A fan’s first experience tailgating

As I emerged from the subway platform, I began to hear the echoes of a crowd funneling through AT&T Station in South Philadelphia. The air was warm on my face and a noticeable waft of beer and hot dogs hung in the air.

It was “football Sunday” in Philadelphia and the hometown Eagles were set to match up with their cross-state rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I have been to an Eagles game before, but I never have had the opportunity to experience a tailgate.

Before I knew it, I was hundreds of people deep into Lot C outside of Lincoln Financial Field. The sun was high in the sky as midday had just passed. Game time was in three hours, and it seemed to me most people had been here all day. Lots open five hours before kickoff and parking is about $40.

Overnight tailgating is not allowed, but most people try to get here so early that they are still half-asleep. As I sifted through the crowds, I began to walk around and admire the endless rows of cars, trucks, and even some RVs.

Vendors roamed the lots selling anything from soft pretzels to custom t-shirts. Security also patrolled the area, but most of the police officers did not engage with fans. Eventually after walking around for a bit, I made my way into Lot N, known unofficially by most of the regular tailgaters as the “Jetro” lot, thanks to the company that owns the the area.

Within 20 minutes of wandering around Jetro, I soon found myself having a football pass with a complete stranger who, depending on who you ask, may have had a few too many drinks. Regardless, I figured this was my chance to get a good look at how this guy tailgates.

Tyler Gehlhaus, a recent college graduate, and his buddies have been tailgating at Eagles’ games for years and his crew is a mainstay in the Jetro lot.

“Even if you’re not going to the game, [tailgating] is the best way to get the game day experience without the price of a ticket,” Gehlhaus said.

As we talked more, Gehlhaus introduced me to some of his buddies, who offered me a burger fresh off the coal fired grill. If I wanted to get the full experience, I had no choice but to accept.

After scarfing down the burger, I began talking to one of the other guys in Gehlhaus’ group, Kurt Dick, who made the drive from his hometown of Bethlehem, Pa. to the stadium. He was lucky enough also to have a ticket.

“I just like it because I get to see my buddies,” Dick said.  “When everyone is away at school it is tough to get together to do something we all enjoy. But Sundays here are fun for everyone.”

There is a strong feeling of camaraderie buzzing around here. Eagles fans bond over their mutual hatred for other teams as well as their love for their hometown heroes. Even fans from the opposing teams come early to enjoy all the tailgating that Philadelphia has to offer.

After saying goodbye to my new friends, I moved along and made my way back towards the recently built sports entertainment experience, Xfinity Live! on Pattison Avenue. During most games, Xfinity Live! offers sports-entertainment experience geared toward the 21-and-over crowd.

Due to the insanely long line and being underage myself, I could not get an idea of what it had to offer. More information can be found on its website, where Xfinity Live! is said to be, “Philly’s premier dining and entertainment destination…and the perfect spot before during and after all sporting events!”

While walking the perimeter of the venue, I met Mike Crompton, a Philadelphia-born Steelers fan who came to watch the game inside the newly-popular bar.

“Tickets to the game were way, way, way too expensive for me,” Crompton said. “But it was the only time my Steelers were in town, so I had to come down here at least. I heard about [Xfinity Live!] from a few friends, and decided to give it a shot.”

After two hours of perusing the pavement of the Philadelphia’s sports complex, I decided it was time to go. When I made it back to the subway, the platform was packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tailgaters who had just come for the beer, hot dogs, and game day experience. They were, like me, now heading home to try to catch the actual game.