Calling all Philly sports fans, Happy Fall! The NFL season is in full swing. You can almost smell a hotdog as it sizzles on the grill. You can hear the crisp pop of a beer can paired with the camaraderie among friends and family. It’s tailgating season, and I couldn’t be more excited. As you pack your cars with food and put your beers on ice, allow me to talk a little bit about what tailgating means to Philadelphia.
From a city that’s already rich in history, tailgating is a pillar in Philly sports culture right now and as it has been for decades. It’s a tradition with deep roots in culture and community, bringing everyone together for a common cause. For me personally, it allows me to be a part of something larger than myself, a huge family of the kindest jerks you could ever come across! Forgot salt and pepper for your cheesesteak? No worries, the group right next to you has plenty. And they’re already putting it in your hand before you can finish your sentence.
I love it because it takes my own personal experience and makes me feel connected to those around me. It creates a strong, tight-knit community that sticks together through the greatest triumphs and biggest heartbreaks (we know about those ones a little too well, huh). Tailgating in Philadelphia embodies the city’s spirit of brotherly love, reflecting its passionate sports culture and sense of community.
I don’t know if there’s a better feeling than waking up early on the morning of a tailgate. Despite the stereotype of college kids going out every weekend to drink and party, philly college kids are a little different. It’s not uncommon for my friends and I to stay in on the eve of an Eagles game. No crazy Saturday night for us! We are cozied up on the couch watching a movie and going to bed early as we prepare for a true Philly style Sunday. I wake up early like it’s Christmas morning. My roommates and I cook breakfast and have a slow morning until the rest of our friends show up. I put some beers in my zebra print backpack from first grade that I now use for this sole purpose. We get on the Broad Street Line and I’m lucky if I even get a seat. That’s where the sense of community begins to set in. Packed like sardines in the hot subway car, we are all going to one destination, the very last stop; NRG Station. I’m a speck in the sea of green as I make my way out of the turnstile to exit the station.
I head to FDR Park to meet up with my dad, my brother, and whoever else is with them this time. Me and my handful of friends are greeted with familiar smiles, loving hugs, and warm food. It’s something that feels nostalgic but excitingly new at the same time. And before you know it, those same smiles and hugs you were greeted with are back. But it’s to say goodbye this time. Win or lose I leave with a smile (or at least I try to after a loss). And back into the sea of green I go to make my way home. I can’t wait for next week.
Sports and Philadelphia life go hand in hand. Sports are tightly woven into the identity of Philly and its culture. We’re known for our fierce loyalty, passion, and dedication. These exact characteristics have come to define our sports culture. And this exact passion is exemplified by iconic moments that have shaped the fan experience. Moments like the season that led the Philadelphia Eagles to their very first ever Super Bowl win in 2018. It was grueling, intense, heartbreaking, and the best few months of many peoples lives’ all at the same time. After decades of Eagles football and just barely missing the mark, the victory was more than just a game. it became a historic moment that united the city in joy and celebration. “Hungry Dogs Run Faster” and Jason Kelce’s iconic speech will be etched into Philadelphia history books for the rest of time.
Personal experiences emphasize this as well. We look back on huge moments and can pinpoint exactly where we were, what we were doing, and who we were with. It circles back to the point of a personal experience making you a part of something bigger than you. I can bond with someone I’ve never met over where they were when the Eagles won the Super Bowl. You can connect so strongly with someone who you don’t even know because of Philly’s sports culture.
My dad is a season ticket holder for the Eagles and has been sitting next to the same man for 12 years. They only know each other by their first names. Whenever I go to a game he always mentions how much my brother and I have grown up. “See you next week” he says to my dad as they say goodbye. At the end of the season? “See you next year.” they say. And without fail, year after year, they are back in those same seats, picking right up from where they left off.
From greased poles, to pin striped overalls, tailgating is the cornerstone of Philadelphia’s sports culture. It’s an extension of the fan experience. It turns parking lots into lively gatherings filled with food, music, and most importantly, brotherly love. Tailgating in Philadelphia fosters a sense of community among the city and fans. From talking to someone in line as you wait for the porta potty, to the funny back and forth with the guy selling T-shirts as you try to get a good deal, you feel connected to those around you. Sports in Philadelphia are a celebration of resilience, community, and pride that continues to shape the lives of its people.
