Kickoff is 4:35 p.m., but Eagles fans started pulling into FDR Park minutes after sunrise Saturday.
It’s the playoffs, OK? At least seven hours of quality South Philly tailgating is practically a necessity in these situations.
“We’re the worst around. For 1 p.m. games, we’re usually here by 7,” said Jeff Cucci, who rolled into the park on Pattison Avenue towing a 45-foot, custom-painted Eagles trailer with a fully stocked bar and kitchen that is expected to serve a crowd of more than 200.
“We slept in today,” said his friend Jim Staffieri.
Tailgating has commenced. They said they’re getting a late start today: “We slept in.” #Eagles pic.twitter.com/itrBnOqaDp
— William Bender (@wbender99) January 13, 2018
Meaning, they arrived around 7:30 a.m. – then got stuck in the mud.
Cucci, of Glassboro, said this tailgating operation started 25 years ago with about eight high school friends.
“Over the years it grew and grew,” he said as he wrapped a chef’s apron around camouflage Eagles shorts despite the near-freezing temperature, which felt like 23 degrees thanks to some stiff winds.
Later, there will be a DJ. The menu includes sliced ribeye, hot and sweet sausage, roast pork, meatballs, and lots of onions and peppers.
“I’m sitting on about 50 dozen rolls. And there’s a full bar, obviously. If L&I ever came here …” Cucci laughed, before adding: “We don’t sell anything.”
And here’s a one gallon bottle of Seagram’s with the original 1967 booze. “Exceptionally smooth,” says Steve Koch. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/Fp8gaYXWlk
— William Bender (@wbender99) January 13, 2018
READ MORE: Our staff writers make their predictions for the Eagles-Falcons game.
Farther into the park, John Grasillo was already hammering canopy spikes into the ground at 8:20 a.m. as his brother Anthony expounded on the benefits of prolonged tailgating. The tradition goes back to Veterans Stadium.
“It’s just the fun of hanging out and getting pumped,” Anthony Grasillo said. “And see how many times we can do shots and the Eagles chant. By the time we spell it wrong, it’s time to go in,” he joked.
Three Dawkins, two pavilions, empanadas on the menu. They were here at 8:20 a.m. Later, probably shots and Eagles chants. “By the time we spell it wrong, it’s time to go in,” he joked. pic.twitter.com/ZPdHMIP5wH
— William Bender (@wbender99) January 13, 2018
Ever wonder why Eagles fans are so loud?
Nearby, Pete Gabriel was fending off the cold with a bottle of Victory’s Prima Pils and preparing to play some “beersbee,” which is kind of like horseshoes but with a Frisbee and empty bottles you try to knock off poles. (The wind wasn’t helping early on).
Never too early for a game of Beersbee. Windy conditions. #tailgate #Eagles pic.twitter.com/MdaJihxzMO
— William Bender (@wbender99) January 13, 2018
Their pregame Eagles ritual began about 20 years ago. No one at FDR at this hour is a tailgating rookie.
Gabriel isn’t worried about the Eagles being underdogs to the Falcons at home without Carson Wentz.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “It gives them something to fight for.”
His cousin, Joe, agreed, but it took him a few days to come around.
“I was a little nervous early, but as the week went on I got more confident,” Joe Gabriel said. “They’re going to have to ride the defense, but I think they can do it.”
READ MORE: Complete coverage previewing the Eagles-Falcons game.
The Gabriels are keeping the menu simple – fried chicken and mac and cheese – but they earn tailgating bonus points for bringing a generator, TV and, most impressively, an original Nintendo Entertainment System.
“Tecmo Bowl,” Joe Gabriel said. “Still works.”
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