Philly Fandom

The Philadelphia Faithful

 "No One Like Us"

   The Philly sports fandom are known to be the most wild fans out there. The loud and crazy fans go from screaming at their teams rivals before the games, to eventually booing them out of the stadiums. Often, they are looked down on nationwide for their crazy shenanigans, but they have learned to embrace this reputation (1). Their ability to take the punches can be summed up in the city's unofficial theme song that includes the lyrics, "No one likes us we don't care." The fans are aware that they can seem and act controversial to outsiders looking in, but this doesn't stop them from doing what they have always known, they come together to support their city's teams. With the stereotype this fandom has been given, people may only think of them as rude and obnoxious, but there are many, more positive, sides to this wild fandom.

    Throughout the years, Philly fans have gained a reputation for enthusiasm as they passionately support their teams throughout the years. Many people see them as out of control because of select incidences, when in reality they are just supporting the teams and players with their traditions. Philly sports fans created their own traditions that have been passed on and lived out during the games and seasons. At Big 5 basketball games, a round robin played by local Philadelphia colleges, the fans would toss streamers onto the court after the home team's first successful basket. Although these traditions seemed rare in the twentieth century, they were still occasionally practiced. Also, in 1969 at a Flyer's game, a recording of "God Bless America" sung by Kate Smith was played trying to excite the fans (2). The Philadelphia Flyers ended up winning the game and this is now a tradition and good luck charm that Flyers fans look forward to.  

It's A Philly Thing

    "It's a Philly thing" is a phrase commonly said by Philly sports fans. Many people may wonder the meaning and background behind this phrase, but to Philly fans, each fan has a meaning or story they can put behind it. To some it may mean being the underdog team and defying all the odds. To others it may mean supporting the Philly teams and coming together as a city to be there, even when a certain team may be struggling. To most, it means looking past what people say about them. And it means focusing on what they can control, being the loudest fans in the stadium, even if they don't have to be (3).

A sign held by an Eagles fan during a playoff game in 2021. 

    When Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, said this phrase during a news conference, the fandom took these simple words and made them powerful (3). Recently, after Hurts said this, fans all around were wearing all different types of merchandise with the phrase, "It's a Philly Thing" imprinted on it. Sweatshirts, shirts, crewnecks, sweatpants, and hats would soon be seen all around the city, worn by fans of all ages. The phrase became so popular and loved by fans, the Eagles even built a post season marketing campaign around the quote said by Hurts. This is one of the ways showing just how powerful and supportive the Philly fandom is, inspiring and influencing each of the teams that they cheer for.

    The fandom thrives off of the certain chants and quotes. While in season, driving around Philly many banners, flags, and outfits may read, "Go birds," for the Eagles, or "Ring the Bell," referring to the Phillies. The fans establish their love and support all year round. The fans have a nickname, "The Philadelphia faithful," for a reason. These fans stay loyal to their teams, showing up and being very cheerful, although sometimes making jeering remarks during the games. This fandom roots deeper than just showing up to games and supporting the players, Philadelphia fans are also highly credited for their great knowledge about their players and teams (2). 

More Than Just a Game

    Being a Philly fan means knowing joy and heartache, as well as anger and exultation (4). These many emotions do not stop the fandom from showing up to games and doing what they do best. Philly's fans are also known for their massive tailgates, and they sure do live up to the expectations. Whether the game is at The Lincoln Financial Field, Citizen's Bank Park, or the Wells Fargo Center, you can always counts on the fans to have the parking lots packed even hours before the game. This means the multitude of fans attending, or even not attending the games are already chanting, singing, barbecuing, and getting ready for the games throughout the many tailgates set up all around the stadium. With the limited home games, throughout the seasons, this only means the professional tailgaters go bigger and better for each one. Many tents, and even trailers are set up, with music playing and a variety food and drinks laid out for the tailgate. All around fans are decked out in their Philly gear, shirts, accessories, and even face paint. 

    The most popular and biggest tailgate you will see are the tailgates right before and Eagles home game. Early Sunday morning, the diehard Eagle's fan show out in their jerseys, already with a beer or hotdog in their hands, ready to start the day. Leading up to the game, the fans are chanting and screaming, picking at the many food options, throwing around a football, and overall just having a great time. Before game time, the lots will start to clear out as the fans take their seats into the stadium. The noise in the stadium greatly increases as more and more as the fans pile into the Lincoln Financial Field. Families, friends, couples, and children all come together to support their team by screaming and singing the many chants they have known for so many years. 

