John Fischer's Philadelphia
Vol. 1 - Number 55 - 11/15/99
It's been a few years since I last went to an Eagles game. I've had a few opportunities to go, but the Ray Rhodes years did little to inspire me to take that step. When my friend Steve asked me if I wanted to go Sunday, I immediately realized that this was a chance to see Donovan McNabb's debut as a starter. I eagerly accepted the invitation.
Photo by John Fischer
The first change I noticed when arriving at the stadium complex in South Philadelphia was that if you don't have reserved parking you better plan on walking. I was directed to a parking lot south of the First Union Center after learning that almost all of the other lots had been designated for fans with reserved parking passes.
Where I parked was an area designated for tailgating parties and there were lots of them to see. I found one in the Spectrum parking lot that the hosts claimed was the biggest tailgate party ever.
Photo by John Fischer
These folks had couches, video game machines, a big screen TV and tons of food - and a lot of uninvited guests!
My next stop was Pattison Avenue across from Veterans Stadium. This is the area where the folks at SportsRadio WIP have their tent. I noticed that lots of other vendors have now also set up booths nearby.
Photo by John Fischer
It's almost like a amusement park arcade with folks throwing tomatoes at a fellow who had his head stuck through a wall with a Washington Redskins' Jersey mounted on it
There was one of those pseudo-rock climbing amusements where you pay to climb up a rocky wall and several booths where a spin of the wheel could win you some eagles memorabilia. .