There’s something about tailgating that goes beyond just pre-game festivities. It’s where community and connection come to life, I mean how is a parking lot turned into a place that almost feels like home? I’ll tell you how, It’s almost like being part of a giant family reunion, even though you’ve never even met the people next to you. Everyone is there for the same reason. To paint the picture of a typical tailgate, here is what you would find. Music! A mix of 70s and 80s classics with some modern day hits, and all the iconic Philly anthems in between. Songs like Philadelphia Freedom, Dreams and Nightmares, and maybe even Dancing On My Own. And yes of course I hijack the aux cord to play Chappell Roan. Food, so much food. A combination of wings with an assortment of sauces of course, hot dogs, sausage, hoagie trays, burgers, ribs, chicken, and cheesesteaks..and maybe even a deep fried turkey! On top of that you have plenty of sides like fries (regular and sweet potato), pierogies, pickles, long hots, and all the fix-ins you could need for the main foods. There is usually a couple kinds of beer as well as Philly’s new favorite canned cocktail; Surfsides.
At a tailgate I most recently went to, there was a gallon of maraschino cherries soaked in alcohol. It’s definitely safe to say that the menu can get a little creative sometimes. At my personal family tailgates we usually have a grill or two as well as a deep fryer. Picture two long tables; one is covered in sternos that have a constant flow of food and hungry hands reaching in and out. The other table has plates, cutlery, napkins, any toppings you need, and yes, the maraschino cherries. I’m usually walking around shoving my camera in everyone’s faces as I make them pose for photos or just snap them while they’re not even looking. “Did you just take my picture?? I wasn’t ready!” they ask. “Yes! I’m capturing the moment instead of curating it, duh!” We laugh. There’s a big black trash bag that soon begins to overflow. My brother ties it up and puts out a new one. Loud laughs echo but soon get lost in the loudness of everything around you. You make new memories as the people set up right next to you are busy making memories of their own.
Whether it’s high-fiving a random person after a crazy play or sharing a drink with someone who’s been tailgating longer than I’ve been on this earth, there’s a sense of camaraderie that makes you feel so connected to Philly. You don’t need to be a sports expert to love the culture and experience of tailgating. Tailgating holds a deep sentimental value for me as a family tradition. I’ve been tailgating and going to games for longer than I can remember. I would sit in the Linc next to my dad as he explained how football worked (multiple times) when I was younger. Tailgating was our special thing, and it felt like we were part of something bigger than just us, across many generations. In this city, tailgating isn’t just about the food or the game; it’s about the connections we build and the memories we create. It’s a reminder that, no matter where we come from, we’re all united by our love for Philadelphia. From welcoming strangers to sharing laughs with family, tailgating is a celebration of community that perfectly embodies the spirit of our city.
As I wrap up my thoughts on Philly’s sports culture and tailgating, it’s clear that the relationship between sports, community, and culture in this city is deeply intertwined and perfectly blended in a chaotic but lovely way. Tailgating isn’t just a fun way to experience a game, it’s a celebration of what it means to be part of something greater than ourselves. The sights and sounds of the parking lots bring together people from all walks of life, each person contributing to the vibrant atmosphere that defines our one of a kind sports identity. In Philadelphia, we wear our loyalty like a badge of honor, and tailgating captures that spirit perfectly, showcasing the kindness, generosity, and genuine camaraderie among us.
Looking ahead, the legacy of tailgating as a cherished tradition can’t be overstated. It’s a ritual that has shaped countless memories and forged friendships. It’s bridged gaps between generations and will continue to do exactly that. I think about the families who gather year after year, the kids who grow up tailgating, and the stories passed down over a shared meal or drink. An example of my own is that I started out as a little girl in my pink eagles jersey, not even knowing how football works, just there to be with my family as my dad made sure my belly was full of whatever food I wanted.
Now, at 21, my best friends and I throw our own tailgates and create new memories of our own. We’ve decided that it’s our new tradition to tailgate the Phillies home opener every year. I literally start to count down the days once the winter gets a little too cold and dark. I even have two roommates from Massachusetts who get excited to tailgate. Even Patriots fans can get behind a Philly tailgate, because that’s just how good it is. Its a place where my friends from all the different parts of my life come together. My college friends can look at my high school ones and consider them friends of their own. I’m friends with their roommates, their roommates are friends with my roommates! It is one big blended group of people coming from all over. Thankfully, these traditions aren’t going anywhere; they will continue to thrive as long as there are games to be played.
It is vital that we keep celebrating and preserving the unique tailgating culture that makes Philadelphia special. It’s not just about the food, the drinks, or the teams we cheer for, it’s about the connections we create and the sense of belonging. As we gather in whatever lot we’re in that week, we have to remember to embrace every moment, welcome every fan, and keep that spirit of brotherly love alive! Because in Philadelphia, it’s not just about the game…it’s about the community we build around it, and that’s something truly worth cherishing forever.
