Philadelphia Eagles Game Day Tailgating Traditions

When I think of tailgates, I think of my hometown, Philadelphia where devoted fans don Eagle green and gear up for some big time NFL football action by getting to the game early and firing up the grill. Before long, all eyes are on the Linc and the crowd begins its exodus to watch the Eagles take the field and hopefully score a win for the hometown faithful.

Philly Tailgate Destination: Lincoln Financial Field

Lincoln Financial Field is home of the NFL franchise Philadelphia Eagles. The stadium opened in 2003 and seats about 68,532 devoted Eagle fans. Lincoln Financial Field is located a few miles south of Center City Philadelphia, City Hall and the watchful eyes of the William Penn statue. The Linc shares a parking lot with other venues, including the Wachovia Center, Spectrum II and Citizens Bank Park.

Eagles fans like me long remember Veterans Stadium all too well. The Vet lacked the modern amenities we've come to expect of a world-class NFL football venue. Today's Linc more than makes up for the Vet's chaos and inconveniences, especially with its tailgating tradition. Before and after the games, Eagle fans sport the green and gather with friends and family for an outdoor party with an all-pro line up of favorite Philly fare, like cheesesteak sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, hoagies, pizza and more.

Parking Lot Savvy at the Linc

Parking areas around Lincoln Financial Field open to the public five hours prior to kick off, making individual and family tailgates big time fun. General stadium parking costs throughout the season are about what you would pay anywhere, like $25 for cars; $50 for oversized vehicles. Parking at FDR Park runs $30 a vehicle. While there are rules that discourage tailgating that starts early, no one pays attention. Most bring their own food, grills and more. Others pick up Philly cheesesteaks and yummy soft pretzels before the game. Still others check out the traditional vendors which dot the parking lots on the way to Eagle stadium.

What are among the best Philadelphia Eagles' tailgating traditions at The Linc? There are several but you might want to check out these tailgate operations next time you're at a Eagles home game. Or bring your own vittles. No bottles or brawls, and you're good to go in the City of Brotherly Love.

Cav's Catering
Telephone: (215) 301-8337
Email: info@cavseaglestailgate.com

An Eagles' game at the Linc in Philadelphia would not be complete without a tailgate pit stop to Cav's Catering. Conveniently located in an Eagle Express minibus, stationed across street from Lincoln Financial Field, Cav's tailgate parties are a Philly tradition. Winner of the Philadelphia Daily News Tailgating Award and three time winner of the Jack Daniel's Great American Tailgate Party, among others, Cav's do the pre game cooking so you don't have to. Cav's tailgate specialties include steak sandwiches, pork sandwiches, salads, steamed shrimp, mussels and clams. Be sure to wear your Eagle Green for your Philadelphia Eagles' tailgate extravaganza. And get ready for good food and fun that only Cav's can deliver. For 25 years and counting, Cav's has been dishing the food for Eagles fans on site, making him a regular on the Food Network tailgate specials.

Philly Tailgate
PO Box 1048
Mullica Hill, New Jersey 08062
Telephone: (888) 745-8245; (866) 737-2880

Philly Tailgate started out like most tailgates do: a group of friends who got together before Eagles home games. But, Philly Tailgate has become so much more of a parking lot tradition featuring fabulous Philly eats and brews. Most Sundays when the Eagles are playing at home, Philly Tailgate can be found in the Jetro parking lot (cash and reserved lot). But, get there early, or else the party will start without you.

RESOURCES

Pat's King of Steaks
www.patskingofsteaks.com

Philly Soft Pretzel Factory
www.phillysoftpretzelfactory.com

Philadelphia Eagles
www.philadelphiaeagles.com