How to Fly onto the Eagles Bandwagon
“I’ve never been an Eagles fan, I’m not sure what to do on Sunday”, lamented a SJU freshmen from California.
“I wish I knew how Philadelphians would act on such an occasion, so I could blend in,” stated a worried SJU sophomore from Puerto Rico.
Lucky for you, we’ve got the perfect remedy: this is how you can be the most “Philly” on Super Bowl Sunday.
I get it, you’re away from home during Super Bowl weekend, and your team didn’t make it to the big game. Let’s be honest about how that feels, gut wrenching. Of all the teams that could be here, the Patriots and the Eagles! This marks the Patriots’ 10th Super Bowl appearance, the 8th since 2001. Totaling 5 Super Bowl titles, the Patriots are looking to tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for 6.
The Eagles, with only 2 Super Bowl appearances total in franchise history, are the ultimate underdogs. Sunday represents a long awaited rematch from the 2005 Super Bowl XXXIX, where the Eagles fell 24-21 to the Patriots.
Since your team isn’t in the Super Bowl, it’s time to choose between the two that have made it to the ultimate showdown. As new SJU students, we’re assuming that you are using your strong, Philadelphian education to make the RIGHT decision by choosing to root for the Eagles. Or maybe you are just too afraid to wear any color besides green. Either way, we will allow you just this once to be the ultimate bandwagon hoppers. So, begin to channel a 13 year old bitter resentment, and adopt the same grudge mentality of an Eagles fan.
Sunday 2/4/2018
8 A.M.
Game Day
As a new Eagles fan, it is necessary that you begin this long awaited day with a run. You’ve dreamt of seeing the Lombardi Trophy placed in the hands of Doug Pederson (aka. The Eagles head coach) and need to release some of those jitters. Channel your “inner Rocky” and take on the numerous steps surrounding Barbelin. Don’t forget to raise your hands triumphantly. For a more ambitious run, do the 3.8 mile run to the Art Museum in Downtown Philly. Drink plenty of “wooder” to stay hydrated for the rest of the day.
10 A.M.
Breakfast of Champions
If Campion just isn’t cutting your Super Bowl run appetite, walk to Dunkin Donuts on City Ave for a $0.52 coffee. Loyal Eagles fans have the Dunkin app already downloaded and have been using it to get free coffee throughout the season. Grab a pork roll breakfast sandwich and a dozen of those festive green donuts. You must continue to spread the Eagles frenzy!
11 A.M.
Gearing Up
Now comes the hardest part, getting dressed for the occasion. If you don’t have an awesome roommate with an extra jersey, don’t sweat it. There are pop up vendors at the ACME, on City Ave, and in Wynnewood shopping center parking lots. There are plenty of T-shirts featuring the NFC Champ logo or a picture of the Underdog mask. Trade in those Hawk shirts for the day and gear up with Eagles paraphernalia!
12 P.M.
Player Trivia
Study Time! Grab your roommate and suitemates! Don’t know which players are popular? Here are the current fan favorites: Jay Ajayi, Zach Ertz, Alshon Jeffery, Chris Long, Fletcher Cox, Nelson Agholor, Nick Foles, and Carson Wentz (R.I.P.*metaphorically*). Memorize these names. Forget those bio flashcards or accounting 101 formulas. These players are now your priority.
And yous guys better practice the Eagles Fight Song.
1 P.M.
Field Trip
Make your way into center city. You need to be surrounded by a ton of Eagles fans in order to continue this bandwagon process. Grab the train at Overbrook station or take the 44 bus, which stops right outside Rashford, to Suburban Station. Make sure to stop by the Reading Terminal Market to fuel up before sightseeing.
We highly recommend: Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, Termini Brothers, Carmen’s and DiNic’s.
2-5 p.m.
Embrace the Roots
Enjoy all the historical sites and touristy spots with your Eagles posse. While you are decked out in your new Eagles gear, take the classic photo in front of LOVE with all of your roommates. Stroll down to Independence Hall and embrace the city’s history. Take the opportunity to visit the Magic Gardens in South Philly. We all know these pics make for classic freshmen insta posts! There’s no better way to connect with the Eagles’ roots than visiting South Philly.
5-6:30 P.M.
True Philadelphians
After sightseeing, you’re probably hungry again. Can you tell that food is a big tradition on Superbowl Sunday?! Cheesesteaks are a Philadelphian staple. A true Philadelphian doesn’t eat at the tourist spots like Pat’s and Geno’s, though. True fans also love their roast pork, hoagies, and chicken cheesesteaks. Here are the places you should make your new Go-To spots.
We highly recommend: DiNic’s, Sarcone’s Deli, *Dallesandro’s* (Located in Roxborough, this is an easy uber ride from campus!)
6:30pm
The Rest of Your Life
IT’S GAME TIME! Sit back in a bar (if you’re of age!), a restaurant, the Perch, or in a dorm room, and enjoy being a true Eagles fan. Similar to being a SJU Hawk, being a Philadelphia Eagles’ fan is all about tradition. When you’re surrounded by good friends and good food, you will begin creating your own traditions as new fans. These games don’t come often, so sit back, sing the fight song, and never forget this great moment for Philly!