    One of the many traditions during an Eagles game starts right after an Eagles touchdown. The fans stop their cheering and screaming once the song starts to blare over the speakers. In just a few seconds, the whole stadium is singing "Fly Eagles Fly." This has become the most defining anthem of the team and one of the most team-specific songs in the history of American sports (5). The tune has taken a life of its own, and now you can't spend ten minutes in Philadelphia on an Eagles game day without hearing the fans belt out a line from the song: "E-A-G-L-E-S! Eagles!"                       

Video of Jalen Hurts Leads the Fans in "Fly-Eagles-Fly After the NFC Championship Win in 2023

    The Eagles are not the only Philly team that has traditions that fans partake in during games. The fandom also partakes in many event throughout Phillies games. "Ring the bell" is not just a victory motto for the Phillies, but is also taken literally after a player on the team hits a home run in Citizens Bank Park, or the Phillies win the game. The iconic, light-up Liberty Bell that is set in the outfield, swings and chimes as the fans celebrate. This bell has been a part of the Phillies brand and logo for many years. The bell was once originally installed in Veteran's Stadium, the old multipurpose stadium for football and baseball, from 1971 to 2003. But the bell has proudly hung in Citizens Bank Park since it was installed from Veteran's Stadium in 2004 (6).

A Party Down Broad Street

The parade down Broad Street in 2018 after an Eagles Super bowl win.

    When any Philadelphia sports team wins in a championship, they celebrate with a parade down Broad Street. Philly's fan of all ages come together as one to cheer on their home team, for their big win. The parade starts at the sports complex, home of the Philadelphia four major sports teams, and ends at the Philadelphia Art Museum. The fans show up dressed in gear and even go as far as painting their faces the color of the team that is being celebrated. Towards the end of the parade, the fans crowd around and listen to the players deliver speeches. The city is filled with cheering, screaming, and roaring all day. The players and coaches thank the fans for cheering them on and always being there with them throughout the season. At the Eagles parade in 2018, star quarterback Nick Foles shows his gratefulness to the fans and the city by saying, "To be part of the Philadelphia Eagles, to be part of these guys, is one of the greatest things I've ever done in my life. It' an honor for us to bring you all a Super Bowl" (7).

    After overseeing all the controversy, overall, the Philly sports fandom are just fans who love and support their teams. From the many traditions, tailgates, and even seasons of upset, the fans return to the next season energized and ready to cheer as always. The Philly fandom contains the craziest and most chaotic fans, but the stereotype, and what people hear about them doesn't show the love they have for the city and the amounts of fun they have cheering and wanting their teams to succeed.

Works Cited

(1) Eagles, Philadelphia. “What Does ‘It's a Philly Thing’ Mean to You?” Twitter, Twitter, 13 Jan. 2023, https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1613919610775928834?lang=en.

(2) “Explore Philadelphia Sports Events and Attractions.” Visit Philadelphia, 10 Apr. 2023, https://www.visitphilly.com/sports/.

(3) Knickerbocker, Ken. “Philly Sports Fans Are Crazy Because 'We Don't Care'.” MONTCO.Today, 13 Feb. 2023, https://montco.today/2023/02/philly-sports-fans-crazy/.

(4) Tannenbaum, Seth. “Sports Fans.” Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, 21 Jan. 2023,     https://philadelphiaencyclopedia.org/essays/sports-fans/.

(5) Jarden, Sam. “'Fly, Eagles Fly' Fight Song, Explained: How It Started, Lyrics & More to Know about Philadelphia Victory Anthem.” Sporting News, 23 Mar. 2023, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/fly-eagles-fly-philadelphia-fight-song-explained-lyrics/hia4gzknzmyrps2h7uc0cwwn.

(6) Adler, David. “Liberty Bell from the VET Installed at the Bank.” MLB.com, MLB, 16 Feb. 2023, https://www.mlb.com/news/liberty-bell-installed-at-citizens-bank-park#:~:text=Liberty%20Bell%20from%20The%20Vet%20installed%20at%20The%20Bank,-March%2021st%2C%202019&text=Philadelphia%20has%20played%20at%20Citizens,Veterans%20Stadium%20from%201971%2D2003.

(7) Brady, James. “Eagles Parade 2018 Live Updates: Highlights from Philadelphia's Super Bowl Celebration.” SBNation.com, SBNation.com, 8 Feb. 2018, https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/2/8/16986810/eagles-parade-2018-live-updates-highlights-super-bowl-philadelphia.