desire for forward-movement. Our goal is to draw forth the combined efforts of community leaders, educators and the families of our youth to help ambitious young individuals succeed in their future, academics and sporting arenas.
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